American Idol briefs

Jason Castro (AP Photo/Frank Micelotta)

–The ninth season of “American Idol” will begin at 7 p.m. (central time) Jan. 12 and Jan. 13 on the Fox network. 

–Season five contestant Elliot Yamin will embark on an eight-city tour in January.  The tour will run Jan. 2 through Jan. 27.  The eight cities are Alexandria (VA), New York City, Annapolis (MD), Pittsburgh (PA), Allentown (PA), Norfolk (CT), Virginia Beach (VA) and San Diego (CA). 

–Season three winner Fantasia Barrino’s new reality titled “Fantasia For Real” will premiere Jan. 11 on the VH1 network.

–Season six contestants Melinda Doolittle and Phil Stacey will perform Dec. 29 at Scott Hamilton’s Holiday Concert on Ice.

Season seven contestant Jason Castro will embark on a U.S. tour from Jan. 20 to Feb. 25.  Click here to view the tour dates.

Source: Idolonfox