American Idol

CHICAGO – Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson came back to her hometown of Chicago last month to sign her new book, “I Got This: How I Changed My Ways and Lost What Weighed Me Down.” She also announced she is moving back to the area, after purchasing a multi-million dollar home right outside the city.

CHICAGO – FOX just announced their premiere dates for the 2011-2012 midseason including exactly when to tune in for the return of “American Idol,” along with the highly-anticipated premieres of J.J. Abrams’ “Alcatraz,” new mystery “The Finder,” Kiefer Sutherland drama “Touch,” and the animated adaptation of “Napoleon Dynamite.” They also scheduled the return of two nearly-canceled shows — “Breaking In” and “Bob’s Burgers” — along with announcing that “I Hate My Teenage Daughter,” “Glee,” and “Bones” will be taking some time off in the winter, returning with new episodes in the spring.

CHICAGO – Some fans are going to want to send back the latest offering from Chef Tom Colicchio and the team behind Bravo’s Emmy-winning “Top Chef.” At first, it’s a little baffling to see one of the most acclaimed reality programs of all time switch up its formula this notably with a series of starting challenges that will remind viewers of “American Idol.”

CHICAGO – The highly-anticipated series premiere of “The X Factor” on FOX was watched by enough people to not be considered a failure but its numbers were well below insider expectations, falling FAR short of “American Idol” numbers and not even topping the night as the most-watched program. It was a solid opening by most standards when it comes to assessing new programs but far from an instant hit, and if it slides (as most new shows do) it could be one of the year’s surprise losers.

CHICAGO – Singing competitions are becoming as pervasive as sports on TV. But as the “leagues” multiply, will the audience show up to yet another franchise? The granddaddy of all prime time singing judges, Simon Cowell, hopes he has “The X Factor” to create another hit, which premieres September 21st on FOX.

CHICAGO – FOX made their Fall schedule official this morning, putting to rest any lingering hope for fans of “The Chicago Code” (or the other four canceled bubble programs) and detailing what will air when.

CHICAGO – While Simon Cowell has outgrown “American Idol,” he’s got the itch again. Now the nation’s meanest music critic is scouring cities large and small to unearth the singer with “The X Factor”.

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Katharine McPhee at Macy’s Department Store, State Street Chicago

CHICAGO – It’s beginning to look a lot like the holidays as Macy’s continued a Chicago tradition with the 103rd Great Tree Lighting on Nov. 6, 2010. On hand to lead the ceremony was “American Idol” runner up and singer Katherine McPhee. She was joined by Chicago mayor Richard M. Daley.

CHICAGO – Almost laughably trying to blend FOX hits “American Idol” and “Hell’s Kitchen,” the new cooking competition show “Masterchef,” which debuts on Tuesday, July 27th, 2010, is nowhere near as interesting as either and falls ridiculously flat when compared to the excellent “Top Chef.”

CHICAGO – Ellen DeGeneres has always been a woman of many hats. Whether taking a seat as host (or featured dancer) on her Emmy Award-winning talk show “The Ellen Degeneres Show”, offering musical insight to hopefuls on “American Idol”, or lending her voice to the LGBT community, DeGeneres has become a trailblazer of the entertainment industry.