David Cook, Meet Mickey
How’s this for corporate synergy?
Powerhouse Disney has teamed up with the folks behind the American Idol juggernaut to bring a new attraction revolving around the glorified karaoke competition to Walt Disney World in Florida. Naturally, David Cook, A.I.’s reigning champ, is required has been asked to be a part of it.
The “Time of My Life” singer was in Los Angeles Thursday to shoot a commercial on behalf of the American Idol Experience, which is scheduled to open in January 2009.
So will you be heading down to the Sunshine State next year to get your fill of everything Idol?
Vanessa Hudgens: Zac Showers!
Yes, but does he use a loofah?
In a recent interview with Newsweek.com, High School Musical starlet Vanessa Hudgens comes clean, so to speak, regarding the rumors that her costar and beau Zac Efron has a slight aversion to bathing.
“He showers! He showers! Believe me, he does,” insists Vanessa. “Whoever came up with that is completely idiotic.”
Slightly less idiotic is…
Disney’s decision to capitalize on the juggernaut that is High School Musical, with the third installment currently in production.
And while Vanessa does reveal that her HSM character gets accepted to Stanford, she won’t go so far as to divulge what happens to the others.
“That much I can’t give away,” she says. “But, of course, we don’t all go to the same school.”
What?! You mean break up Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay and Chad?
“We’re pretty much done, I think,” adds Vanessa.
Well, at least we still have the Jonas Brothers.
Leo DiCaprio Gets His Pong On
Leonardo DiCaprio doesn’t just have game. He’s got Pac-Man, Pitfall, Breakout, Space Invaders and, oh yeah, Chuck E. Cheese’s.
He has signed on to star in Atari, a biopic on Nolan Bushnell, the inventor of the famed home video game console, per the Hollywood Reporter. After building Atari to an international juggernaut, Bushnell was forced out, only to have a second act as the founder of the Chuck E. Cheese’s Pizza chain.
DiCaprio, 33, will also produce Atari through his production company, Appian Way, for Paramount.
Aside from Atari, the star recently wrapped the Ridley Scott CIA thriller House of Lies, due out in October, and is also set to reteam with his Titanic love, Kate Winslet, in Sam Mendes’ drama Revolutionary Road.
American Idol: Back For Seventh Season
American Idol: Back For Seventh Season
For all of you American Idol superfans, tonight’s the night for you. Actually tonight AND tomorrow night, as the show’s 7th season kicks off with a two-night premiere.
The Fox juggernaut is at it again, and from now until May, millions of Americans (as well as Internationals) will be glued to their television sets to see the latest winners and losers, in addition to Simon’s outlandish commentary.
Speaking of Simon, his goal for the new season is to improve the aesthetic. “The most important thing is the show has got to look better. It’s got to be more fun as a show, and if it is, I think more people will watch. I think it absolutely comes down to the content of what we provide the viewers.”
As for other possible alterations, Idol alum (and multi-platinum seller) Chris Daughtry says he’d like to see less bloopers and more real voices. “It’s funny at first, but come on. They spend three weeks on people that can’t sing, and that’s what they’re banking it on. (They should) find some people that you can really invest in.”
Nevertheless, the massive phenomenon that is American Idol is revving up its engine, getting ready to explode onto television screens later tonight. We’ll keep you up to date on all the action.