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AINow.Org Signs Off

Details: Created on Sunday, 13 November 2011 17:39; Written by Webstaff

It's been over five years since I was first introduced to the welcoming American Idol online fan community. As a volunteer at Idol-Thoughts.com, I helped supplement the radio show's news coverage. Then I took my love for the cultural phenomenon to AmericanIdol.com as a member of the community section, where I developed my own blog. As interest continued to grow and as I desired more creative freedom, I moved the "Idol Countdown" blog to blogger.com. Again, interest continued to increase as quickly as my love for reporting, which prompted another series and moves, and finally - on August 18, 2009 - lead to the creation of AINow.org. Today, full of gratitude and incredible memories, I share the news that AI Now has signed off.

The list of people I have to thank is quite a long one but I want to try and keep it short. First up, all my fellow Idol bloggers and pundits. You really cannot truly appreciate how much hard work and effort goes into this field until you have a taste of it yourself. I have the utmost respect for everyone and, I can honestly say, their work ethics are inspirational. The reporting and commentary provided online is truly excellent and unparalleled. Their dedication is inspiring and they are all geniuses in their own right. I sincerely thank each and every one of them for their help, time, advice and friendships.

Additionally, I cannot put into words how thankful I am to 19 Entertainment, XIX Entertainment, Idol PR, and everyone at Fox. When I first started AI Now, I was told that my vision for this site was naive and could never happen. The idea of an independent blogger getting exclusive interviews, immediate press releases and photo credentials seemed impossible. But everyone I encountered along the way has been so very supportive and helpful. Without everyone's time and assistance, this site would have never gotten off the ground. The whole reason I created this site was that I saw a gap in the market between the independent blogs and professional media. I desired to create an unbiased site that provided both timely news coverage and exclusive interviews that addressed the questions fans wanted answered. I can truly say that thanks to all the help I received along the way, my vision became a reality.

To the Idol alumni that we have had the privilege of interviewing or interacting with, as well as supporting, thank you for allowing us to be a part of your journey. I can honestly say that the contestants who took to the Idol stage are genuinely some of the nicest people you will ever know. Know that despite the site closing, we will still be supporting you along the way and cannot wait to see the amazing things to come.

It takes an incredible staff to make a vision become a reality, and that's exactly what I was blessed with. I'm not sure how many of you know, but everyone here worked on a volunteer basis. Not one penny was spent on personal purchases or put into a private bank account, not even in my own interest. All revenue generated by the site went straight back into the site. I challenge anyone to find a group of people who are willing to work so very hard for absolutely no money. Each person I have worked with along the way has been truly special and has put in an immeasurable amount of time working on visible material, as well as behind-the-scenes projects. I have become so incredibly close with many of them, and their friendships I will value for the rest of my life.

But most importantly, I owe it all to you guys - the readers. Even with an amazing staff and extraordinary opportunities, a website cannot function without readers. Your constant support is nothing short of moving. All of your clicks, retweets, news tips and encouragement have been the most essential ingredients in this entire process. I really cannot thank you enough for making us a part of your daily routine these past few years.

I am sure some of you are wondering why the site is shutting down. Even though I have kept much of my personal life private, I am exceptionally happy to say that I will be attending medical school this fall. That opportunity, along with changing priorities in my own life, have lead me to realize there simply is not enough time in a day to accomplish everything I need to do. It is my philosophy that if you do not put 100% of your heart and soul into something, that you should not do it. Therefore, since I cannot give this incredible project the time it deserves, I feel that there is no other option.

I want to be clear that I am not full of sadness on this day. Of course, I will miss the interactions, the writing, and the daily surprises; however, I look forward to all that the future may hold, and I look back on this chapter of my life with a giant smile on my face. Instead of saying AI Now became a part of my life over the years, I can honestly say that this site was my life, and I really have enjoyed every single minute of it. I have been touched by this experience and have made memories that I will never forget. So again, I say THANK YOU to everyone I have encountered in the past five years.

Take care,
Herb Longs

Listen To Snippets From Daughtry's New Album

Details: Created on Friday, 11 November 2011 12:24; Written by Brittany Keener

Just a few days away from the album dropping, preview 30-second snippets of Daughtry's Break the Spell on Germany's Amazon site—LISTEN HERE

Break the Spell will be available November 21.

You can pre-order it on iTunes HERE or the Deluxe Version HERE.

Listen to James Durbin's "Higher Than Heaven"

Details: Created on Thursday, 10 November 2011 23:16; Written by Webstaff

James Durbin posted a full stream of "Higher Than Heaven," a track off his upcoming album Memories of a Beautiful Disaster, on his Ping account.

The album drops November 21.

You can pre-order it—here.

LISTEN to "Higher Than Heaven" on Ping—HERE.

Scotty McCreery Performs At CMA Country Christmas

Details: Created on Friday, 11 November 2011 00:50; Written by Webstaff

Scotty McCreery, Kellie Pickler and Lauren Alaina taped performances for 'CMA Country Christmas' today.

The show was filmed at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena and will air on ABC on December 1st.

Scotty sang "The First Noel."

Check out his performance below, via MrWyattThomas .

David Cook Leaves 19 Entertainment for XIX Entertainment

Details: Created on Thursday, 10 November 2011 19:02; Written by Brittany Keener

The Hollywood Reporter confirms, David Cook has left 19 Entertainment for Simon Fuller's XIX Entertainment. After David's contract with 19 Entertainment ended in May, he made the decision not to renew and instead go elsewhere; he does, however, remain a 19 Recording Artist.

David Cook joins fellow idol alums Carrie Underwood, Scotty McCreery & Lauren Alaina at Simon Fuller's XIX.

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