Jennifer Hudson News

Season ten of American Idol has introduced many welcomed changes that have revamped the show for the better. As previously announced this year, this time around we won't see the contestants tackle artist specific challenges as much as we will genre centric themes. Only five times in the show's history have Idol finalists gone retro with the sounds of Motown (not since season eight), and tonight they got to tackle the classic music yet again.

Last night on American Idol, Karen Rodriguez was kicked out of the competition. Next week on the show, the top 11 will perform, and they'll be joined by Idol alum Jennifer Hudson on the March 24 results show.

Yesterday, March 22, Jennifer Hudson made an appearance at NYC hotspot Tenjune to celebrate the release of her new album, I Remember Me. The album is out by Arista Records. BroadwayWorld brings you coverage of the night's arrivals below.

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College presents legendary Broadway performer Betty Buckley in her show Broadway by Request, featuring Seth Rudetsky at the piano,on Saturday April 9, 2011 at 8pm.

Talk show listings for Tuesday, March 22.

Talk show listings for Monday, March 21.

Talk show listings for Friday, March 25.

Talk show listings for Tuesday, March 22.

Talk show listings for Monday, March 21.

Earlier today I spoke to one of America's most beloved comedians - screen, stand-up or otherwise - the Emmy-winning Wanda Sykes about her upcoming appearance headlining Monday's GayFest Spring At Last! Gala to benefit The Harvey Milk School and she shared with me her message of hope to the next generation, what she wishes for in the equal rights movement in the near future, as well as personal stories of herself being bullied and how she remained resilient in the face of adversity. Additionally, she clues us in on what her character arc will involve this season on HBO's CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM - hint: it involves Cheyenne Jackson - when it makes its highly-awaited return in the Summer; plus, we take a look back at her TV specials, various series and film roles and she offers up a glimpse of what we can expect from her in 2011 and beyond. All of this is, of course, in addition to a thorough discussion of her recent essaying of the role of Miss Hannigan in ANNIE in Philadelphia and if she would consider taking on the role in the upcoming James Lapine-directed revival aimed at Broadway. Plus, news about the forthcoming big-screen MUPPET MOVIE - and much more!

Last night on American Idol, Karen Rodriguez was kicked out of the competition. Next week on the show, the top 11 will perform, and they'll be joined by Idol alum Jennifer Hudson on the March 24 results show.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre, the marriage equality Be-In, 'Glee,' our two big summer music festivals, 'Pinkalicious,' two national tours, Stephanie Herman, Lea Salonga, more....

Ravinia Festival's 2011 Gala Benefit Evening will celebrate legendary American composer George Gershwin with a program including his most beloved music at 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 23. This performance commemorates the 75th anniversary of Gershwin's Ravinia performance by recreating the concert, which in 1936 had audiences climbing into the trees to catch a glimpse of the musical genius. Ravinia Festival Music Director James Conlon will lead the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in the 75-minute concert, which features renowned Gershwin interpreters vocalists Kelli O'Hara, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Sylvia McNair and pianist Kevin Cole.

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College presents legendary Broadway performer Betty Buckley in her show Broadway by Request, featuring Seth Rudetsky at the piano,on Saturday April 9, 2011 at 8pm.

This week on American Idol, the top 24 sang for their lives in attempt to secure a top ten spot. And in this first official results show of the season, an additional two contestants were picked from the loser bunch to round off the top 12. Ryan quickly revealed that this week's shows picked up more votes than ever this early in the American Idol process- so clearly the new online voting is working out.

Executive Producer Lou Spisto today announced The Old Globe's presentation of a developmental workshop of Allegiance - A New American Musical.

Photos from The Essences Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon held at Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, California on February 24th, 2011.

Here are photos from the star-filled 83rd Annual Academy Awards arrivals held at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California on February 27, 2011.

The Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) announced today that the 19th annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party hosted by Sir Elton John and David Furnish will take place on Sunday, February 27, at the Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles.

The hits just keep on coming for SPIDER-MAN, but some help is on the way to the show. The New York Times is reporting and we've confirmed that the show has officially brought on Paul Bogaev, a multi-award winning music director-producer, arranger and composer to work on improving the show's many sound issues, including to 'help improve the performance, vocal and orchestration arrangements, and sound quality of the songs and numbers'. Word has also been coming from multiple sources that it's expected that the production will officially announce another delay later in the week (it's sixth) that might push the official opening as far forward as AFTER this year's Tony Awards. The Times is also reporting that 'Bono and Edge are writing new music for 'Spider-Man' now, but Mr. Miramontez said that Mr. Bogaev's role was far greater than adding that music once it is ready. No significant additions have been made to the score so far.'