Mandisa Featured in American Idol Reboot

American Idol made its return to TVs, premiering on ABC after its long home on FOX. Correlating with the start of the season, the show launched its Icon Series, highlighting Grammy winner Mandisa. The beloved season 5 finalist discussed her journey after American Idol, both her musical career as well as her personal life. The series will continue to air throughout this season of American Idol, highlighting select Idol alumni and their achievements since appearing on the show.

Mandisa is currently on the “HITS DEEP Tour,” featuring a blockbuster lineup including TobyMac, Danny Gokey, Ryan Stevenson and Finding Favour. The 2018 "HITS DEEP Tour" is a partnership with K-LOVE, Air1 and Food for the Hungry.

NF Is Taking Over the World

NF's breakout single, "Let You Down," earning RIAA platinum certification for total consumption in excess of 1 million singles sold-combining equivalent traditional sales and on-demand audio and video streams. The song has more than 500 million worldwide streams.


2017 saw a seven-year upward success story pay off in a big way for Michigan rapper NF, punctuating his unassuming rise to becoming one of hip-hop's household names. The rapper just surpassed one billion total streams across his career, including more than 700 worldwide streams for his latest album, Perception. "Let You Down" staked out a spot in the Top 15 of the Billboard Hot 100, signaling another first for the artist. It simultaneously hit #2 on Shazam's Top 10 as well.

Next up, NF takes Perception on the road with the 2018 Perception World Tour beginning January 23. 36 of the 44 dates have already sold out, with remaining tickets going fast. Fans can visit nfrealmusic.com for the Perception World Tour tickets.

"Let You Down" has served as a gateway for countless new fans to experience NF's third full-length album, Perception, which bowed at #1 on the Billboard Top 200. Upon arrival, it sent shockwaves throughout the culture at large as chronicled by Forbes, Billboard, New York Times, Rolling Stone, and many more. The song has reached platinum status in the United States, Sweden (3x Platinum), The Netherlands (2x Platinum), New Zealand (2x Platinum), Ireland (2x Platinum), Canada, Australia and Italy.

In addition, five album tracks have already exceeded 7 million Spotify streams each as he regularly averages over 20 million monthly listeners and emerges among the "Top 60 Most Listened To Artists in the World" currently on the platform.

As part of his quiet culture infiltration, NF (a.k.a. Nathan Feuerstein) has fast become a streaming phenomenon due to overwhelming fan support. Thanks in part to that same fan movement, NF's third studio album, Perception, exceeded expectations to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200, marking not only the rapper's first chart topping release, but also his first release to debut in the Top 10 and cementing Perception's accomplishment as a genuine underdog victory. With more than 35 career syncs to date, including looks on ESPN, FOX, Monday Night Football, VH1 and more, NF and his Real Music movement are here to stay.

Colton Dixon to Return to American Idol During Series Finale April 7

Colton Dixon will return to the American Idol stage Thursday, April 7 to perform at the 15th and final season of the popular singing competition. The finale will air live on Fox from 8-10:06 pm ET.

American Idol helped launch Dixon’s career when he made it to the top seven on Season 11.

American Idol’s grand finale will be filled with surprise appearances and star-studded performances as the show pays tribute to the past 15 seasons before the final American Idol is crowned. Thursday’s final episode will have all-star performances by former contestants, including Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Fantasia, Ruben Studdard, Jordin Sparks, David Cook, Kris Allen, Scotty McCreery, Chris Daughtry, Clark Beckham, Danny Gokey, Diana DeGarmo, Katharine McPhee, Kellie Pickler, Lauren Alaina, Melinda Doolittle, Pia Toscano, and more.

‘The Passion’ Ratings Down 42% From ‘Grease Live’

Fox aired the semi-live The Passion musical on Palm Sunday featuring a 20-foot glowing cross being carried through the streets of New Orleans. Facing a full schedule from its network rivals plus The Walking Dead on cable, The Passion experienced a 42% decline from January 31’s Grease Live and set a low for network live musicals.

Fox’s second live musical event of the year so far, the drama of the last hours of Jesus had pre-taped segments, Tyler Perry as narrator, Trisha Yearwood as Mary, Seal as Pontius Pilate singing “We Don’t Need Another Hero” from Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome and Tears For Fears’ “Mad World”,  Chris Daughtry as Judas, and Telenovela’s Jencarlos Canela as Jesus. 

The program was also 46% lower than NBC's December 3, 2015 broadcast of The Wiz Live! However, that show as up 34% from Peter Pan Live which aired December 4, 2014.  Both were down from the Carrie Underwood-led Sound of Music Live! which aired December 5, 2013.

Despite the infusion of contemporary music and Perry’s following among young viewers, the special was older-skewing compared to the other live musicals.

Fox finished Sunday tied with NBC and CBS for No.1 in adults 18-49. 

read full article

Needtobreathe's Brother Used in American Idol

Needtobreathe's Brother was used during Tuesday's airing of American Idol.

Fox To Air Live Musical Event 'The Passion' Hosted by Tyler Perry

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Fox will air a two-hour live broadcast of religious musical The Passion to be hosted and narrated by Tyler Perry live from New Orleans on Palm Sunday, March 20, 2016, and feature "a cast of yet-to-be-announced stars performing a variety of popular music."

Set in modern times, The Passion follows the dramatic and inspirational story of Jesus of Nazareth as He presides over the Last Supper, and then is betrayed by Judas, put on trial by Pontius Pilate, convicted, crucified and resurrected. The story will unfold live at some of New Orleans' most iconic locations, culminating in a procession of hundreds carrying a 20-foot, illuminated cross from Champion Square outside the Superdome to the live stage at Woldenburg Park on the banks of the Mississippi River.

The Dutch version has been produced annually since 2011 and has built on its audience every year since.

“The Passion is one of the most exciting and compelling projects that I have ever been involved with,” executive producer Adam Anders said. “I cannot wait to bring the greatest-story-ever-told to life through music, in a way that has never been heard before. To be able to create new arrangements of some of the biggest songs of all time to create a live ‘film score’ is a creative dream for me.”

The Passion also fits in the trend of increased religious fare on TV following the staggering success of The Bible miniseries on History in 2013. However, similar projects the followed (CBS' The Dovekeepers and NBC's A.D. The Bible Continues) pulled in more modest ratings earlier this year.

Matthew West Trends On Facebook

It's a rare when a Christian singer is actually a trending topic. Lecrae managed it a few weeks ago with the release of Anomaly. Now it's Matthew West's turn. In honor of the Kansas City Royals (of whom West is a big fan) earning a berth to the World Series this year, West recorded a cover of number one pop hit "Royals" by Lorde. In order to make the song a little bit more appropriate to the situation, West re-wrote the lyrics about the championship-seeking team.

The song was debuted on Kansas City Christian radio station Life 88.5 yesterday and since then it has gone viral across the nation. It is sure to be the battle cry for the Kansas City Royals as they face the San Francisco Giants in the World Series which begins Tuesday night at 8:07 Eastern on FOX.

Listen to the song.

Fox Developing MiniSeries Nazareth About Jesus’ Formative Years

With popularity of Bible-themed projects showing no signs of subsiding, Fox has put in development Nazareth, an event series written/executive produced by David Franzoni (Gladiator).

It follows the formative years of Jesus of Nazareth. There had been a lot of interest recently in Jesus’ so called “lost years,” a lesser known period in his life because there is very little written about him from the age of 13, following a pilgrimage to Jerusalem he took with his parents, to age 30, when he began his ministry and was baptized by John the Baptist.

Lifetime in February started development on The One, a TV movie from Hatfields & McCoys producer Leslie Greif, which is described as a coming-of-age story exploring Jesus’ early life and formative years.

The Afters' “Moments Like This” On NBC for “We Create Moments” Campaign

The Afters have already had a win this year. The band’s song “Moments Like This” was selected by NBC as the feature song for their “We Create Moments” promo campaign. The song aired frequently during NBC’s promo ads around the Winter Olympics last month, and will continue to run alongside other programming in the weeks ahead. Earlier this year, "Moments Like This" was used on American Idol on FOX. Check out the video for NBC's "We Create Moments" campaign.

“Moments Like This” comes off The Afters’ fourth studio album, Life is Beautiful which was released earlier last year. The chart-topping foursome recently celebrated their last single “Every Good Thing” going No. 1 with their current single “Broken Hallelujah” following in its footsteps as it rises on the charts. They are out on the road performing their hit songs with five-time GRAMMY winner Steven Curtis Chapman on his “The Glorious Unfolding Tour.”

Craig James Fired by Fox for Faith Based Comments

A Fox Sports college football analyst was fired after just one week once video footage surfaced of him in 2012 speaking of gays having to face God for their sexual choices.

Craig James, a former NFL player who unsuccessfully ran last year for a Senate seat in Texas, said during a campaign debate that gays would “have to answer to the Lord for their actions,” the Daily Mail reported. He also said, to applause, that being gay “is a choice” and those who “choose to do that” face accountability from God.

He made the comments about gays in context of explaining how “God’s going to judge each one of us in this room for our actions."

He added: “We should not give benefits to those civil unions. They should not occur. We have to stay strong on this, this is important, man. … We have a fiscal issue in this country. … We also have a moral issue in this country.”

Fox executives fired him and said he “will not be making any further appearances on Fox Sports Southwest’s football coverage this season,” a network spokesperson told Sports Illustrated.

Another Fox spokesman told the Dallas Morning News, “We just asked ourselves how Craig’s statements would play in our human resources department. He couldn’t say those things here.”
Mr. James was formerly an analyst for ESPN, but took a hiatus to run for Senate. He was hired by Fox Sports a month ago.

At the time of Mr. James‘ hiring, Fox Sports Southwest executive producer Mike Anastassiou called him a “talented broadcaster who I’ve admired throughout his career. His knowledge of college football and the experience he brings as an analyst will be a tremendous asset to our coverage.”

Broadcast Networks Want More Sex and Cursing on TV

All four of the major broadcast TV networks – ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC – filed statements last week with the Federal Communication Commission seeking an end to government oversight of indecency standards on television, according to a Dateline New York report.

The broadcasters want to be able to show just as much sex, violence and obscenity as the cable networks, and they don’t want it limited to after 10 p.m. ET.

The networks argued that the regulations violate their First Amendment rights and that the rules are archaic because families don’t just sit down and watch broadcast television anymore.

The Los Angeles Times reported Fox, for example, argued that the FCC’s rules are “stuck in a bygone era” and unfair to broadcasters because cable and online outlets do not face the same regulations.

“The FCC should affirm that it has no right to deny broadcasters the same First Amendment protections enjoyed by every other medium of communication,” Fox said.

Parents Television Council President Tim Winter, however, opposes eliminating decency standards.

CBS, however, assured the FCC it needn’t worry that relaxing its enforcement will make “broadcast television some sort of red-light district.”

Besides, the network added, “The day when a child watching television was almost certain to be watching broadcast television has long since passed.”

According to Dateline, Fox elaborated on CBS’ argument: “Americans today, including children, spend more time engaged with non-broadcast channels delivered by cable and satellite television, the Internet, video games and other media than they do with broadcast media.”

NBC agreed: “Broadcast TV is not a uniquely pervasive presence in the lives of 21st century Americans.”

The network filings came in response to an April request from the FCC – since expired – for comments on a proposed change in policy to allow “fleeting” or “isolated” instances of nudity and cursing on public airwaves without subjecting the networks to fines.

Several news outlets reported more than 101,000 consumer comments poured in, while the networks filed just under the deadline, asking the FCC to go even further in abolishing all decency standards.

Yet Winter and the Parents Television Council argues the FCC must heed the people.

“The outpouring of the American people to the FCC is tremendous on the issue of broadcast indecency. The over 101,000 comments received over this FCC proposal dwarfs the number of people communicating to the FCC about any other matter,” Winter said. “The American people (those without armies of lobbyists) are concerned about the volume of indecent material on TV that is targeting their children and grandchildren. The FCC and Congress must not ignore their voices.”

read full article

American Idol Shocker: Angie Miller Doesn't Make the Top 2

 

It was the shocker of season 12 of American Idol. When Angie Miller was eliminated on Thursday night, it came as a surprise to the American Idol judges, the studio audience, people on Twitter and viewers at home -- not to mention Angie Miller herself.

“It's bitter and sweet,” the 19-year-old Beverly, Mass. native told reporters after the show, which saw Candice Glover and Kree Harrison advance to the final round. “I definitely thought that with the whole hometown visit and how huge social media has been … I did feel kind of confident that I was going to make it.”

Equally surprising was how Miller was able to maintain her composure following her elimination. She joyfully displayed her excitement for the two finalists in a slew of TV interviews -- “They're both incredible; it'll be an amazing night,” she said repeatedly.

Miller said she has the judges to thank for giving her the boost. Asked what wisdom Randy Jackson, Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey and Keith Urban left her with, Miller answered: “They all pretty much said, ‘Girl, this is not over. You're so going to do incredible things.’ Coming from them, that means everything. … They brought me here.”

As for where she goes next, there’s the summer tour, for one, and the support in knowing that her original music might one day be recorded. “When I think of this whole experience and people ask me what's the best moment, it's when I was able to sing ‘You Set Me Free,’ my original song,” she said. “That song and that moment will carry me on and I can't wait to record it.”

'Duck Dynasty' Finale Beats American Idol in Key Demo

Nearly 10 million people watched the Robertson family vacation in Hawaii for the Wednesday, April 24 finale.

In comparison, the most watched episode of TLC's “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo” history was 3.1 million viewers (only a third of ‘Duck Dynasty’s’ finale amount).

However, History’s “The Bible” miniseries finale ended their successful run with 11.7 million viewers.

Prior to ‘Duck Dynasty,' 'Storage Wars' was the network’s golden child. Their most watched episode was 5.6 million.

‘Duck Dynasty’ is particularly really appealing to the 18-49 crowd. In this age bracket alone, they scored 5.6 million viewers in the finale, shattering all of A&E’s records. ‘American Idol’ which was airing this same night had 4.13 million viewers in that same age group. However, the Fox reality show was the most watched overall because of their lead of viewers aged 50 and older, and women aged 25-to-54.

Nonetheless, ‘Duck Dynasty’ won in every other key category. In the 18-34 age group, they beat ‘American Idol’ by an impressive 70 percent.

The A&E hit focuses in on the backwoods Robertson family that made millions from their top-notch duck calls. The Robertson family is definitely not the typical reality TV family. They are witty, genuine, and hilarious, but they keep the show completely clean in the process. It’s harmless fun, and has won the family stamp of approval. The Christian family even eats dinner together at the end of every episode. The gun-loving, duck-hunting men are known for their excessive facial hair, and their jabs at one another.

The show has been on hold for season 4 as salary negotiations are going on, but at this point in time, viewers would be shocked if A&E doesn’t come through with their requests.

Fox Passed on 'The Bible' Miniseries Over Scheduling, Contract Differences

Fox and Fox News Channel came close to acquiring the rights for the hit miniseries "The Bible," but at the end missed out on the show that went to the History Channel.

The LA Times reported that Rupert Murdoch, chairman and chief executive of News Corp., wanted to have "The Bible" air on Fox as soon as producer Mark Burnett mentioned the idea to him. However, the network was unable to find a day in which the show would have fit, with other big-name shows like "American Idol" and "The Following" occupying popular TV nights.

There was talk that the show could have actually played on Fox News, which the Times noted might have seemed a strange choice among the news and political opinion centered content, but its older and more conservative audience could have appreciated it.

The option was discussed, but at the end Burnett and his wife, fellow co-producer Roma Downey, wanted to hold onto international rights and have final cut over the miniseries, which proved to be a deal-breaker in the equation.

News Corp., however, did manage to get into the success of the show by securing the rights to distribute DVDs of "The Bible," which have also reached record-breaking numbers. In its first week of release at the beginning of April, "The Bible" sold 525,000 copies, making it the fastest-selling TV title released on DVD in the last five years and the top-selling DVD miniseries ever.

The History Channel beat out other tough competition for the rights to air the 10-episode series, however, as it was revealed that Discovery's TLC network also wanted the show, but the husband and wife co-producers again didn't budge on international rights.

Kari Jobe Song Performed on American Idol by Top 6 Contestant Angie Miller

Last night on American Idol, one of the Top 6 contestants, Angie Miller, chose a Kari Jobe song to perform as her "Song I wish I had written" selection. Miller's performance of "Love Came Down" from Jobe's 2012 release Where I Find You resulted in a standing ovation from the crowd and all four judges. Her performance evoked responses from Keith Urban and Mariah Carey, and garnered a heartfelt response from Jobe as well. 

"I have watched American Idol for 12 years, and it was so much fun to have 'Love Came Down' from my album, Where I Find You on there this week," shared Jobe after watching the performance. "I met Angie a year ago and was blown away by her talent and love for Jesus! Excited for her!"
Miller also shared on Twitter last night to Jobe, "I watched you perform 'Love Came Down' quite some time ago and fell in love with it. Thank you for inspiring me so much! Love you!"

Following Miller's performance last night, Jobe's song quickly climbed to the top of the iTunes Christian & Gospel singles chart, and the album is currently at No. 6 on the iTunes Christian album chart.



Wednesday night, Top 6 American Idol contestant Angie Miller sang chart-topping CCM artist Kari Jobe's song "Love Came Down" and received a standing ovation from both the crowd and the judges.

Colton Dixon Performs New Single on American Idol

Colton Dixon appeared on American Idol 2013 last night to perform his newly released single “Love Has Come For Me.” Colton’s performance on the Top 8 results show debuted his third single off his new album “A Messenger.”

Colton Dixon and Angie Miller To Perform Together on American Idol Tonight?

 "American Idol" resumes again tonight with the results show from last nights performances.  Last night the Top 8 contestants sang classic hits from Motown and it served as a less than stellar night for some.

Angie Miller, who has been the darling and favorite by many for this season had an off night as well and the judges let her know about it. 

Idol judge Nicki Minaj who usually sings Millers praises seem irritated with her performance and if nothing else definitely gave her some tough love saying, "I don't think this has anything to do with whether you have undeniable talent, I think everyone knows that we feel that you do," an obviously exasperated Nicki launched into her critique. "And I don't think it has anything to do with the melody of the song. I think that you came out today to try to show a different side of Angie that didn't need to be shown.  You need to stop and enjoy that people are loving what you're doing. You don't have to try to be more overtly sexy, you don't have to try to be having fun.  Don't try to come out here and give us another side. We ain't asked for another side yet!"

Tonight, another popular American Idol alum will hit the stage, Colton Dixon.  Dixon was on Season 11 of American Idol and his career in Christian music has taken off since the show.  He released his debut record in January of this year and it has already generated two #1 singles, "Never Gone" and "You Are".  Colton Dixon will be performing his new single tonight.  He has kept the title of the song under wraps to build up to excitement for tonight.


There has also been buzz that Dixon and Miller will perform together tonight.  Miller sang Dixon's song, "Never Gone", a few weeks ago.

P.O.D. To Perform During NFC Championship Game

P.O.D. will perform during the halftime show at this weekend’s Falcons vs. 49ers NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. Catch P.O.D. performing their hit song, “Higher” this Sunday, January 20th on FOX (game start time: 3PM ET/PT).

American Idol Is Unstoppable

FOX is using TobyMac's "Unstoppable" in their spots promoting "American Idol."

Hot country trio founded on faith

Hot country trio founded on faith, Edens Edge, makes an appearance on Fox & Friends Weekend.

http://video.foxnews.com/v/1692182702001/hot-country-trio-founded-on-faith/?playlist_id=86871&intcmp=obnetwork