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Friday November 6, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Country music

Danny Gokey single "It's Only" debuts on radio

DannyGokey.jpgAmerican Idol favorite Danny Gokey debuted his first single "It's Only" this morning on FM 106.1 in his hometown of Milwaukee.

You can hear Danny Gokey's song, "It's Only" on the radio station website.

So what do you think? Was country a good genre for him to pursue? And how do you think his song compares to his co-finalists' Adam Lambert and Kris Allen's new music?

RELATED POSTS:
LA's Dream Center Youth Outreach Center named for Danny Gokey's wife, Sophia
More on American Idol contestant Danny Gokey and wife Sophia
Kris Allen Album Release Date Set for November 17

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Filed Under: Adam Lambert, American Idol, Christian music, Danny Gokey, Kris Allen, new releases, radio, tv
posted by Joanne Brokaw @ 2:59pm Permalink email icon Email This arrow Add to »

Thursday October 29, 2009

Categories: American Idol

LA's Dream Center Youth Outreach Center named for Danny Gokey's wife, Sophia

DannyGokeyDreamCenter.jpgIn celebration of the 15th Anniversary of the L.A. Dream Center, an outreach to the homeless and needy in L.A. & across the U.S., American Idol's Danny Gokey recently performed at a special media event hosted by Jason Kennedy of "E! News Daily," Suzanne Marques of "Good Day L.A."

At the event, Gokey, along with Dream Center founder, Matthew Barnett, announced that the Dream Center's Youth Outreach Center will be named after Gokey's late wife, Sophia. The announcement recognizes Gokey's commitment to the work of the inner-city relief organization through his recently formed foundation, Sophia's Heart, created in his wife's memory.

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Filed Under: American Idol, Danny Gokey, LA Dream Center, Press Play, Sophia Gokey
posted by Joanne Brokaw @ 4:40pm Permalink email icon Email This arrow Add to »

Friday October 2, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music charity, Christian music events

Melinda Doolittle, Natalie Grant join The Katinas for benefit concert to aid Samoa tsunami victims

TheKatinas.jpgNatalie Grant and American Idol's Melinda Doolittle are just two of the artists joining The Katinas for a benefit concert to help the tsunami ravaged islands of Samoa and American Samoa.

The Katinas, who were born and raised on American Samoa, said in a letter to family and friends:

"Our Dad, 4 sisters, brother and 2 nephews that live there are okay. However, some of our friends and close family members are still missing. We have confirmed news that on of our cousins from the village of Leone (our Mother's birthplace and place where our Dad pastors) died yesterday in the aftermath of the tsunami."

The brothers had already been planning their third mission trip to the island in November, and now have also organized a benefit concert to assist with immediate and long term needs on the island.

The concert will take place:

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Filed Under: American Idol, Christian music, Melinda Doolittle, missions, Natalie Grant, The Katinas, tsunami, worship
posted by Joanne Brokaw @ 1:54pm Permalink email icon Email This arrow Add to »

Friday September 25, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream, Christian music lyrics

Kris Allen's new single "Like We're Dying" just a taste of what promises to be a great album

Kris Allen's new single, "Live Like We're Dying", debuted this week and there's one thing I have to say:

When can I have the album?!

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Comments (21)
Filed Under: Adam Lambert, American Idol, Christian music, Danny Gokey, Kris Allen, lyrics, new releases, tv, video
posted by Joanne Brokaw @12:37pm Permalink email icon Email This arrow Add to »

Wednesday September 23, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music industry

American Idol Chris Sligh offers Season 8 Idols (and other aspiring artists) excellent advice; are you listening?

When he appeared on season 6 of American Idol, the chubby, bespectecled worship leader Chris Sligh offered viewers a decidedly fresh perspective: he didn't really give a rip about the show.

Well, he did, but he also knew that American Idol was just one step on his musical career ladder. So he used the experience to his advantage, learned what he could, and went on to work his behind off in the post-Idol years.

This week, Sligh offered the season 8 Idols a little bit of career advice, now that the tour is over. His thoughts: for the most part, it's all over, so get over it, get over yourself, and get your rear in gear.

Not everyone can take such blunt advice with the attitude it was intended. Then again, not everyone survives in this industry. What Sligh did was weed out the whiners with his post.

Seriously.

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Comments (3)
Filed Under: American Idol, Chris Sligh, Christian music, music business, tv
posted by Joanne Brokaw @12:06pm Permalink email icon Email This arrow Add to »

Thursday September 10, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music on TV

Ellen DeGeneres Replaces Paula Abdul On American Idol - Really!

Yup, it's true: Ellen DeGeneres will be replacing Paula Abdul on the new season of American Idol. Really! My first reaction is ... what??? Are the producers trying to offset the influx of Christian contestants with a gay judge? (Haha,...
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Comments (14)
Filed Under: American Idol, Christian music, Ellen DeGeneres, homosexuality, Kara DioGuardi, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, Simon Cowell, tv
posted by Joanne Brokaw @ 9:03am Permalink email icon Email This arrow Add to »

Monday August 31, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream

Kris Allen Album Release Date Set for November 17

It's official: Season 8 American Idol winner Kris Allen's debut album is set to release November 17. Even more exciting, he's reportedly been in the studio with Mat Kearney. Whoa, this album's sounding better and better every day....
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Comments (6)
Filed Under: American Idol, Christian music, Danny Gokey, Kara DioGuardi, Kris Allen, Mat Kearney, tv
posted by Joanne Brokaw @10:08am Permalink email icon Email This arrow Add to »

Friday August 28, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream

Danny Gokey Going Country; Is that A Good Thing?

Despite the fact that he claimed he couldn't say anything about which genre he's decided on, American Idol contestant Danny Gokey told EW.com's Michael Slezak that "it'll be country", adding that it'll be marketed a new way. Maybe it's my...
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Filed Under: American Idol, Christian music, country, Danny Gokey, tv
posted by Joanne Brokaw @11:56am Permalink email icon Email This arrow Add to »

Wednesday August 26, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Free christian music downloads

Free Christian Music Download of Phil Stacey's "You're Not Shaken"

When former American Idol Phil Stacey signed with Reunion Records, he says he felt like it was exactly where he felt he was supposed to be. After his debut performed well, he and his former label felt that a move...
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Comments (4)
Filed Under: American Idol, Christian music, free music download, itickets.com, Phil Stacey
posted by Joanne Brokaw @ 5:10am Permalink email icon Email This arrow Add to »

Tuesday August 11, 2009

Categories: American Idol, mainstream stuff you might like

Jennifer Hudson gives birth to a son

Congratulations to Jennifer Hudson, American Idol contestant and Oscar winning actress. Hudson gave birth to a healthy baby boy on Monday afternoon. The baby is named David Daniel Otunga, Jr., after his father, Hudson's fiance. The baby weighed in at...
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Comments (6)
Filed Under: American Idol, baby, Christian music, Jennifer Hudson
posted by Joanne Brokaw @ 1:11pm Permalink email icon Email This arrow Add to »

Wednesday August 5, 2009

Categories: American Idol

It's Official: Paula Abdul Leaves American Idol

After weeks (and for some, months) of speculation, Paula Abdul has announced that she will not be returning to "American Idol". Apparently FOX offered her a contract, which she turned down. My first thought on hearing the news: who's going...
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Monday July 27, 2009

Categories: American Idol

American Idol Contestant Alexis Cohen Killed In Hit & Run

American Idol fans will remember season 7 contestant Alexis Cohen's famous "Take it! Take it!" comment to the cameras and her promise that she'd make it in "actressing." She was back in season 8 for another shot, but got...
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Thursday July 9, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music contests

Embassy Music Talent Search Deadline August 7

Embassy Music has announced a deadline of August 7 for artists and songwriters to register for the 15th Annual Ultimate Talent Search competition. The event will be held September 5, 2009 at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee. Over the...
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Friday June 19, 2009

Categories: American Idol, mainstream stuff you might like

American Idol's Carly Smithson Joins Original Evanescence Guys In New Band, The Fallen

Here's some big news: The original guys from hard rock band Evanescence, guitarists Ben Moody and John LeCompt and drummer Rocky Gray, have teamed up with American Idol's Carly Smithson to form a new band, The Fallen. The name...
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Monday June 15, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream

Now You Can Wear Danny Gokey's Eyeglasses & Support Sophia's Heart Foundation

If there was one thing that Danny Gokey was known for on season 8 of American Idol - other than his screeching ending to Aerosmith's "Dream On" - it was his eyeglasses. The guy has more eyeglasses than some...
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Thursday June 11, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music on TV

New Season of Gospel Dream Kicks Off June 24

The fourth season of the Idol-esque singing competion, Gospel Dream, kicks of on Wednesday, June 24 on the Gospel Music Channel. Auditions were held all across the country this spring, and thousands of aspiring singers auditioned for a once-in-a-lifetime chance...
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Thursday May 28, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream, Christian music on TV

10 Things To Do Now That American Idol Is Over

If the finale of American Idol has left you feeling empty and confused about what to do on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, or if the final word on the results still doesn't settle the question of who really won this...
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Thursday May 28, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream

American Idol Update: The Controversy Is Settled

USA Today reports that while in fact a handful of AT&T employees did bring cell phones to parties celebrating American Idol's Kris Allen, even if there was voting going on it wouldn't have made a difference in the outcome...
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Wednesday May 27, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream, Christian radio

American Idol Controversy: Did AT&T Really Influence The Vote?

For the past week, Adam Lambert fans have been, if I can be honest, acting like very sore losers over last week's win by Kris Allen on season of American Idol. They've been complaining that viewers who cast votes for...
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Tuesday May 26, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream

Kris Allen on the Ellen DeGeneres Show Today; Video of 'Heartless' and 'No Boundaries'

American Idol winner Kris Allen will perform today on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. If you can't catch the show, here's a little preview video of Kris singing Heartless and the American Idol single, "No Boundaries." It's much better acoustic. If...
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Monday May 25, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music and gay issues, Christian music in mainstream

Was The American Idol Result Really A "Gay vs Christian" Thing? Hardly.

Much has been made over the last few days about the surprise upset on season 8 of American Idol, when the aw, shucks guy next door Kris Allen beat out glam rocker Adam Lambert for the title of American...
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Thursday May 21, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian radio

Catch Me Friday Morning on WETN 88 Radio - We're Talking American Idol

Catch me tomorrow morning at 8:30 am eastern on WETN 88 radio's Joy In The Morning, broadcasting from Wheaton College. We'll be talking American Idol and Christianity. I think you can listen online at the WETN website. Check out my...
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Thursday May 21, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream

Congratulations - Kris Allen Is The New American Idol!

Last night the worship leader from Conway, Arkansas pulled off what might be the biggest upset in American Idol history when he beat out the glam rocker from San Diego, Adam Lambert for the title of American Idol. Allen...
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Wednesday May 20, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream

American Idol Finale: And The Winner Is? Blogging Live Tonight!

Well, this is it, my friends. It's been a long journey from those first auditions to the finale, but here we are with two of the best performers in this season's competition still standing. One will be named American...
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Wednesday May 20, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream

American Idol Finale & The Worst Song Ever Written

Last night the two remaining Idol contestants, the aw, shucks worship leader from Conway, Arkansas, Kris Allen, and the glam rocker from Los Angeles, Adam Lambert, battled it out to the final note for the title of Season 8's American...
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Tuesday May 19, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream

American Idol's Kris Allen and Adam Lambert Final Performances Tonight - Blogging Live

Can you believe that tonight we see the final contestant performances of this season of American Idol? Did you think back during Hollywood Week that we'd have Adam Lambert and Kris Allen as the final two contestants standing? I'm not...
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Tuesday May 19, 2009

Categories: American Idol

Video: Adam Lambert's "Cryin'" Performance & His Thoughts On The American Idol Finale

With the finale of American Idol tonight I thought you might like to see Adam Lambert's performance of "Cryin'". The song was Lambert's personal song choice and probably best exemplifies his musical style. There's also a short video of Adam's...
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Tuesday May 19, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream

Video: Kris Allen's "Heartless" and His Thoughts On The American Idol Finale

With the finale of American Idol tonight I thought you might like to see the performance that probably kept Kris Allen in the competition and left him vying with Adam Lambert for the title of American Idol. There's also a...
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Tuesday May 19, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music new releases

Press Play "Life Is Beautiful" Hits Stores Today

The debut release from pop band Press Play, Life Is Beautiful, hits stores today, and if you're tired of the same old same old in Christian music, you need to check it out. In fact, even if you're not...
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Thursday May 14, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream

American Idol: Danny Gokey Goes Home; Kris Allen and Adam Lambert Final Two

In case you were living under a rock last night, Danny Gokey was sent home during the results show on American Idol. I've been predicting that Kris would be in the final two; I figured it would be Adam...
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Wednesday May 13, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream

American Idol Top 3 Results Show - Blogging LIVE

Last night the remaining Idols - Kris Allen, Danny Gokey and Adam Lambert - sang their little hearts out, with both a personal song choice and a judge's song choice. You can read my live blog during last night's show...
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Wednesday May 13, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream

American Idol Top 3 - My Predictions For Tonight's Results Show

Last night the remaining Idols - Kris Allen, Danny Gokey and Adam Lambert - sang their little hearts out, with both a personal song choice and a judge's song choice. All three knocked their personal choices out of the park,...
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Tuesday May 12, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream

American Idol Top 3 Perform - Blogging Live!

I can hardly wait for tonight's episode of American Idol, when the final three - Adam Lambert, Danny Gokey and Kris Allen - perform live. They'll perform two songs - a judge's choice and then a song of their choice;...
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Friday May 8, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream, Christian music poll

Christian Music Poll: American Idol & Faith

Hey, all, I wonder if you'd mind helping me out with an article I'm doing for a major mainstream website? I just need to include a couple of viewer comments about the show and faith, and you all have so...
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Thursday May 7, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream

Idol's Kris Allen, Adam Lambert, Danny Gokey Head Home; Celebration Schedules

Last night Adam Lambert, Danny Gokey and Kris Allen became the final three contestants in this season's American Idol, which means that three towns in the US are in a frenzy getting ready to welcome them home for celebrations. According...
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Wednesday May 6, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream

American Idol Top 4 Results Show - Blogging Live

Last night, the final four American Idol contestants performed rock songs, and it's a toss up who was the best: Adam or Allison. Sure, Adam killed Led Zepplin's "Whole Lotta Love," but Allison proved on her duet with Adam of...
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Tuesday May 5, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream

American Idol's Top 4 Perform - Blogging Live

American Idol's final Top 4 - Adam Lambert, Danny Gokey, Kris Allen and Allison Iraheta - will perform rock songs on Tuesday's show, with guest mentor, former Guns N' Roses guitarist, Slash. I went out on a limb last...
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Sunday May 3, 2009

Categories: American Idol

David Cook Announces His Brother's Death During 5K Benefit Run

(NOTE: My apologies for those of you who got the goofy titled link to this post. I was in a hurry this week doing posts because I had to report for jury duty, and didn't go back and re-check what...
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Friday May 1, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream

Daughtry Debuts New Single on American Idol Next Week

Idol favorite Chris Daughtry and his band will release their sophomore album in July, but you'll get to hear the first single, "No Surprise," from the project when he performs May 6 on American Idol. Daughtry is currently in the...
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Thursday April 30, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music on TV, Christian music poll

American Idol Poll: Who Would You Vote For If The Finale Was Today?

This week, bluesy pianist Matt Giraud was sent home in what might have been the best show in a very long time on American Idol. In fact, I've venture to say this was the most talented top 5 we've seen...
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Wednesday April 29, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music on TV

American Idol Top 5 Results - Who's Going Home?

Last night, the remaining five American Idol contestants performed songs from the Rat Pack, and they proved why they're the best of this season. It's difficult to predict who's going home. Even DialIdol.com, which tracks the busy signals for the...
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Tuesday April 28, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music on TV

American Idol Winner Prediction - I'm Going Out On A Limb With Kris Allen

For the past few weeks I've been saying that I think this season of American Idol is going to come down to Adam Lambert, Danny Gokey and Kris Allen. Most people I've talked to disagree; they think Allison wil be...
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Tuesday April 28, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music on TV

American Idol Top 5 Perform - Blogging Live!

I was away last week when Anoop Desai and Lil Rounds were sent packing on American Idol, but I'm back and ready to rock and roll as the remainin top 5 perform live. Well, maybe not rock and roll. How...
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Tuesday April 21, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream

American Idol Top 7 Perform (Again, and I Missed it)

As you know, I'm in Nashville this week for Gospel Music Week. That means that Idol comes on at 7 pm where I am, so I wasn't able to watch the show because I was at the Centricity dinner and...
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Wednesday April 15, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream

American Idol Top 7 Results Show - The Judges Use Their Save On Matt Giraud!

In Last night the Top 7 American Idol contestants sang their hearts out to song from the cinema, with special guest mentor Quentin Tarantino. Tonight, we find out who goes home. Top performers last night included Danny Gokey and Adam...
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Tuesday April 14, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream

American Idol Top 7 Perform - Blogging Live

Wow, we're really getting down to the wire here, as tonight the Top 7 American Idol contestants perform live. They'll be singing songs from cinema, with guest Quentin Tarantino. I have no idea what Quentin Tarantino can mentor them about,...
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Wednesday April 8, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream

American Idol Top 8 Results - Blogging Live

Last night the Top 8 performed songs from the year they were born on American Idol. Some of the contestants did great, others failed to live up to expectations. Danny Gokey, Kris Allen, Adam Lambert, Allison Iraheta and Matt...
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Wednesday April 8, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music on TV

Kris Allen performing "All She Wants To Do Is Dance"

Last night, the top 8 contestants performed live on American Idol. While I did a recap live, I keep coming back to two things:' 1) Most of the contestants were born the same year as my daughter (1985); and...
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Tuesday April 7, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream

American Idol's Top 8 Perform Tonight - Blogging Live

Tonight, the remaining Top 8 American Idols perform songs from the year they were born. Last week, Megan finally went home, so I'm left with a Top 8 that doesn't include any more stinker contestants. While I think tonight might...
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Wednesday April 1, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream

American Idol Top 9 Results - Megan Joy Corkrey Goes Home (Finally)

Last night we say the Top 9 American Idol contestants perform, and tonight we find out who gets voted off. With the song choices to wide open, it's hard to believe that some contestants still managed to pick the...
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Tuesday March 31, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream

American Idol Top 9 Perform Tonight - Blogging Live!

Join me tonight as American Idol's Top 9 perform live. Rumor is that the contestants chose from a list of the top songs downloaded on iTunes. That means the music will be super current and could be all over the...
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Friday March 27, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream

American Idol Top 10 Recap: Should Megan Have Been In The Bottom Three?

Last night on American Idol, Michael Sarver was sent home. I don't think that anyone was surprised, but was was shocking was that Matt Giraud was in the bottom three. Honestly, most everyone I talked with thought for sure that...
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Thursday March 26, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream

American Idol Top 10 Results - Michael Goes Home

Well, it's the end of the road for one contestant tonight for one of American Idol's Top 10. DialIdol.com is predicting that Megan, Michael and Scott will be in the bottom three, but I think it may be Lil instead...
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Wednesday March 25, 2009

Categories: American Idol

American Idol's Top 10 Perform Tonight - Blogging Live

The President's address pushed American Idol off by a day this week, so the Top 10 will perform the songs of Motown tonight. This could be a really great show, because once again the variety of songs available offers the...
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Wednesday March 18, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream

American Idol Top 11 Results LIVE

It's American Idol results night, and it's time to find out what happens to our Top 11. Will Michael Sarver live to bore us for another week? Will Adam's over the top show finally be too much for viewers? Did...
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Wednesday March 18, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream

Is There Too Much Jesus On American Idol?

Last night, Danny Gokey sang Carrie Underwood's "Jesus Take The Wheel." As expected, he sang it well, although I don't think it was his best performance. But in light of the media focus this week on the Christian aspect...
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Wednesday March 18, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream

American Idol Top 11 Predictions

Last night, American Idol's Top 11 performed and tonight we find out who's going home. The remaining 10 have the added bonus of being assured a spot on the American Idol tour. So if you liked Adam Lambert's ......
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Tuesday March 17, 2009

Categories: American Idol

American Idol's Top 11 Perform Grand Ole Opry Hits - Blogging LIVE Tonight

Join me here LIVE tonight as American Idol's Top 11 perform hits made popular by members of the Grand Ole Opry. While I know the Opry is all about country, it evokes images more of gospel country than "crying in...
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Tuesday March 17, 2009

Categories: American Idol

Gospel Soundcheck Featured in Associated Press American Idol Story

Clearly, the Christian music-American Idol link is a hot hot hot topic because last week I was interviewed not only by MTV on the Chris Fabry Live! radio show, but also the Associated Press about the show and the number...
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Monday March 16, 2009

Categories: American Idol

4 Reasons Why There Are So Many Christian Contestants On American Idol

I did an interview last week with Gil Kaufman from MTV about the number of Christian contestants on this season of American Idol. Later that same day, I talked to a reporter named Derrick from the Associated Press about the...
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Monday March 16, 2009

Categories: American Idol

I'm A Guest Today on "Chris Fabry Live"

I'll be a guest today on the Moody Radio Show "Chris Fabry Live." You can listen live at 2 pm Central/3 pm Eastern. The topic? You guessed it: Christians on American Idol. Get the Gospel Soundcheck headlines delivered daily to...
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Friday March 13, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in movies, Christian music on TV, Joanne Brokaw

MTV Features Gospel Soundcheck In A Story on American Idol

Gil Kaufman, a writer for MTV, interviewed me this week for a story he was doing about American Idol and what seems like an unusual number of Christian artists in this season's competition. I've been covering the Christian angle of...
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Wednesday March 11, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream

American Idol Top 13 Results and Surprises

Last night we saw the Top13 perform - some did great, some not so much. Tonight we see who American has chosen to move on as two contestants go home ... or do we? Simon said they have a surprise...
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Tuesday March 10, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream, Christian music on TV

American Idol Top 13 Perform Michael Jackson Songs

Join me here LIVE tonight as American Idol's Top 13 contestants perform the songs of American Idol. Michael Jackson songs? Hmmm. This should be interesting. Performing tonight: Kris Allen Danny Gokey Megan Joy Corkrey Anoop Desai Matt Giraud Alexis Grace...
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Friday March 6, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream

American Idol Names Top 13, Not 12

On last night's American Idol Wild Card show (you can read my live show recap), the judges surprised everyone by naming 13 contestants instead of 12. Ricky Braddy blew his chance by singing "Superstition" and looking like a karaoke...
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Thursday March 5, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream

American Idol Wild Card Show - Performances & Results TOP 13!

Tonight on American Idol we get to see the last group of performers and find out which three will make it to the Top 12. The contestants will perform and then the judges will announce their decisions. Peforming tonight: Anoop...
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Thursday March 5, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream

American Idol Wild Card Round: The Return of Tatiana!

Last night, Scott MacIntyre, Lil Rounds and Jorge Nunez joined Danny Gokey, Alexis Grace, Michael Sarver, Allison Iraheta, Kris Allen and Adam Lambert, and the judges announced the 8 contestants who will vie tonight for the final three spots...
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Wednesday March 4, 2009

Categories: American Idol

American Idol Group 3 Results: Scott MacIntyre, Lil Rounds, Jorge Nunez

Tonight we get the results from the Group 3 live performances of last night. You can read my comments as I blogged live last night but my predictions: Lil Rounds, Scott MacIntyre and Felicia Barton. In the competition so far,...
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Tuesday March 3, 2009

Categories: American Idol

American Idol Wild Card Round This Week, Thursday March 5

Tonight, American Idol's Group 3 competes to fill the next 3 spots in the Top 12 (you can join me tonight LIVE and comment during the show). We get the results tomorrow, on Wednesday ... and then the Wild Card...
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Tuesday March 3, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream

American Idol Group 3 - Blogging Live

Tonight on American Idol, we get to see Group 3 perform and find out if worship leader Felicia Barton joins fellow worship leaders Danny Gokey, Michael Sarver and Kris Allen in the Top 12. It's a season rife with Christian...
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Tuesday March 3, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Free christian music downloads

Free Christian Music Download from American Idol's Mandisa

You can get a free music download from former American Idol contestant Mandisa over at iTickets.com. The song is "My Deliverer" from her new album, Freedom. The song is the first single from the album, which releases March 24th. The...
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Friday February 27, 2009

Categories: American Idol

Tension At The American Idol Judges' Table: Is The Honeymoon Over?

Last night during the American Idol results show, I detected more than a little tension at the judges' table which makes me wonder if this season the real drama will occur off-stage. While new fourth judge Kara DioGuardi was making...
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Friday February 27, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream

American Idol: Is This The Season of the Worship Leader?

Last night, I was wrong about my American Idol predictions, and I've never been so happy: Kris Allen (pictured) made the Top 12! He, along with Allison Iraheta and Adam Lambert, join Alexis Grace, Danny Gokey and Michael Sarver in...
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Thursday February 26, 2009

Categories: American Idol

Norman Gentle This Season's Sanjaya? No Way! Check out last night's performance

I read a blog today that likened American Idol contestant Norman Gentle (known in real life as Nick Mitchell) to Season 6 contestant Sanjaya Malakar. Maybe you remember the admittedly cute but woefully untalented singer who was kept in...
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Thursday February 26, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream

American Idol Group 2 - Results Show LIVE

So last night the second group performed on American Idol, and all I can say is they pretty much stunk up the joint. You can read my live blog from the show last night and get the play by play....
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Wednesday February 25, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream

American Idol Group 2 On the road to the Top 12 - Blogging Live

OK Idol fans! We're ready for Group 2 on our road to the Top 12. Tonight, there are three contestants with ties to Christian music: Mishovanna Henson, Matt Giraud, and Kris Allen. Plus, Norman/Normund Gentle (aka Nick Mitchell) performs. It...
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Tuesday February 24, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream

American Idol Group 2 Performances Wednesday Night - Your Predictions?

This week, American Idol airs on Wednesday night (not Tuesday), so join me at 8 pm on Wednesday, February 25 as the second group of contestants perform for their chance to make it to the Top 12. (NOTE: This is...
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Monday February 23, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Gospel music

American Idol George Huff To Release Sophomore Album

Season 3 American Idol's George Huff is set to release his sophomore self-titled gospel album on April 7th. The songs on his new album reflect some of the hard times he's experienced in his life. Originally from New Orleans, for...
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Sunday February 22, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream

Send American Idol's Jamar Rogers Birthday Wishes

This week, I gave you an update on American Idol's Jamar Rogers and what he's been doing since he was eliminated from the show during Hollywood Week. (Be sure to check out this post: American Idol's Jamar Rogers and...
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Saturday February 21, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream

American Idol's Jamar Rogers and Frankie Jordan - BIG BIG NEWS!

American was shocked when Jamar Rogers was eliminated from American Idol during Hollywood Week. We'd enjoyed watching him and best buddy Danny Gokey during the auditions and had hopes of watching them compete together in the Top 12. Sure, we...
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Thursday February 19, 2009

Categories: American Idol

American Idol Contestants With Ties to Christian Music - Round 2 & Updates

The next round of American Idol contestants was announced last night, and for no other reason that I really don't want to write my humor column I've spent the morning searching for any ties these contestants have to Christian music....
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Wednesday February 18, 2009

Categories: American Idol

American Idol Group One Results Tonight - Join Me Here LIVE

Hey, all, just a quick note to let you know that I'll be back tonight blogging live during the results show. Let's see who goes through to the top 12. Will it be Danny, Alexis and Anoop, like I predicted?...
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Wednesday February 18, 2009

Categories: American Idol, mainstream stuff you might like

American Idol Viewers Rate Randy Jackson Top Judge From Last Night

I told you last week that HCD Research was going to be conducting research during the live performances of American Idol, but instead of rating the singers, they were rating the judges. Well, 1,522 viewers watched clips of each...
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Wednesday February 18, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream

American Idol Predictions: Danny, Alexis and Anoop, And The Battle Of The Church Worship Leaders

Thanks for those of you who played along last night during American Idol while I blogged live during round one of the Top 36 performances! After watching the live performances, I stand by my predictions: top guy, Danny Gokey; top...
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Tuesday February 17, 2009

Categories: American Idol

American Idol Round One: Blogging LIVE Tonight!

Tonight's American Idol kicks off the first of four elimination rounds that will whittle the field down to the Top 12 contestants. I'm going to blog LIVE tonight during the performances, and I want you to join in! Tonight's contestants...
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Monday February 16, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream

American Idol's Felicia Barton a Worship Leader at Freedom Fellowship in VA

Felicia Barton got what I'm sure was the surprise of her life last week when she was added to the top 36 in Season 8 of American Idol after Joanna Pacitti was deemed ineligible to compete. Like Danny Gokey and...
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Friday February 13, 2009

Categories: American Idol

Judging The American Idol Judges: Research Firm Takes On The Task

Looks like the contestants won't be the only ones under the microscope this season on American Idol. HCD Research announced yesterday that beginning February 17 it will conduct a study among a nationally representative sample of Americans to evaluate...
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Friday February 13, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream

American Idol Round One: Tell Me Your Predictions

Tuesday night, American Idol kicks off the first of four weeks of elimination rounds to narrow the field to the top 12 contestants, and I want to know who you think will make it to the top 12. The...
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Thursday February 12, 2009

Categories: American Idol

Breaking American Idol News: Joanna Pacitti Ineligible; Replaced By Felicia Barton

A note posted today on the American Idol Top 36 page notes that: "It has been determined that Joanna Pacitti is ineligible to continue in the competition. Felicia Barton has replaced Ms. Pacitti as part of the Top 36."...
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Thursday February 12, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream

Idol Shocker: Jamar Rogers Sent Home, Tatiana Del Toro Stays

The final night of Hollywood week found the contestants doing their face-to-face meetings with the judges (unfortunately, minus the elevator cam), with an added twist: some contestants had to sing again in a "sing off" between contestants. But before I...
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Wednesday February 11, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream

American Idol: My Predictions For Some Of The Final 36

Last night was the final performances of season 8 of American Idol's Hollywood Week auditions, and while the format was confusing - we started at the end and worked backwards - there's only one thing that really matters: Tonight, we...
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Tuesday February 10, 2009

Categories: American Idol

American Idol Season 8 Contestants With Ties to Christian Music

** UPDATED POST HERE: American Idol Contestants With Ties to Christian Music - Round 2 & Updates I hate to admit it, but I spent hours this weekend surfing the net to do a little research on some of the...
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Friday February 6, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream, Christians involved in social justice

American Idol Contestant Kristen McNamara & L.A.U.G.H.

I was checking out some of the Idol contestants today and came across Kristen McNamara's MySpace and another site for an organization that she co-founded called L.A.U.G.H.: Love All Unconditionally Giving Hope. You'll remember Kristen as part of the...
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Friday February 6, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream

American Idol Contestant Ryan Johnson Performs Tonight with Christian Band Instereo

instereo Season 8 American Idol contestant Ryan Johnson will perform tonight with his Christian band Instereo. The show will happen tonight at Grace Chapel of Praise, 621 S. Erie Highway in Hamilton, Ohio. Instereo drummer Terry Thurston told the publication...
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Thursday February 5, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream

Is Jesus at American Idol's Hollywood Week?

I know that we haven't had a chance to really get to know all of the contestants in this year's American Idol competition, but something at last night's group auditions struck me: some of the people praying and thanking...
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Saturday January 31, 2009

Categories: American Idol

I need to clarify my Phil Stacey post

I just wanted to take a minute to clarify - and apologize - if my Phil Stacey post came off as critical. I got a comment from CFPhilfan made me go back and reread the post, and he/she is right:...
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Friday January 30, 2009

Categories: American Idol

Phil Stacey Signs With Reunion Records

For those of you who think American Idol is th fastest way to the top of the music industry, be warned: even Idols get the axe. Phil Stacey parted ways with his label, Lyric Street, according to the Country Standard...
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Wednesday January 28, 2009

Categories: American Idol

American Idol Judge Kara DioGuardi Gives Contestant Some Solid Advice

Last night's episode of "American Idol" in Jacksonville was without much excitement. (You can read my American Idol recaps at NewChristianVoices.com.) But Kara DioGuardi did give contestant Darin Darnell some excellent advice. Darnell was a bit weepy because his buddy...
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Tuesday January 20, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream

Chris Sligh co-writes new Rascal Flatts song

Chris Sligh, American Idol Season 6 finalist (at what point can we stop id'ing AI alum by that credit?), has co-written the new Rascal Flatt's single, "Here Comes Goodbye." The song was written by Sligh and Clint Lagerberg, who also...
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Thursday January 15, 2009

Categories: American Idol, Christian music in mainstream

More on American Idol contestant Danny Gokey and wife Sophia

I know it's still early in the competition, but last night's auditions in Kansas City showcased Danny Gokey, a singer from Milwaukee who lost his wife just four weeks before that audition. The show's producers milked that story, didn't they?...
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Thursday January 15, 2009

Categories: American Idol

What's up with American Idol's new judge Kara DioGuardi and why is the show milking contestants' tragedies?

So the first two auditions from American Idol are over, and I have two questions: 1) Why is American Idol taking such advantage of the contestants' tragedies? 2) Why do we need another judge? First, the contestants....
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Tuesday December 30, 2008

Categories: American Idol, Best of 2008, Christian music year in review

Christian music's memorable moments from 2008

I recently did a Christian Music Year in Review post, wrapping up some of the stories that readers were talking about on the Gospel Soundcheck blog since I started writing back in June. Here are a few more memorable moments...
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Thursday December 4, 2008

Categories: American Idol, Christian Humor, Snark Alert

"You might be a Christian music fan if" joke explained

Well, knock me over with a pack of Testamints but apparently some of you didn't get my "You might be a Christian music fan if..." post. Well, at least the Jonas Brothers/David Archuleta joke anyway. Most of you probably didn't...
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Tuesday December 2, 2008

Categories: American Idol, Prayer requests

Arrest made in Jennifer Hudson family murders

Reuters reported yesterday that William Balfour, the former brother-in-law of actress Jennifer Hudson, has been arrested for the murder of Hudson's mother, brother and nephew. Balfour was in an Illinois prison on charges of parole violation for a previous attempted...
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Friday October 24, 2008

Categories: American Idol, Christian music on TV, Gospel music

"Songs of Soul and Inspiration" features CeCe Winans, Shirley Caesar, Dionne Warwick, Chaka Khan

This Sunday night, October 26, the Gospel Music Channel will debut the special, "Songs of Soul and Inspiration" to celebrate the 50th anniversary of AARP and honor the musical legacy of the African American church. The event, which was recorded...
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Tuesday September 30, 2008

Categories: American Idol, Christian music contests

American Idol Chris Sligh wants you to make his next music video

As he wraps his nationwide, headline "Back to School" tour this week, American Idol finalist Chris Sligh is asking fans to help him create his next video, by lip-syncing to the original vocals for Sligh's debut, top 10 AC hit...
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Wednesday September 24, 2008

Categories: American Idol, Christian music and gay issues, Christian music in mainstream

Shocker! Clay Aiken comes out of the closet

I know this will come as a shock to many of you, so sit down in case you faint, but Clay Aiken has come out of the closet and confirmed that he is, indeed, gay. Um. Didn't we pretty much...
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Friday July 4, 2008

Categories: American Idol, Christian music new releases

Phil Stacey's "Old Glory" released to iTunes

While serving active duty in the United States Navy as a Musician Third Class at Navy Band Southeast in Jacksonville, Florida, former American Idol contestant Phil Stacey penned a patriotic anthem, "Old Glory." The song has now been released to...
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Award-winning freelance writer and columnist Joanne Brokaw covers entertainment for The Christian Examiner newspapers, The Minnesota Christian Chronicle, and The Ozarks Christian News. Her other writing credits include Breakaway and Brio Magazines, OnCourse Magazine, ChristianMusicPlanet.com, BuddyHollywood.com and AGreaterFreedom.com. Her humor column, A Big Slice of Life, appears monthly in the Christian Voice Magazine and she pens a regular humor column on The Writing Life for ByLine Magazine. Joanne lives in Western New York with her darling husband David, their Border collie Scout and their cat Murphy. Their almost adult daughter Cassie drops by often. Find out more about Joanne at JoanneBrokaw.com.

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