Kelly Clarkson to Sing for the Pope!

According to the Poughkeepsie Journal Kelly Clarkson will have the honor of singing "Ava Maria" for Pope Benedict XVI!

Here's the whole story:

"American Idol" winner and pop sensation Kelly Clarkson will sing "Ave Maria" for Pope Benedict XVI at St. Joseph's Seminary in Yonkers on April 19.

She will also perform in the concert that will precede an address by the pope.

Joseph Zwilling, spokesman for the archdiocese, also confirmed today that musicians Harry Connick Jr. and Jose Feliciano will perform before the papal Mass at Yankee Stadium on April 20. The Irish singer Dana will also perform.

Tickets for both events are being distributed through parishes and Catholic youth programs.

What an honor for Kelly...way to go!

CMT Music Awards 2008 - IDOL Nominations!

FOUR IDOL's have been nominated in SIX categories (resulting in NINE total nominations) for the CMT Music Awards to be aired LIVE from Nashville, April 14th at 8/7c! The CMT Music Awards are the only fan-voted awards show in country music. Well done!

1) Video of the Year

- Carrie Underwood, “Wasted”
- Kelly Clarkson with Reba McEntire "Because Of You"

2) Female Video of the Year

- Carrie Underwood, “So Small”
- Carrie Underwood, “Wasted”

3) USA Weekend Breakthrough Video of the Year

- Bucky Covington, “A Different World”

4) Collaborative Video of the Year

- Kelly Clarkson and Reba McEntire, “Because of You”

5) Tearjerker Video of the Year

- Kelly Clarkson and Reba McEntire, “Because of You”
- Kellie Pickler, “I Wonder”

6) Performance of the Year

- Kellie Pickler, “I Wonder” CMA Awards

Idols (and Others) in the News

I have been a little idle taking advantage of this last week before the premiere, and have decided one MEGA post is more efficient to catch you up on all of the news instead of several individual posts!

- Kelly Clarkson Number 5, Posh Beckham Number 1, on Blackwells Worst Dressed List of 2007. Posh is interesting due to the rumor that she is being wooed by Heidi Klum to be a guest judge on Project Runway, a show about fashion!

- Taylor Hicks speaks to fans about being dropped by J Records.

- Phil Stacey's first single hit radio on Monday. Slim over at idolbloglive has the audio here.

- Dance Wars: Bruno vs. Carri Ann. I am not a huge fan of the audition process on any of these shows, so I am withholding judgement. My favorite at first glance? Maxx. How can ya not love Drew as the host?

- Carrie Underwood to headline her next tour beginning in February. Tickets go on sale Jan 12th. Read about it here.