American Idol-related stories
'American Idol' Contestant Loses 80 Pounds
Diet & Weight Loss, Celebs & Entertainment
Photo: Ray Mickshaw, FOX|Jason Merritt, Getty Images
Since the infamous moment when Cowell made a joke about needing a bigger stage to accommodate Hundley -- a moment that, by the way, just won't die thanks to the fact that "American Idol Rewind" chose to include it in the premiere episode -- Hundley's life has changed dramatically. Not only does she have a new album out, titled "Freedom," but the singer has also dropped an astonishing 80 pounds, reports Entertainment Tonight (via MSN TV).
It was the recording of her album, singing songs about being set free, that inspired the change. She told ET that she couldn't help but ask herself, "How can I tell people that God has set them free when I am still bound?" A trip to Mount Rushmore was also a wake-up call -- she found herself breathing heavy and sweating and in pain from walking up the incline, and when she got home, she set to work on changing her eating habits and her life, hiring a personal trainer and seeing a counselor specializing in eating disorders.
Click on the gallery below to see more American Idol stars who are showing off new figures. Story continues after the gallery.
'Shape Magazine' reported that Grammy-winning vegetarian Carrie Underwood has dropped between 15 and 20 pounds since her Idol days by hitting the treadmill, swimming and sticking to healthy eats. Although she admits to a weakness for cheese, Underwood prevents herself from overindulging by keeping a food diary and carrying around whole grain Kashi bars wherever she goes.
American Idol Body Transformations
By Gabrielle Linzer
'Shape Magazine' reported that Grammy-winning vegetarian Carrie Underwood has dropped between 15 and 20 pounds since her Idol days by hitting the treadmill, swimming and sticking to healthy eats. Although she admits to a weakness for cheese, Underwood prevents herself from overindulging by keeping a food diary and carrying around whole grain Kashi bars wherever she goes.
Stephen Shugerman, Getty Images
Though he has dropped almost 100 pounds, American Idol (AI) season 2 victor Ruben Studdard, is as cuddly as ever. According to MSNBC, Studdard kicked his weight loss into high gear in order to avoid being struck by one of numerous diseases that run in his family including diabetes and high blood pressure. By attending a weight management center at Duke University, he was able to learn how to make healthier choices and upon leaving, adopted a vegetarian diet.
Katy Winn, Getty Images
Kelly Clarkson, the original queen of AI, reportedly does not believe in diets. However, we hear that since AI, she has refined her eating habits (focusing on portion control) and amping up her fitness routine instead of following any particular diet plan. Clarkson told 'Us Weekly' that she indulges in her penchant for chocolate, but only to a certain point. and sprints around concert arenas work best for this belting beauty.
Getty Images
Along with his daily 45 minute runs and energetic stage performances, 'People Magazine' reports Taylor Hicks was able to drop 22 pounds, which we think has helped given him an uncanny resemblance to George Clooney. Plus, cutting back on his beloved Southern fried foods and upping his intake of brown rice, salad, chicken soup couldn't have hurt.
Mark Mainz, Getty Images
After a five-year battle with bulimia, AI season 5 runner-up Katherine McPhee managed to drop 30 pounds the healthy way by sticking to the Intuitive eating plan. She told Shape Magazine that the plan worked because she can munch on anything she pleases, but when she's full, she stops. Exercise-wise McPhee tones her muscles with weight training and likes to walk on the treadmill for 45 minutes four to five days a week.
Steve Granitz, WireImage.com
Oscar-winning Dreamgirl Jennifer Hudson knows how to have a good time, but don't ask her to stay out late partying: It's been reported by 'Us Weekly' that J-Hud wakes up before dawn for her daily run, followed by squats, push-ups and sit-ups. This AI Season 3 finalist dropped 60 pounds through her rigorous workout routine and a healthy diet that included staple items such as salads, grilled chicken and cranberry juice. When she needs an energy boost, Hudson turns to a stash of diet-smart snacks: almonds, cashews, and raisins.
Frazer Harrison, Getty Images
AI season 2 finalist Kimberley Locke reportedly lost about 25 pounds weight with the help of a stint on 'Celebrity Fit Club.' But when she wanted to drop another 40, she called Jenny Craig. Along with the help of her "Jenny" diet, Locke began jumping rope for exercise.
Alberto E. Rodriguez, Getty Images
'US Weekly' dubbed Kellie Pickler "the next Jessica Simpson," and like her blond counterpart, the AI season 5 finalist also got serious about shaping up. Pickler gained nearly 20 pounds munching on candy backstage during her time on the show. But by taking simple measures, such as replacing offstage sweets with vegetables, she eliminated almost all junk food from her diet. Pickler stays fit by playing football with band members and with a killer ab routine, in which she does 100 crunches a day on her tour bus.
Gregg DeGuire, WireImage.com
Megan Mullally, Best Running Shoes and Shin Pain - Week in Review - March 23 to March 29
Simon Cowell once quipped that a bigger stage was in order when she stepped on it, but former "American Idol" contestant Mandisa is the real winner now. She recently lost 75 pounds.Get ready for spring with a pair of new running shoes. Kristen has the top picks of 2009.
Dane Patterson was eliminated from "The Biggest Loser" three weeks ago, but what he really needs to be ashamed about is faking the last three miles of his marathon. Does his redo redeem him?
High protein diets may help you trim the fat quickly, but are they really the best choice? Ashley's got the scoop. (Hint: If it's got the word "diet" in it, it's probably not.)
Jonny thinks cardio isn't the best exercise for weight loss, but he says that's not a reason not to do it. With cardio losing out to the more efficient interval training, are you still taking those long walks or run?
Karla's found that weight loss has changed the way she looks at her love life ... desperately seeking balance. Did weight loss affect one of your relationships in a positive or negative way?
Experts think they've narrowed down the pace of a solid, healthy walk -- 100 steps a minute. But did they account for varying levels of fitness?
Shin pain in my nemesis, which is why I want to hug Fitz for her advice on preventing and treating shin pain.
Fit and 50, Megan Mullally loves Pilates and was once addicted to step classes. Learn more about how this "In the Motherhood" star stays looking so hot.
Idol's Randy Jackson Has a Body With Soul
Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment, Nutrition & Supplements
Randy Jackson calls his diagnosis with Type II diabetes a double-edged sword. It was bad, because diabetes is a disease that never goes away. But it was good, because he had to do something about it. What did he do? He lost weight -- and lots of it -- and changed his entire lifestyle. He dishes up the skinny in his new book Body With Soul: Slash Sugar, Cut Cholesterol, and Get a Jump on Your Best Health Ever.While Jackson was the recipient of gastric bypass surgery, he says it wasn't meant to be an easy fix. A lot of hard work is still necessary after this expensive and risky procedure (just ask Karla), which certainly is not for everyone. It worked for Jackson, though, since he had a disease and needed to do something quickly.
Post-surgery, Jackson is all about changing habits, and he fully endorses the morsel diet -- just have a bite and then move on. And no seconds either. Hey, we all know what's good and bad for us, says the American Idol judge. Eat healthy food and move. Does it get any easier than that?
Jordin Sparks Designs New Holiday Dress Line - And It's Not Just For Skinny Girls
Celebs & Entertainment, Reviews & Products
American Idol superstar Jordin Sparks is doing more than singing lately. She's also keeping busy designing holiday dresses for Wet Seal. Jordin's line, called Sparks, will hit stores just in time for Thanksgiving and will one day feature casual apparel and accessories too. Jordin is reportedly thrilled about her new venture. "I am so excited that Wet Seal and I have been able to create a line of clothing that will appeal to more girls than ever before," says the 19-year-old. Why will her dresses appeal to so many girls? Well, because they'll be terrific and trendy, of course, but also because Jordin is no skinny-mini -- and that's a good thing. Girls of all sizes can look at the rising star and realize that it's OK to be something other than a size two, that good things do come to girls of all shapes, that fashion was not intended just for the waify ones.
The holiday season is Jordin's favorite time of year, she says. And she can't wait to see girls -- from XS to XL -- look cute, feel good, and celebrate in style. Check out some of her dresses in the gallery below. And shop online for these finds at wetseal.com.
Jordin Sparks on size
American Idol winner Jordin Sparks has generated a lot of controversy because of her size, and while most people have embraced the curvy singer's stylish appearance, a few have criticized her. Sparks recently talked to OK magazine about her love life, her career and her diet. Here's what she had to say:- On the pressure to be thin: "I really think that Hollywood needs to get over that. I'm just saying! I kind of thought it was really dumb before, anyway, before I got into all this. I'm still the same. I'm not going to change just because you have this image of somebody and how they need to look, because I will never look like that. I would probably fall over if the wind blew if I was that skinny. I can't help it. I love food and I love my curves. I'm very strong-willed and I'm stubborn in that sense to where I'm just like "no, I won't be that way." I definitely do like exercise. I like to eat right. It's all about being healthy. The stick-thin thing, I'm kind of just like "not gonna do it" and I couldn't."
- On her diet and exercise regime: "I eat salads, steaks and good stuff, and I'm trying to cut out soda but it's kind of hard. That's what I was doing, and I'm trying to get back into it. Since everything has been so crazy and sometimes I don't really have time to go out and drive to the gym, I'll just do some sit-ups in my room, jump rope in my room a little bit, to get that cardio in, and then just trying to eat right. I'm trying to get back into it."
Randy Jackson campaigns for diabetes awareness
Healthy Habits, Diet & Weight Loss, Celebs & Entertainment
If you're an American Idol fan, then you probably took notice of judge Randy Jackson's dramatic weight loss a while back. But what you may not realize is that the celebrity lost those 110 pounds because of an alarming diagnosis: type 2 diabetes. Nearly 1/3 of people who have type 2 diabetes don't even realize they have it, and Jackson has teamed up with the American Heart Association to raise awareness. In addition to spreading the word about the disease, Jackson also wants everyone to know the heart risks associated with diabetes. Though many people think of kidney and eye problems when they think of diabetes, heart disease is actually a bigger problem. To learn more, visit the campaign's website The Heart of Diabetes. If you or someone close to you has diabetes, you can also submit your story for a chance to be on a televised public service announcement with Jackson.
Jordin Sparks angers National Action Against Obesity
Celebrities and Entertainment, Diet & Weight Loss, Celebs & Entertainment, Motivation
But while I see cute, Meme Roth from the National Action Against Obesity sees, in her words, "diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol...a picture of UNhealth." I am pretty appalled by her remarks, as Jordin is 17 and what appears to be a healthy weight. She's also a real person with feelings and a role model for many young girls who may be on the verge of developing eating disorders after such careless remarks. American Idol is, at far as I know, a show about vocal talent, not body size. You can watch any of the thousand sitcoms on TV to see examples of TV flaunting unhealthy body sizes. Furthermore, I think the appeal of the show is that it features real people with real struggles. Having some stick figure berate her on national television is not going help Jordin develop a comfortable body image that she needs to be healthy and well-rounded.
Am I over-reacting or does this rile you up too?
American Idol winner helps school children fight obesity
Diet & Weight Loss, Nutrition & Supplements
Now Alabama schoolchildren are getting more support -- this time from American Idol winner Ruben Studdard. Studdard -- who's the spokesperson for Scale Back Alabama, a weight-loss campaign -- told students not to be like him and to never forget all the lessons they've learned in talking care of themselves. The singer revealed in December he'd lost 100 pounds, and he told students they didn't want to have to start over getting in shape like he had.
Ruben Studdard's appearance came on the same day that they state announced it's Alabama KidFit Initiative, which will distribute 350,000 KidFit DVDs to school kids in Alabama. Maybe we should all be keeping our eye on Alabama right now, to see if all their hard work pays off!
Ruben Studdard loses weight, wants others to do the same
Ruben is a good ole' southern boy, hailing from Alabama, where deep fried southern comfort food is a staple for many. As such, he is encouraging other Alabamans to Abandon their unhealthy habits and adopt new, healthy ones, as he did. Incidentally, Alabama has the distinction of having one of the highest obesity rates in the country - 28.4. Yikes!
I say good for Ruben for using his fame to influence others to be healthier. I hope he keeps up with his new habits and makes a difference in Alabama and nation-wide.
