Not only did Carrie Underwood end 2008 as the top selling country female touring artist, but she also wrapped up the eventful year with many of her music videos breaking records.  She was the most-streamed artist on the Country Music TV website, with her “All-American Girl” video boasting more than 1.4 million streams for the year.  Her video for “Just a Dream” earned the top spot on the year-end edition of CMT’s Top 20 Countdown.  Even more impressive was the fact that the video spent all but two weeks in the Top 5 during its 16-week run on the countdown.

In the mood for a quick update on your favorite American Idol alumni as we head into the New Year?  Look no further than our news blog:

The Idol who started it all, Kelly Clarkson, has a new single that will hit U.S. radio outlets on January 19.  According to Billboard, “My Life Would Suck Without You” will be the song to introduce the as-yet-untitled album, due out March 17.  Although an official track list hasn’t even been announced, the early buzz is that the album is going to be top notch.  Kelly worked with producer/songwriter Dr. Luke and One Republic frontman Ryan Tedder on this CD, which is her follow up to 2007’s “My December”.

Last year, Kelly stopped by to perform on the set of Australian Idol, and we have her post-performance video–watch now!

Jennifer Hudson will join the ranks of Coldplay, Foo Fighters, Tim McGraw, Josh Groban, and other artists to perform at the 2009 MusiCares Person of the Year gala on Feb. 6 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.  MusiCares, the charitable division of the Recording Academy, will honor the legendary Neil Diamond for his philanthropic work at this year’s event.  These artists will take on a song from the Diamond music gallery.

Fantasia fans will be thrilled to hear that the season three winner is heading back into the studio to work on her new album with singer/producer Raphael Saadiq.

Check out Fantasia in this Idol Alumni video as she talks about what went into making her last album.

In a new interview with Entertainment Weekly, Kara Dioguardi speaks on the challenges facing her for season eight of American Idol.

A few excerpts:

On her personality: “Oh, I’m not gonna be this nice on the show”

On advice for contestants: “Don’t cheese me out. It’s not a wedding band. And emote. Make me feel like you mean it. Don’t just sing the way the song was written. That was Mariah’s interpretation. Now what are you gonna do?”

On fellow judges: “They’re like brothers and sisters at this point. And I’m like the long-lost cousin who they’re not sure they wanted to see, but now they’re like, Okay, you can stay for dinner.”

On viewer reaction: “They may think my intensity and my boldness are bitchy. I hope not. I don’t think I’m bitchy.”

Are you excited to see Kara Dioguardi on American Idol?

Fantasia performing “I’m Here” from The Color Purple on the American Idol Season 6 top 24 results show

*I do not own this video. I’m just supporting American Idol and the contestants on the show

Author: germbowl
Keywords: american idol season AI6 top 24 fantasia barrino i’m here the color purple LaChanze
Added: December 31, 2008

The top 24 on American Idol Season 6 singing “Sowing the Seeds Of Love” by Tears of Fears on the top 24 results show

*I do not own this video. I’m just supporting American Idol and the contestants on the show.

Jordin Sparks, Blake Lewis, Melinda Doolittle, LaKisha Jones, Chris Richardson, Phil Stacey, Sanjaya Malakar, Haley Scarnato, Gina Glocksen, Chris Sligh, Stephanie Edwards, Brandon Rogers, Sundance Head, Sabrina Sloan, Antonella Barba, Jared Cotter, Leslie Hunt, Nick Pedro, AJ Tabaldo, Alaina Alexander, Rudy Cardenas, Nicole Tranquillo, Amy Krebs, Paul Kim

Author: germbowl
Keywords: american idol season AI6 top 24 sowing the seeds of love tears fears
Added: December 31, 2008

LaKisha Jones performing “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” from Dreamgirls on the American Idol Season 6 top 24 (top 12 girls) performance show

*I do not own this video. I’m just supporting American Idol and the contestants on the show

Author: germbowl
Keywords: american idol season AI6 top 24 12 girls lakisha jones and am telling you i’m not going dreamgirls jennifer holliday hudson
Added: December 31, 2008

Gina Glocksen performing “All By Myself” by Eric Carmen on the American Idol Season 6 top 24 (top 12 girls) performance show

*I do not own this video. I’m just supporting American Idol and the contestants on the show

Author: germbowl
Keywords: american idol season AI6 top 24 12 girls gina glocksen all by myself eric carmen
Added: December 31, 2008

Alaina Alexander performing “Brass in Pocket” by the Pretenders on the American Idol Season 6 top 24 (top 12 girls) performance show

*I do not own this video. I’m just supporting American Idol and the contestants on the show

Author: germbowl
Keywords: american idol season AI6 top 24 12 girls alaina alexander brass in pocket the pretenders
Added: December 31, 2008

Melinda Doolittle performing “(Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You’ve Been Gone” by Aretha Franklin on the American Idol Season 6 top 24 (top 12 girls) performance show

*I do not own this video. I’m just supporting American Idol and the contestants on the show

Author: germbowl
Keywords: american idol season AI6 top 24 12 girls melinda doolittle sweet baby since you’ve been gone aretha franklin
Added: December 31, 2008