Video: Paul McDonald performs “Come Pick Me Up”
by Ryan Adams.

Paul McDonald performs in the Top 13 on “American Idol.”

Play time is over. The Top 13 on “American Idol” are heading into weekly combat with tonight’s theme, “Songs by Your Musical Idol,” including Huntsville’s Paul McDonald.

• Song: “Come Pick Me Up,” by Ryan Adams

[buy album | "Come Pick Me Up" — aff. links]

• Judges say: Steven: “I love the character and rasp in your voice. I love your voice.” J. Lo: “I hope America gets it.” Randy: “I love who Paul is. I love you for this show.”

• We say: It was certainly a bubbly rendition. Perhaps, too bubbly. As a fan of the song, it’s a little jarring to see McDonald go lounge on it.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Audio: “Come Pick Me Up,” Paul McDonald

Voting closes at 11 tonight.

Update March 10: Ashthon Jones of Goodlettsville, Tenn., was eliminated.

Previous: Paul McDonald makes it to the “American Idol” finals
Next: Top 12 — Songs from Your Birth Year

Video: “Come Pick Me Up,” by Ryan Adams
[buy this song — aff. link]

Also:

• Buy the “American Idol” album for this week | “Come Pick Me Up” [aff. links]
• Paul McDonald’s road to the Top 13

• • •

More “American Idol” at idol.wadeonbirmingham.com.

‘Survivor: Redemption Island,’ episode 4 preview

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

Video: How Russell Hantz may get his groove back.

Matt Elrod defeated his first opponent to remain on Redemption Island, but can he withstand Hurricane Russell?

One of “Survivor’s” biggest villains, Russell Hantz, faced his first torch snuffing last week. Will he make it in isolation to return for vengeance?

It’s so on on “Survivor: Redemption Island.”

Plus, more wacky antics from Phillip Sheppard. And is Fairhope native Krista Klumpp better or worse off since her ally Russell has been evicted?

Check out the action tonight, and look for the recap here.

Video: A quick look at tonight’s episode.

Episode 3 recaps:

• Wade on Birmingham
• Jeff Probst: “(Stephanie Valencia) and Krista have nobody left. They must make a move or they’ll be gone soon.”

“Survivor: Redemption Island” airs at 7 p.m. Wednesdays on CBS 42. Look for the full recap tonight following the show.

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Redemption Island” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.

Huntsville’s Paul McDonald will compete
in the Top 13 on “American Idol.”

During the first five seasons of “American Idol,” you could hardly see an episode without someone from Birmingham belting out a tune. Champions Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks and runner-up Bo Bice made it through three seasons of competition.

But the recent five seasons have been Alabama free. Until now.

Auburn native Paul McDonald will be part of the Top 13 on the 10th season of “American Idol.” The Fox reality competition features singers as young as 15 performing for viewers’ votes, with the winner receiving a recording contract.

In case you’ve tuned out, the show has brought in new judges Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler (so long, Simon Cowell) to team with Randy Jackson and host Ryan Seacrest. The competition show will air at 7 p.m. Wednesdays, and the results will air at 7 p.m. Thursday on Fox 6.

Video: Paul McDonald sings “Maggie May” in his
Top 24 performance on “American Idol.”

McDonald, 26, graduated from Huntsville High School and performs with his band the Grand Magnolias, formerly Hightide Blues, based in Nashville. McDonald’s parents live in Huntsville.

He advanced from the group of 24 contestants with Rod Stewart’s “Maggie May,” and also performed “Blackbird” by the Beatles and “Tutti Frutti” by Little Richard in earlier rounds. The singer has also released three albums, including this year’s self-titled” The Grand Magnolias.”

McDonald has also been active in social media, originally on Twitter as @thePaulMcDonald with nearly 10,000 followers, and now tweeting from his mandated “Idol” account at @PMcDonaldAI10, the first of this season’s contestants to reach 5,000 followers.

The Grand Magnolias has its own Facebook page.

McDonald breaks a four-season drought for Alabama on the top-rated show. He spent the day sleeping in and preparing to see the premiere of “Red Riding Hood.”

His first round of finals competition begins Wednesday.

In December, Huntsville a cappella group Committed won “The Sing-Off,” NBC’s reality singing competition. Fairhope native and former Auburn head cheerleader Krista Klumpp has been competing in this season of “Survivor: Redemption Island.”

Video: Paul McDonald and Kendra Chantelle perform
“Blackbird” by the Beatles during the Las Vegas
round of “American Idol.”

•

“American Idol” fans: If you would like to write recaps and features
for Wade on Birmingham, please contact me for details.

•

Also:

• Paul McDonald website | “American Idol” page | Twitter @thePaulMcDonald and @PMcDonaldAI10 | YouTube

• • •

More “American Idol” at idol.wadeonbirmingham.com.

Episode 3 recap

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

A trip to the dentist? Krista Klumpp competes
in the reward/immunity challenge.

Arrogance, inflated pride, a sense of overconfidence that can lead to downfall.

The Greeks call it Russell, er, hubris.

Russell Hantz came into “Survivor: Redemption Island” with a target on his back. Now that other players have actually seen his game on television, he can’t use the same ol’ bag of tricks he used in previous back-to-back seasons.

What does that mean for his Zapatera alliance members Stephanie Valencia and Fairhope native Krista Klumpp? Will they ride into the final 3 with him, or end up obliterated before they can scheme their way forward?

Find out after the jump …

[buy this episode — aff. link]

(more…)

‘Survivor: Redemption Island,’ episode 3 preview

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

Video: Second chances come at a cost, starting
tonight on “Survivor: Redemption Island.”

“Survivor” has had at least one predictable outcome in its previous 21 seasons: The first out — whether 20th place or 16th place — was only memorable as a possible trivia answer.

Tonight’s episode of “Survivor: Redemption Island” will scramble that notion forever.

Francesca Hogi, the first one voted out, and Matt Elrod, the latest castaway cast away, will battle head to head. The loser goes home, finally. The winner gets to stay in isolation for another few days until the next loser stumbles into camp.

Hmm …

Meanwhile, the Zapatera alliance of Russell Hantz, Stephanie Valencia and Fairhope native Krista Klumpp looks to pull off the “biggest blindside ever.” Hmm again, I thought that was the one they pulled over on the audience bringing back the tired old villains.

Check out the action tonight, and look for the recap here.

Video: preview of Jail Break Duel,
the first battle in Redemption Arena.

Episode 2 recaps:

• Wade on Birmingham
• Jeff Probst: “Once again, the gold star of the episode does go to … Philip. … The explanation of his two tattoos was so good I had to watch it three times.”

“Survivor: Redemption Island” airs at 7 p.m. Wednesdays on CBS 42. Look for the full recap tonight following the show.

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Redemption Island” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.

Episode 2 recap

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

Video: Krista Klumpp explains the hardships of “Survivor.”

For the time being on “Survivor: Redemption Island,” it’s not about two tribes.

It’s about the two villains leading the tribes.

And Fairhope native Krista Klumpp is quickly being drawn into their web of deceit. Will this help her make the Final 3, or get her tossed early?

Find out who’s lying, who’s lying more and who the real target is, after the jump …

[buy this episode — aff. link]

(more…)

‘Survivor: Redemption Island,’ episode 2 preview

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

Video: Russell Russell Russell! Rob Rob Rob!
on tonight’s “Survivor: Redemption Island.”

Who’s really in charge, Boston Rob or Russell? Or does anyone really care?

The supervillians are featured front and center as “Survivor: Redemption Island” speeds into the second episode tonight.

Fairhope native Krista Klumpp is on Russell Hantz’s Zapatera tribe and seems to be under the radar so far. Meanwhile, Rob Mariano has his hands full with renegade former federal agent Phillip Sheppard at Ometepe. Plus, Francesca Hogi begins her stay on fun-filled Redemption Island.

Check out the action tonight, and look for the recap here.

Video: Get the ball of power. No, really.
Preview of tonight’s challenge, Smash, Grab, Smash.

Episode 1 recaps:

• Wade on Birmingham
• Jeff Probst: “That was hands down the best first tribal council ever.”

“Survivor: Redemption Island” airs at 7 p.m. Wednesdays on CBS 42. Look for the full recap tonight following the show.

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Redemption Island” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.

Episode 1 recap

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

Video: Krista Klumpp bares it all. Her first confessional
on “Survivor: Redemption Island.”

A third season with Russell Hantz. A fourth season with “Boston Rob” Mariano.

Really, “Survivor”? Really?

At least it made for an interesting first Tribal Council on tonight’s season premiere of “Survivor: Redemption Island.”

Lost in the shuffle was Krista Klumpp, the Fairhope native and pharmaceutical sales rep. Little screen time could mean she’s deadly dull, safe for weeks or who knows? Even host Jeff Probst called her a question mark.

More question, and snark, after the jump …

[buy this episode — aff. link]

(more…)

‘Survivor: Redemption Island,’ episode 1 preview

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

Photo: Auburn Athletics

Krista Klumpp served as head cheerleader at
Auburn before graduating in 2008.

Video: Host Jeff Probst sizes up Krista Klumpp
on “Survivor: Redemption Island.”

Returning losers! Players that won’t get sent home! Twists galore!

Welcome to season 22 of “Survivor.”

Joining the crew of “Survivor: Redemption Island” is Krista Klumpp. Tonight, her televised adventure in Nicaragua begins.

Host Jeff Probst rated the contestants (try to forget he already knows the winner) and said about the Fairhope native:

“Krista is a question mark. If she folds, it won’t surprise me. And if she turns out to be this strong pillar on her tribe, it won’t surprise me either.”

• • •

For more photos and full bio of Krista Klumpp,
see our preview post.

• • •

At left, Krista Klumpp was Miss Smiths Station and Miss
Phenix City, as well as fourth runner-up in
Miss Alabama USA. At right, in Nicaragua
for “Survivor: Redemption Island.”

As previously announced, eliminated players will have an opportunity to win their way back into the game from Redemption Island. Speaking of returning players, Russell Hantz and Rob Mariano, who squared off before in “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains,” get yet another shot at the $1 million grand prize.

Can Klumpp oust the other 17 contestants before they oust her? The journey begins tonight.

Video: What’s the big twist this season?
We kinda already told you above.

Video: a look at the first challenge, Push It Uphill

Also:

• Meet Krista Klumpp, pharmaceutical sales rep and former Auburn head cheerleader.
• Opelika-Auburn News: “She said her two desired luxury items were an Auburn blanket and her Bible, but could not say whether she actually got to take those items with her.”
• The War Eagle Reader: “The thing that most worried me about going into the show was the food aspect. I’m OK with eating whatever there is around … but being from the South, I love always having the best food ever.”

“Survivor: Redemption Island” airs at 7 p.m. Wednesdays on CBS 42, starting tonight. Look for the full recap tonight following the show.

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Redemption Island” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.

Fairhope native Krista Klumpp will be competing
for $1 million on “Survivor: Redemption Island.”

Sure, Auburn won a national championship by outwitting, outplaying and outlasting 22 other players.

But could the football team do it in jungles of Nicaragua? As solo contestants? For 39 days?

No, Cam Newton isn’t running away to be a reality TV star. But former Auburn head cheerleader Krista Klumpp will compete on CBS’ “Survivor: Redemption Island.” The 25-year-old pharmaceutical sales rep lives in Columbia, S.C., but grew up in Fairhope.

She graduated from Auburn University in 2008 with a degree in mass communications. Klumpp was also Miss Phenix City, making it to fourth runner-up for Miss Alabama USA in 2007 and 2009.

“I’m really proud to be from Alabama, growing up a true Southerner,” Klumpp says. “It might sound weird, but I’m real excited about not having to wash my hair for 39 days.”

Photo: Auburn Athletics

Krista Klumpp cheers for Auburn behind
ESPN commentator Lee Corso during “College GameDay.”

Her contestant bio on the “Survivor” website has a few more details …

• Tribe: Zapatera
• Current residence: Columbia, S.C.
• Personal claim to fame: Being elected head cheerleader at Auburn University is my personal claim to fame. I then became a second generation Auburn University head cheerleader.
• Inspiration in life: My grandparents who were married for 67 years.
• Hobbies: Water sports, traveling and running.
• Pet peeve: When people wear sunglasses inside.
• Three words to describe you: Driven, competitive and approachable.
• “Survivor” contestant you are most like: I thought I was most like Natalie White because we had such similar backgrounds, but I expect to play the game with a little more edge. [White won her season in Samoa by defeating the notorious Russell Hantz. Like Klumpp, is a Southerner, in this case from Arkansas and a pharmaceutical sales rep.]
• Reason for being on “Survivor”: To prove that a former cheerleader and pageant girl can win the hardest game ever. Also, the money! If anyone says anything different, they are lying!

Other fun facts about Klumpp …

• Her great-grandfather Steve Riggs and a friend invented the one and only processed cheese product, Velveeta, she says.
• Her grandfather, her parents and her older sister attended Auburn.
• Her mother was an Auburn cheerleader during the late 1970s.
• The movies she can’t live without? “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit.”

The 22nd season will take place in Nicaragua, like the preceding season. Eighteen contestants compete for the grand prize of $1 million. In a new twist this season, those voted off will not be sent home but instead to Redemption Island to continue on limited food and other supplies. That castaway will compete with the next eliminated contestant to remain.

While 16 contestants were revealed Wednesday, two mystery contestants were held back. [Spoiler alert: Do NOT read the next paragraph if you don't want to know the other two contestants.]

Most online experts say that Russell Hantz will return for his third season and “Boston Rob” Mariano for his fourth. The two previously faced off  in 2010′s “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” against previous winner James “J.T.” Thomas of Mobile. Mariano battled in his first season, “Survivor: Marquesas,” Birmingham native Paschal English and the eventual winner, Troy University alum Vecepia Towery. Neither Hantz nor Mariano has ever finished higher than second place.

Video: Krista Klumpp talks about her background
and sizes up the other contestants.

“Survivor: Redemption Island” will air at 7 p.m. Wednesdays on CBS 42, starting Feb. 16.

• Krista Klumpp on Facebook | LinkedIn | MySpace

•

“Survivor” fans: If you would like to write recaps and features
for Wade on Birmingham, please contact me for details.

A look at today’s newspapers, with front pages showing Auburn’s victory over Oregon for the BCS National Championship on Monday.

Alabama

The Anniston Star

The Birmingham News

The Decatur Daily

The (Florence) Times-Daily

The Huntsville Times

The Montgomery Advertiser

The (Mobile) Press-Register

The Tuscaloosa News

Oregon

Corvallis Gazette-Times

The (Eugene) Register-Guard

(Klamath Falls) Herald and News

(Medford) Mail Tribune

The Oregonian, Portland

(Salem) Statesman Journal

Zoom to full screen, zoom in on page details
and embed on your site.

Also:

• Auburn defeats South Carolina for 2010 SEC Championship: newspapers’ front pages
• Alabama wins 2010 National Championship as seen on newspaper front pages

Tigers break 53-year drought

Video: Auburn’s Gene Chizik and Cam Newton share
their post-game thoughts.

If it’s January in Alabama, it must mean BCS National Championship time.

The state can now lay claim to back-to-back titles, as Auburn defeated Oregon 22-19 Monday night. The winning field goal came as the game clock expired, a 28-yard boot from the Tigers’ Wes Byrum.

But the men of the hour were quarterback and Heisman winner Cam Newton, defensive tackle Nick Fairley and coach Gene Chizik. The game proved to be more of a defensive clash, as both teams sputtered through the first half.

Auburn finished a perfect 14-0, bringing home the school’s second national championship; the first in 1957 under coach Shug Jordan. The Tigers’ win marks the fifth consecutive BCS title win by an SEC team.

Alabama won the 2010 BCS title game against Texas, with help from its Heisman winner, Mark Ingram.

Earlier in the bowl season, Alabama demolished Michigan State 49-7 on New Year’s Day in the Capital One Bowl in Orlando. And way back on Dec. 18, Troy beat Ohio 48-21 in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl.

Video: With the winning field goal,
Auburn celebrates a national championship.

Committed performs on “The Sing-Off.”

Committed beat Nashville’s Street Corner Symphony tonight to win “The Sing-Off.”

The results were announced live during tonight’s season finale of the NBC reality competition. The winning group receives $100,000 and a Sony recording contract.

California groups Jerry Lawson and Talk of the Town and the Backbeats tied for third, having been eliminated earlier in the show.

The sextet closed out the evening with Queen’s “We Are the Champions.”

Committed, the a cappella group from Huntsville and Oakwood University, had started taping episodes back in August, surviving four rounds of eliminations by the celebrity judges.

On the show tonight, the group performed “Motownphilly” with judge Shawn Stockman’s group, Boyz II Men, among other songs.

Committed sang “Hold My Hand” by Michael Jackson and Akon before receiving the judges’ final evaluation. Alternative rocker Ben Folds said, “How can you be such nice guys and be that good? You’re really amazing. A total joy and inspiration to listen to.”

Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger said, while in tears, “I was really moved by that song. You have a very specific message, of a deep love in life, and the world is craving that right now.” Stockman said, “There’s no way you could have not made it to this point. You guys are awesome.”

To be updated with video.

Also:

• Committed lead competitors in online poll
• 40 tracks from Committed available from Amazon.com and 38 tracks on iTunes [aff. links]
• “The Sing-Off” albums from iTunes [aff. link]
• Download this season of “The Sing-Off” from iTunes [aff. link]

Video: And the winner is …

Video: Committed sings “Hold My Hand”
by Michael Jackson and Akon.

Video: Committed sings “Motownphilly” with Boyz II Men.

Video: Committed talks about winning “The Sing-Off”
and what’s next for the group.

Committed faces the audience onstage.

Are you pleased with the results? Let us know in the comments.

• • •

More coverage of “The Sing-Off.”

Video: Committed performs “Let’s Stay Together”
by Al Green in Wednesday’s episode of “The Sing-Off.”

Huntsville singing group Committed is one step away from $100,000 and a Sony recording contract. On Wednesday’s penultimate episode of “The Sing-Off,” the NBC reality competition, only one group was eliminated, On the Rocks from the University of Oregon.

Also advancing to the finals are the Backbeats from Los Angeles, Jerry Lawson and Talk of the Town from Oakland, Calif., and Street Corner Symphony from Nashville.

Groups performed medleys and judges’ picks in round No. 4. Committed sang hits by R&B star Usher, then “Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green.

Alternative rocker Ben Folds called the medley “harmonically bad-ass,” while former Boyz II Men member Shawn Stockman praised their rhythm and choreography. Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussycat Dolls said it was “awesome.”

For “Let’s Stay Together,” Stockman called their arrangement “perfect” and “smooth and relaxing.” Scherzinger likened it being in her favorite candy shop. Umm? Folds said it sounded “great” and that the passing of the vocals went “seamlessly.”

Although the producers announced three groups would advance, the judges kept four bands in the running. Audience voting, which will determine the winner, started Wednesday night and continues till 8 a.m. Sunday. Fans can vote online, by calling a special toll-free number or via texting.

• The Backbeats
  • (877) 674-6403
  • Text 3 to 97979
• Committed
  • (877) 674-6401
  • Text 1 to 97979
• Jerry Lawson & Talk of the Town
  • (877) 674-6404
  • Text 4 to 97979
• Street Corner Symphony
  • (877) 674-6402
  • Text 2 to 97979

Scheduled to perform (a cappella?) during the live two-and-a-half-hour season finale are Sara Bareilles, Sheryl Crow and Neil Diamond, airing at 7 p.m. Monday on Alabama’s 13.

Video: Committed performs “Joy to the World” and a medley of
Usher hits, “DJ Got Us Fallin’ in Love,” “U Got It Bad”
and “Love in this Club.”

Should On the Rocks still be in the finals? Did the judges cop out by leaving four groups safe? Let us know in the comments.

• • •

More coverage of “The Sing-Off.”

Video: Committed performs “I Want It That Way” by
Backstreet Boys on Monday’s episode of “The Sing-Off.”

Committed is one step closer to the grand prize on the NBC reality competition, “The Sing-Off.” The Huntsville a cappella group made it into the Top 5 on Monday’s episode as Groove for Thought was eliminated.

Remaining in the contest are the Backbeats, Jerry Lawson and Talk of the Town, On the Rocks and Street Corner Symphony.

Two themes dictated song choices: rock and guilty pleasures. The Christian/jazz sextet performed “Every Breath You Take” by the Police and “I Want It That Way” by Backstreet Boys. (For the record, the first song came out 27 years ago, the second, 11 years ago. Sigh.)

The judges liked Committed’s second performance more than the first one. Ben Folds said “Every Breath You Take” was sung well but didn’t rock. Shawn Stockman said the group’s arrangement missed the lonely mood of the original song.

But on “I Want It That Way,” Pussycat Dolls lead singer Nicole Scherzinger said, “Y’all took the girls to a whole ’nother kind of church,” while Stockman added that the Committed “kept it fun … fresh.”

The next round will also have two themes: superstar medley and judges’ choice. Two groups will be eliminated, and audience votes will select the winner from the remaining three.

The next episode will air from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, with the live finale on Monday on Alabama’s 13.

Video: Committed performs “Every Breath You Take”
by the Police on Monday’s episode of “The Sing-Off.”

Have you been watching? What song should the judges pick for Committed to perform on Wednesday’s show? Let us know in the comments.

• • •

More coverage of “The Sing-Off.”