Ex-‘Idol’ contestant is disinvited from Fla. show

Ex-‘Idol’ contestant is
disinvited from Fla. show

TAMPA, Fla. — The organizer of a concert billed as a holiday tribute to U.S. troops said Sunday that former “American Idol” finalist Jessica Sierra was disinvited from performing after her recent arrest. But even if Sierra wanted to sing at the event Friday in Washington, she couldn’t. The 22-year-old is being held without bail at the Hillsborough County jail in Tampa on charges of disorderly intoxication and resisting arrest. She is to remain there at least until her next hearing, scheduled Dec. 20. “While we appreciate Ms. Sierra’s past efforts to support U.S. troops, including performing for them in Iraq on Independence Day, it is quite obvious that Ms. Sierra needs to devote a great deal of time to putting her life back together,” Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Buzz Patterson said. Patterson said Sunday that patrons of MoveAmericaForward.org, which is coordinating the concert, were concerned about Sierra’s participation in the event. Sierra was taken into custody Dec. 1 after a fracas with Tampa police officers outside a nightclub. The Tampa native was a finalist on “American Idol” in 2005. She entered a California rehab facility in July.

Honors for Ang Lee

TAIPEI, Taiwan — Taiwan showered native son Ang Lee with honors Saturday as his spy thriller “Lust, Caution” clinched seven prizes, including best film, director and actor at the Golden Horse Awards. The normally reserved director wrapped up his acceptance speech by chanting “Go Taiwanese film!” The success of “Lust, Caution” at the awards came after the film became a big hit in both Taiwan and China. “Lust, Caution,” about an undercover activist who seduces the Japanese-allied spy chief in World War II-era Shanghai to pave way for his assassination, marks Lee’s return to Chinese-language film after making “Hulk” and the gay romance “Brokeback Mountain.” “I feel very warm in the heart to receive everyone’s affirmation,” Lee said.

Today’s birthdays

Actor Harold Gould is 84. Former Agriculture Secretary Clayton Yeutter is 77. Actor Tommy Kirk is 66. Actress Fionnula Flanagan is 66. Pop singer Chad Stuart (Chad and Jeremy) is 66. Actress-singer Gloria Loring is 61. Pop-funk musician Walter “Clyde” Orange (The Commodores) is 61. Rhythm-and-blues singer Ralph Tavares is 59. Rhythm-and-blues singer Jessica Cleaves (Friends of Distinction) is 59. Country singer Johnny Rodriguez is 56. Actress Susan Dey is 55. Actor Michael Clarke Duncan is 50. Jazz musician Paul Hardcastle is 50. Actor-director Kenneth Branagh is 47. Actress Nia Peeples is 46. TV chef Bobby Flay is 43. Rock singer-musician J Mascis is 42. Country singer Kevin Sharp is 37. Rock musician Scot Alexander (Dishwalla) is 36. Rock musician Meg White (The White Stripes) is 33. Violinist Sarah Chang is 27. Actress Raven is 22.