"American Stars" tour visits The Early Show

The four former Idol finalists participating in the "American Stars in Concert for the Holidays" paid the Saturday edition of the CBS Early Show a visit yesterday when they stopped by to perform songs from the concert's track list in the show's "Second Cup Cafe" segment. Below is a performance of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by Diana and David Hernandez:

Diana also appeared with David and co-hosts Chris Wragge and Erica Hill outside New York City's FAO Schwartz to close out the show. The tour kicked off last night in Pittsburgh at the Byham Theatre and will end at the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan, Ill., on Dec. 21.

LA Times previews Christmas tour

The Show Tracker blog of LATimes.com sat down with Diana and her fellow Idol alums at rehearsals in Burbank, Calif., for their upcoming Christmas tour. Below is Diana's message to her fans:



Below is one of Diana's exchanges during the course of the interview:

DD: I've been living in Nashville, writing and recording. Working with a producer named John Rich. And we actually just went through two weeks of shopping my deal to see who bites in this lovely economy. But either way after this I'm going back and continuing my writing, which has really blossomed.

LAT: And you're doing country?

DD: I'm doing country music, yes! My writing has been very specific and focused and it's been a very artistic expression, for lack of a better term.

LAT: And how did you feel after your Howard Stern appearance?

DD: I loved it! It was definitely a one-of-a-kind experience. For a long time I didn't want to do it, and finally I gave in. It wasn't too bad. There were a couple awkward moments when I was like, "Really? You're going to ask me that question, I'm not even going to answer." But they were really cool.

LAT: Are you looking forward to seeing [Stern wack-pack member and Diana obsessive] Eric again?

DD: Yeah, I'll probably see him out and about somewhere along the way. He'll probably show up at one of these tour dates

The show's producer, Michael Orland, was also interviewed by the blog, and revealed that the four Idols will be performing this Saturday on the CBS Early Show.

'Access Hollywood' catches up with Diana in LA

In preparation of their upcoming Christmas tour, Diana, Kimberley Locke, Chikezie and David Hernandez were found rehearsing in Los Angeles with Michael Orland, where Laura Saltman of Access Hollywood's "Dish of Salt" segment caught up with them. Watch the video below:

Diana said the tour is visiting smaller markets, which is especially meaningful considering the current state of the economy. The tour kicks off on Friday in Milwaukee, Wis.

"Idols In Concert" Christmas tour begins Nov. 28

The "Idols in Concert" Christmas tour featuring Diana and fellow American Idol finalists Kimberley Locke (Season 2, 3rd place) Chikeze (Season 7, 10th place) and David Hernandez (Season 7, 12th place) kicks off this Friday, Nov. 28, at the Milwaukee Theatre in Milwaukee, Wis. Below is a full list of dates for the 18 city tour:

Nov. 28 - Milwaukee Theatre; Milwaukee, WI
Nov. 29 - Byham Theatre; Pittsburgh, PA
Nov. 30 - Lycian Centre; Sugar Loaf, NY
Dec. 01 - Plaza Theatre; El Paso, TX
Dec. 03 - State Theatre; Easton, PA
Dec. 04 - Bergen PAC; Englewood, NJ
Dec. 5-6 - Classic Center; Athens, GA
Dec. 07 - Eichelberger PAC; Hanover, PA
Dec. 10 - Salem Civic Center; Salem, VA
Dec. 11 - Mitchell Center; Mobile, AL
Dec. 12 - Coral Springs Center for the Arts; Coral Springs, FL
Dec. 16 - Tennessee Williams Theatre; Key West, FL
Dec. 17 - Kravis Center; West Palm Beach, FL
Dec. 18 - Mahaffey Theater; St. Petersburg, FL
Dec. 19 - University of Akron; Akron, OH
Dec. 20 - River Center Adler; Davenport, IA
Dec. 21 - Genesee Theatre; Waukegan, IL

Of the tour, Kimberley said:

"We'll sing some group numbers and be backed by a full band. So come on out to hear some good Christmas music."

Diana earlier stated that she would have an acoustic EP for sale at the tour, but there has been no word whether this is still in the works.

AmericanIdol.com talks with Diana

AmericanIdol.com posted an interview it had with Diana on Wed., Nov. 19, which covered many topics from her upcoming Christmas tour to her life in Nashville. To cap off the interview, Diana said:

"I’ve lived a different life than most folks, but I wouldn’t have it any other way."

She said to expect another album as soon as she signs with a record label, and that there are four songs that she is currently shopping around with the help of John Rich.

Diana makes AOL.com

Diana was featured on the front page of AOL.com today as the top story in the entertainment section. The caption reads "'Idol' Comes
Out of Hiding :Season 3 Star's Barely Recognizable At Age 21: She Used to Be a Blonde." It links to the PopScene slide show of the week's hottest celebrity photos in the AOL Music section, which is kicked off by a photo of Diana on the red carpet at the CMA Awards. The caption reads:

'American Idol' Season Three runner-up Diana DeGarmo showcases her superhot, slimmed-down new look at the 42nd Annual CMA Awards at the Sommet Center on November 12, 2008 in Nashville, Tennessee.

This comes two days after being mentioned in a similar blog entry on PerezHilton.com.

Diana promotes her Music Box Lounge set

Diana filmed an online ad promoting her upcoming performance set at the Music Box Lounge at 527 Mainstreet in Murfreesboro, Tenn., on Tues. Nov. 18. Watch the spot below:



The concert is at 7 p.m. and will feature both local and national acts. Cover is $5.

Diana named one of People.com's "Best Dressed"

Diana was included in People.com's "CMA's Best Dressed" compilation. In the caption, the publication said the following of Diana:

The former American Idol star shows off her figure in a sparkling black halter gown with chiffon ruffles and patent sandals for her turn on the CMA red carpet.

She appeared alongside fellow country music celebrities like Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift and Miranda Lambert.

Diana offers condolences to Paula Abdul's fan

Diana talked with Entertainment Tonight at the CMA Awards last night about the tragedy surrounding the family of an obsessed fan of Paula Abdul's, who committed suicide near her house on Tuesday night. Watch the interview below:

The fan, Ms. Paula Goodspeed, had visited Abdul's home multiple times in the past. Former Idol winner Carrie Underwood also offered condolences to the family of Ms. Goodspeed.

Diana attends the CMA Awards

Diana attended the 42nd annual Country Music Association Awards tonight at the Sommet Center in Nashville, Tenn. Below are links to find photos of her from the red carpet.

WireImage <> FilmMagic <> Getty Images

The CMAs were hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood and were broadcast live on ABC.

Diana sings anthem at TNA event

Diana sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the TNA event in which wrestler Jerry Lawler was paid tribute in addition to taking on Sid Vicious. Video of the performance is below:



Diana will next attend the 42nd annual Country Music Association Awards on Wed., Nov. 12. It will be broadcast on ABC at 8 p.m. ET.

Diana on Howard Stern

Diana yesterday appeared on Howard Stern's radio program on the Sirius satellite network with former Olympic gold medalist Kurt Angle promoting TNA, a division of the WWE. Also appearing on the show was Eric the Midget, who is a regular caller on the program and is a self-described fan of Diana's. He asked her out on a date and she said "We'll see."

Diana would not elaborate on her role with TNA, but it appears she will be involved with the KVB Birthday Brawl in Nashville on Mon., Nov. 17. The charity match will benefit the KVB S.A.C.K Foundation.

Diana on 'Showbiz Tonight'

Diana was on CNN Headline News' Showbiz Tonight on Thurs., Oct. 30 to discuss the tragedy surrounding Jennifer Hudson's family with the show's host, AJ Hammer. Watch it below:



Diana offered moral support to Jennifer and her family and discussed Jennifer's relationship with her family and the role of faith in her life among other things.

"Diana DeGarmo & Friends" series set for November

Diana will be headlining four free shows this month at 12th & Porter Lounge in Nashville, Tenn., for the "Diana DeGarmo and Friends" series. Below are the dates and lineups for the series (all shows will be held from 6-8 p.m.):

Mon., Nov. 3
Megan Peeler
Cody & Chance
Blake Davis

Mon., Nov. 10
Vinny Van Zant of Trailer Choir
Shanna Crooks
Josh Green
Angie Aparro

Mon., Nov. 17
Mika Combs
Molly Reed
Jules Hanson
Megan Peeler

Mon., Nov. 24
Courtney Dashe
Stacy Donahue
Melanie Torres
Shanna Crooks
Ben Sturgell

John Rich, Ty Herndon and Angie Sparro will all be special guests at the shows.

Diana will also be performing at the Music Box Lounge at Main Street 527 in Murfreesboro, Tenn., on Tues., Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. and she will hold a writer's session at The Listening Room Cafe at Cummins Station in Nashville on Mon., Dec. 29 at 6:30 p.m. All concerts were posted by Diana on her official music MySpace page.