COUNTRY NEWS

Last Update on February 08, 2012 08:15 GMT

'AMERICAN IDOL'S' HOLLYWOOD WEEK FILLED WITH DRAMA

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Forget talent. "American Idol's" executive producer says water and sleep were key factors to getting through Hollywood Week. Nigel Lythgoe tells reporters that contestants were dropping like flies because they were dehydrated. One even fell off the stage. A camerman dove on the floor to catch the girl. He knocked over his camera in the meantime, and it fell on top of him. It also didn't help that one girl got sick and passed a bug around that made lots of people throw up. Hollywood week starts tonight on "Idol."

"American Idol" executive producer Nigel Lythgoe says for Hollywood Week contestants are judged on harmonies and choreography, but that's not important for the rest of the competition. ((note length of cut))

<<CUT ..008 (02/08/12)>> 00:13 "stupidity or dehydration"

Nigel Lythgoe (LITH'-goh)

"American Idol" executive producer Nigel Lythgoe says contestants during Hollywood week either drank too many energy drinks or not enough water -- but there was another factor at play.

<<CUT ..009 (02/08/12)>> 00:08 "you'll see it"

Nigel Lythgoe (LITH'-goh)

"American Idol" executive producer Nigel Lythgoe says one problem with Hollywood Week is contestants from the East Coast don't realize how dry California is. ((cut used in wrap))

<<CUT ..010 (02/08/12)>> 00:17 "top of him"

Nigel Lythgoe (LITH'-goh)

"American Idol" executive producer Nigel Lythgoe says contestant Simone Black fell off the stage during Hollywood Week. ((note length of cut))

GRAMMY NEWBIES

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Country stars Jason Aldean is gearing up for his first Grammys on Sunday. He's up for three awards, including best country album for "My Kinda Party." He says "being nominated is an unbelievable feeling," and winning one would "probably be the ultimate feeling." He's also performing on the show for the first time with Kelly Clarkson. It's their duet "Don't You Wanna Stay," and Aldean says he's thankful he only has to remember half the words. The Grammys air live from Los Angeles on Sunday.

Recording artist Jason Aldean says he is looking forward to performing at the Grammys for the first time because he'll sing his duet "Don't You Wanna Stay" with Kelly Clarkson.

UNDERWOOD TO PERFORM AT GRAMMYS

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (AP) -- There's now another reason to tune in to the Grammys on Sunday: Carrie Underwood. The Recording Academy just announced she will perform with Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Tony Bennett. Underwood has five Grammys of her own and is nominated this year for best country solo performance for "Mama's Song." The members of Lady Antebellum will also be taking the stage but only to present an award. Nine-time Grammy winner Bonnie Raitt will perform a tribute to Etta James with Alicia Keys. The Grammys air Sunday on CBS.

REBA IN RARE TELEVISED CONCERT SPECIAL

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Fans can relive Reba McEntire's live show in a new TV special. The channel Great American Country is airing a 90-minute concert special called "All The Women I Am" on Saturday, March 17. Reba let a film crew into her concert at the Cajun Dome in Lafayette, Louisiana. The set list mixes recent hits with some of her classics such as "Turn On Your Radio" and "Is There Life Out There." She performs "Does He Love You" as a duet with The Band Perry's Kimberly Perry. It's been more than 15 years since Reba's last televised concert special.

Forecast

COUNTRY NEWS

'AMERICAN IDOL'S' HOLLYWOOD WEEK FILLED WITH DRAMA

GRAMMY NEWBIES

UNDERWOOD TO PERFORM AT GRAMMYS

REBA IN RARE TELEVISED CONCERT SPECIAL

NATIONAL HEADLINES

TONIGHT ON ABC 15

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