ZACHARY TRAVIS DIDN’T KNOW what American Idol was when he auditioned in 2005, because he had spent most of the past decade in a youth correctional facility. Inmates there weren’t allowed to watch television, he says, except on the day of the September 11 attacks. But Travis —who was first …
Read More »Jennifer Hudson, Barry Manilow 'Heartbroken' Over Death of 'American Idol' Vocal Coach Debra Byrd
The music community is mourning the death of influential figure Debra Byrd, who died on March 5 at the age of 72. Throughout her decades-long career, the singer performed alongside Barry Manilow and Bob Dylan before helping to shape generational talents as a vocal coach on American Idol, including Kelly …
Read More »Clay Aiken Announces Congressional Campaign (Again)
Clay Aiken is running for Congress as a Democrat in North Carolina. This marks the second time the American Idol runner-up has campaigned for a congressional seat, following his unsuccessful bid to join the House of Representatives in 2014. “Can you believe it’s been almost 20 years since I first …
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