American Idol Vital News, August 21: Love and Babies!

Bo’s New Boy

Bo Bice became a father again earlier this month. Bo’s wife Caroline had baby Caleb James Bice on August 5 at 3:32 PM. Caleb came in at seven pounds 15 ounces. Not an “eight” to be found. [Associate Editor’s Note: Except, of course, for his year of birth.]

“It’s a really awesome experience having a child,” Bo reflects, “With (his older son) Aidan, it was all new and unexpected, uncharted territories. With Caleb, we are very excited about him coming and are prepared for certain things, but I’m sure he’ll bring a whole new world we’ve never experienced, just like Aidan. The Lord has blessed us a lot.”

Bo has been keeping a rigorous touring schedule, promoting his album See The Light, which is available exclusively at Wal-Mart, as well as being on the “Forty Years Ago Today” tour. Bo is also working on the Brothers of the Southland album on which he’ll be performing Molly Hatchet’s “These Dreams” (no, not the Heart song) and “Can’t You See,” the Marshall Tucker Band classic.

But, all of that will have to go on hold while Bo spends some time with his family’s newest addition.

The Passing of Cigars

Clay Aiken’s Idol classmates are weighing in with well wishes for Clay and his new baby. "Congratulations! I am very happy for him," Rickey Smith told People. "He has great morals and ethics, and I think his baby will be brought up in love."

"My grandmother's birthday, God rest her soul, was August 8," Smith said. "I lost her, but here, another life has been born, so that's pretty memorable to me. Eight is a lucky number in my family – so tell [Clay] welcome to the family!"

"Before Idol, he worked with children [as a teacher], so I definitely think that experience will help him," Vanessa Olivarez said. "He'll be a great dad, and a great role model. And I hope [the baby] grows up with his voice, for sure!"

Carmen Rasmusen is expecting her first baby around Christmas, "Isn't this crazy? We're going to both be parents! It's so exciting – we went from being nobodies to being on American Idol together, and now starting our families."

Kristy Lee Has A Betta Dude

Something fishy happened on the way through the American Idol tour for Kristy Lee Cook. The tour is going fine, her debut album Why Wait is expected to be released on September 16, nothing strange there. But, a fan handed Kristy Lee a curious package while she was signing autographs in Tennessee.

"I just held it in my hand while I was continuing to sign autographs. When I got to my dressing room, I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but I certainly didn't expect a fish in a box!" Yet, that is what it was. A betta fish, also known as a Siamese fighting fish, to be exact.

“I just love him!” Kristy Lee said, “I named him 'Dude'!" It’s looking like country radio is loving Kristy Lee as much! Her single “15 Minutes of Shame” is among the most added songs of country radio this week.

Ambassador Elliott

Many of you already know that Elliott Yamin has been living with diabetes for almost 15 years now. Elliott is using his fame to promote awareness about the disease, which is on the rise in America.

A huge baseball fan, Elliott sang the national anthem for Virginia’s Richmond Braves on August 15, but before that, he signed autographs and personally greeted those who were interested in receiving a free diabetes screening. It’s part of his duty as an ambassador for the campaign “Inspired by Diabetes.”

Elliott also had a chance to shag some balls with the Braves. "It's just real cool, man," Yamin told the Richmond Times-Dispatch, "I've always dreamed of being a singer or a professional athlete. Obviously, if I was a professional athlete, I'd be one of the smallest." He’s probably right – Yamin is 5’6” and weighs 152 pounds!

But, Elliott shouldn’t go shopping for a glove just yet, "After watching him swing, he's got potential - to be a good singer," Richmond Braves manager Dave Brundage said. "He looks to be a prospect - just not in baseball."

Sparks Flying For McCartney?

The only thing that could be more adorable than the tour titled “Jesse & Jordin” is the potentially blooming romance between the two teenaged superstars. So, what is the scoop? The usually bubbly outspoken Jordin is suspiciously tight-lipped on the subject. Everyone down to Ryan Seacrest has been trying to get her to crack.

"He is actually really sweet. He is really cool. He sent me a bouquet of flowers the first show," Sparks allowed on Ryan’s radio show. After further prodding, Sparks would only say, "Its going to happen what is supposed to happen.”

Meanwhile, Jordin has denied rumors that she has signed to play Irene Cara’s part in the remake of the 1976 film Sparkle. But, she was thrilled to know she has been nominated for two MTV Video awards in the Best Female and Best New Artist categories.

Country-Reality

It looks like CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock will be bursting with reality stars. For starters, joining Taylor Swift on the hosting duties will be Idol’s Kellie Pickler and Dancing With the Stars’ Julianne Hough. Featured performers include Idol champ Carrie Underwood; American Idol’s Bucky Covington; Trace Adkins (Celebrity Apprentice); Nashville Star host Billy Ray Cyrus, judge Jewel, and finalist Miranda Lambert (quietly reigning as the most successful alum the show has had); as well as Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Rascal Flatts, Sugarland, Josh Turner, Keith Urban, Gretchen Wilson, Dwight Yoakam, and Rodney Atkins.

The lady hosts will also be performing. CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock is scheduled to air on September 8, 2008 on ABC. Commercial spots for the show will feature one more reality show veteran – Jessica Simpson (Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica). Her debut country song, “Come On Over” will be featured in the television ads.