‘American Idol’ Daily: Idols give Thanksgiving

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Entering a slow news week on the ‘Idol’ front. But if you love a parade,you’re likely to find an ‘American Idol’ alum marching right down your Main Street.

For starters (and thanks to MJsBigBlog for the tips), the biggest parade of them all, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day spectacular, will see ‘Idol’s’ golden child David Archuleta himself riding through Manhattan. David will be joined in the parade by non-’Idol’ talents Miley Cyrus, Kristin Chenoweth, James Taylor and Kermit the Frog.

In Philadelphia’s Ikea Thanksgiving Parade, Season 7’s Syesha Mercado — about whom not much has been heard since tour’s end — will be riding a float, singing her Andrew Lloyd Webber week hit, ‘One Rock and Roll Too Many.’ Season 1 runner-up Justin Guarini also joins the parade.

Meanwhile, in his hometown of Kansas City, Mo., David Cook will officiate at the igniting of Christmas lights at Country Club Plaza during the city’s Thanksgiving ceremony. In an interview with their local Fox affiliate, David’s elegant and extremely classy mother, Beth Foraker, told of her son’s Thanksgiving habits, revealing that although the ‘Idol’ champion may help set the table, he’s not much of a man in the kitchen on the holiday, She also revealed that David’s reported significant other, Season 2’s Kimberly Caldwell, will not be joining the family this year, saying, according to the report, that it will be close family only.

Meanwhile, in a decidely non-Thanksgiving-esque appearance, the Berdoo Bikes and Blue Rendezvous announced that Season 7’s rock ‘n roll nurse, Amanda Overmyer, will be appearing next May to sing the national anthem at the biker conclave’s opening ceremonies. Since leaving the show, Overmyer has carved out one of the more unique paths of any former contestant, appearing at biker events around the country. Wayne Austin, president and CEO of the San Bernardino Convention & Visitors Bureau, said of her appropriateness for this event: “Her sound is very unique, a combination of blues and rock, a style that has been compared to Janis Joplin. She loves to ride her Harley Davidson, and she’s a nurse.”

The news may be light, but check back as I’ll be filing from the field with a report from the rehearsals of the American Stars in Concert for the Holidays show, featuring Kimberly Locke, David Hernandez, Diana DeGarmo and Chikezie.

And just 52 days to go until Season 8!

-- Richard Rushfield