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Access Atlanta > American Idol Buzz > Archives > 2006 > February
February 2006
2/28: Carrie on “Idol” 3/2
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Here’s a press release from Fox. (I presume “Idol” winners have obligations to make appearances only the season afterwards. I doubt we’ll ever be seeing Kelly, Ruben, Clay or Fantasia on the show again.)
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
CARRIE UNDERWOOD RETURNS TO “AMERICAN IDOL� TO PERFORM HER HIT SINGLE “JESUS, TAKE THE WHEEL� THURSDAY, MARCH 2, ON FOX
Season four winner Carrie Underwood returns to the AMERICAN IDOL stage this week, nine months after she was crowned the fourth American Idol. Underwood will perform her hit single “Jesus, Take the Wheel� on the results show Thursday, March 2 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed). “Jesus, Take the Wheel� spent six weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, while Underwood’s debut album “Some Hearts� is No. 1 on the Top Country Albums chart for the 11th straight week.
Underwood began 2006 with “Some Hearts� making music history as the fastest-selling debut country album and setting the benchmark for all new artists to follow. Having sold over 2 million copies to date, “Some Hearts� also has the distinction of becoming the fastest-certified debut country album ever released.
Tune in Tuesday, Feb. 28 (8:00–9:30 PM ET/PT) for the Top 10 girls’ performances and Wednesday, March 1 (8:00-9:30 PM ET/PT) for performances by the Top 10 guys. On the results show airing Thursday, March 2 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), Underwood will perform and four more contestants will go home, ending their quest to become the next American Idol.
Fourteen-time Emmy-nominated AMERICAN IDOL is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, founder of 19 Entertainment; and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; Nigel Lythgoe, President, 19 Television; and Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.
2/28: Where is “Seacrest… out!”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Interesting observation from another blogger: Ryan Seacrest has apparently retired his oft-annoying but memorable “Seacrest … out!” departing sig on the show. Are we sad, glad or just merely relieved?
2/27: More from Paris, Kinnik
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
When Idol offers up contestants, I bite, because that’s what I do. (Once they reach the final 12, I can’t talk to them until they get eliminated or win.) And they gave me a few minutes with Kinnik and Paris this morning as they were on their way to rehearsals. What becomes fairly evident is that I don’t get much out of them in general because they’ve been media-trained to death NOT to say anything remotely controversial. Most probably wouldn’t by nature anyway but I can imagine the no nos: don’t bad mouth other contestants, don’t say what your upcoming song is and don’t air dirty laundry, if there is any, about the behind the scenes. Kinnik and Paris are 12 years apart and light years different.
Kinnik Sky is sweet and cheerful. “I think my parents were more nervous than I was” about the topsy turvy results show. “My dad said he’s never watching the results again.” (Kinnik was supposedly in the bottom three at first, then given a reprieve.) She wasn’t disturbed that Simon deemed her “cabaret,” when she says that’s who she is and took it as a compliment. She acknowledged that her theater experience may even be a disadvantage because in front of the cameras, she needs to dial it down. We’ll see. One interesting fact: with so many contestants, they get very little stage time so she says she spends a lot of time rehearsing in the bathroom of the hotel.
Paris Bennett admits she’s virtually “ADD” and constantly “hyper.” “I’m a fireball,” she said. She said she’s enjoying teaching others how to dance. In the early going, she’s closest to Ayla and Kellie because they are relatively close to her age. She practices in her room but also while she’s running on the treadmill. “It’s good for the diaphragm,” she notes.
“The comments the judges made were a big blessing,” she said, related to her bravura “Midnight Train to Georgia” performance last Tuesday. And she repeated that she doesn’t get nervous, that the standards she has set only motivates her to work harder. She’s interested in medicine if she goes to college and enjoys her three hours a day taking classes online (with an on-site teacher to help out.)
2/27: Votefortheworst.com
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’ve seen people make comments about this site www.votefortheworst.com as if it has any real influence trying to supposedly “thwart” the voting process by encouraging smart alecks to vote for the worst candidates and keep them around longer. I personally doubt it does. It’s gotten more publicity than it deserves. Thoughts?
And this is offtopic, but for those of you who also watched “Dancing With The Stars,” are you as relieved as I am that Drew won? I mean, it’s sweet that Jerry Rice’s fans supported him so much but he didn’t deserve to be in the final two, much less the final four. If Jerry had won, the outcry would have been even bigger than Kelly Monaco beating John O’Hurley. In reality, the victor only gets the pride and a trophy, not even money for charity. And we’re still waiting to see if the publicity last year will help John and Kelly’s careers.
2/26: Life after “Idol”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Here’s a little summary on the post-“Idol” lives of Jim Verraros, Carmen Rasmussen and our very own Vanessa Olivarez from season 2.
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2/25: Former “Idols” on Tyra Friday
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Season 1’s Tamyra Gray, formerly of Norcross, revealed she had a crush on Justin Guarini.
Season 3’s Matthew Rogers showed off hair plugs.
Season 4’s Vonzell Solomon loves WalMart.
Season 4’s Anthony Fedorov fended off rumors he had a fling with Carrie Underwood.
Season 4’s Mikalah Gordon showed off shorter, blonde hair.
Nobody would say they had “relations” with any other contestant. (Season 2 contestant Kimberly Caldwell stayed quiet.)
Here’s what they say they’re up to:
Matt is doing TBS sports commentary, not singing professionally.
Anthony noted he did “Celebrity Fear Factor.”
Tamyra noted she was in “The Gospel,” Broadway’s “Bombay Dreams” and just taped “Las Vegas” to air March 17.
Vonzell has the lead role in a Broadway play called “The Return.” “I’m really excited,” she said. “That’s one of my biggest aspirations to be on Broadway.” Rowdy Records in Atlanta (a Dallas Austin imprint) is working on album with her.
Ryan said she was tied down by a very strict contract that means she couldn’t sing or record the past two years. But she’s back to singing again now and even mentioned some sort of concert in Atlanta (if anybody cares anymore.) And she alluded to the “Surreal Life.”
Kimberly Caldwell is a TV Guide Channel host, which has been a good, steady gig for her.
And Mikalah Gordon isn’t doing much but she did not she’s turned 18. Tyra then granted her a correspondence job on the show.
Interestingly, they did a group song at the end with just one mike. Vonzell, Kimberly and Tamyra had the most time with the mike but Anthony (who sounds great) did a few lines. But when I heard Mikalah, she enunciated as badly as I recalled. I can never understand a thing she sings! Matt and Ryan didn’t even take a solo.
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2/25: A few secs w/the rejects
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“Idol” gave the print press a few minutes with each of the semifinalists Friday afternoon. I decided to ask Becky O’Donohue about Paris Bennett and the Brittenum twins. Unsurprisingly, I got pap.
On Bennett: “She’s a very nice girl. She’s very sweet. She’s a great performer. Just like myself and the rest of the contestants, she’s put her all and tries to be the best she can be.”
On the Brittenum twins: “I did speak with them during Hollywood. They were really nice to me. Again, you never see what goes on once the cameras go on.”
I wasn’t able to do another follow up. The phone conference person cut straight to a TV Guide reporter.
To other reporters, she noted that she was flattered by the attention to the Maxim magazine spread and has no regrets. (Pretty much said no to Playboy.) She says no guys flirted with her on “Idol” “Was I attracted to the guys? I was so worried about my song, I couldn’t even think about that.”
As far as her near future, she said Fox is not looking to “keep us hidden and locked away. They encourage us to pursue any jobs that we can that will help us.”
I figure I’ll skp Stevie & (yawn!) Patrick. But I’ll check on Bobby in a few minutes. He sounds like a hoot. (I got too busy to deal with Bobby. Oh, well. Life goes on.)
Fox was nice enough to provide transcripts. I read Bobby’s. The People magazine reporter asked the same question to him as he did to Becky about how they are dealing with the fact they can’t do much until 90 days after the “Idol” finale. Bobby’s response:
“It’s a double-edged sword. The winner of this competition deserves to get the benefits of being the winner, and they need to have their time to shine. They deserve that, they earned that; and so it’s no skin off my back to wait a little bit to have my career come around, because it’s going to be fine; but the winner of this competition deserves to be the winner.”
Sadly, Bobby only sort of realizes that yes, we will barely remember him by the time August rolls around.
If you care, he’s a big Bette Midler fan and hopes to meet, well, Barry Manilow, of course.
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2/24: Early polling
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
AOL has ranked the top 6 for the men and women here.
It’s a tight early race among men with Ace, Taylor and Chris each with 20%, with Elliott at 14%, Will at 6% and Bucky at 5%.
Katharine is at the top with 20% among women, followed by Lisa and Paris at 18% each. Mandisa lags at 12%, followed by Kellie at 11% and Ayla at 9%.
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2/23: Kinnik, Paris survive first cut
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The four who are out: Becky O’Donohue, Bobby Bennett, Stevie Scott and Patrick Hall. Three of the four (Becky excepted) got minimal airtime before last week and suffered from relatively poor and/or dull performances. Becky was the biggest surprise of the four, given her back story and looks and a decent “Because the Night.” Oh, well. The only one I missed was Becky, having picked Heather, who I’m certain is a goner next week unless she does something really out of the box.
Kinnik Sky of Duluth was teased as a potential bottomfeeder, then given a reprieve in the first round of cuts. (As Cmaire noted in the comments below, Ryan never stated specifically that she got fewer votes than other contestants though I wouldn’t be surprised if she was among the five or six at the bottom.) Paris Bennett of Fayetteville was among the six who were given an automatic break with the presumption (though again, no specific proof) that they were among the top six votegetters. Based on the comments here, early polling and feedback after the performances, these should be among the top six: Paris, Mandisa, Kellie Pickler, Ayla Brown, Katharine McPhee and Lisa Tucker.
They had placed Brenna down with Becky but Becky got the snub. There are a lot of Brenna haters and she probably won’t make it to the final 12 but it’ll be fun to have her around at least another week.
Now the guys for the first cut:
Ryan tells Gedeon McKinney, David Radford, Taylor Hicks, Will Markar, Bucky Covington, and Patrick Hall(!) that they are all safe — for now. Ace and Elliott are told they are okay. Kevin and Chris are also given a moment’s freedom. The two remaining are Bobby Bennett and Sway Penala. Bobby should be there. I thought Sway would have more sway. Bobby is out. There’s a prediction we all knew would come true. He said, “I know.” He knew his time was short on this show. “You are a showman and a joy,” Paula said. “Musical comedy, you make us laugh.”
Again, the women.
The top row of six are safe. Brenna is, too. Kinnik is in. Melissa is okay. It’s now between Stevie Scott and Heather Cox, the two I thought would go. Quickly, he cut Stevie. She was my bottom pick, like Bobby. So I’m two out of thre so far. “I think you picked the wrong song,” Paula said.
Then the guys:
Ryan gives Ace, Kevin, Sway, Chris and Elliott a break. So now it’s Gedeon, Will, Taylor, Patrick, David & Bucky. After he reads info about Bucky & Patrick, he lets the other four free. Finally, he gives Patrick the goodbye. “You didn’t stand out in the crowd,” Simon said.
Hey! I got three out of four correct. That’s not bad!
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2/22: Taylor and Ace — thank you!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’m feeling more like Simon today — grouchy! Thank goodness Ace and Taylor came along at the end because I was getting worried that I’d have trouble coming up with a top 2.
The two who are likely to leave: Bobby Bennett and Patrick Hall. Bobby was like bad karaoke night. Patrick, who was fairly invisible up to now, didn’t distinguish himself enough.
Taylor Hicks (Elton John’s “Levon”) Joe Cocker’s moves and Jay Leno’s hair, as Ryan said. What a likable person! I just enjoy watching him. Wonderful! Totally unique. Randy: “I’m not sure the song was a perfect song choice for you. It doesn’t show how talented you are vocally. You got it going on. You have that Ray Charles/Joe Cocker thing. I love you and I love this performance.” Paula: “You love what you do. We love you for that. We saved the best for last.” Simon: “I said in the beginning if you remember that I didn’t think you should make the finals of this competition. I was wrong. What I like about you. You’re interesting. We’ve had some absolutely horrors over the years. What I like is you are just into the singing. You just love it.”
Ace Young(George Michael’s “Father Figure”) The man with the best name of the competition and the best looks had ALMOST the best performance of the night. I always loved this song, which helped. He has the package to get into the final 12 with ease and likely the final 5. I wanted to hear more and that’s always a good thing. Randy: “You definitely are a star. You were working the camera, working the room. We had performers who thought they were. They were faking it. You have it really going on. And you can sing! I’m loving you!” Paula: “You’re a star. God bless you. Those eyes— HELLO!” Simon: “Ace. Not the best vocals we heard tonight. However, you’ve got an expression we use. The X factor. What it means. You have that extra special something. Once you ease up on the nerves. A brilliant choice of song. You are going to sail through to the next round.”
Gedeon McKinney (Isley Brothers’ “Shout” ) — This is a song that can’t be cut to 90 seconds fairly. Oh, well. Nobody has done it before on “Idol.” It’s a fun tune nonetheless. He’s actually quite good. He’s really feeling this. He’s in for next week. Randy: “That was very unexpected. Very good song choice. Had a lot of energy. You sang in tune. I didn’t see any flashes of amazing chops. I was absolutely entertained. I was almost ready to jump!” Paula: “I was thrown for a loop. It was a great surprise. It was a throwback to some great performers. It’s beaming out of you. You are different and unique.” Simon: “It was as if I was watching the warmups for the Chippendales… Your smile bothers me.”
Will Makar (Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back”) They really are recyling songs. This was Nikko Smith’s tune last year. Now it’s white boy’s attempt at Michael Jackson. It’s like Donny Osmond doing the song! I’m feeling a serious retro 70s feel with this guy. He’s confident and entertaining. A gimme for another week. Randy: “I like you. Even though you aren’t that type of dancer. You were trying to do your thing… I was entertained.” Paula: “You are adorable… You remind me of Bobby Brady. It brought me back. Very vintage.” (I still think he’s more Peter Brady.) Simon: “Reality check. You are a nice looking kid. You’re cute. You’re enthusiastic. Unfortunately, vocally, it was completely and utterly average. Nobody will listen back and say, ‘Wow! What a great singer!’ ”
Elliott Yamin (Stevie Wonder’s “If You Really Love Me”) I like this guy. Stevie is a risky move as evidenced by Brenna last night. He said he did this in karaoke a lot. Unfortunately, it does feel a bit karaoke. It’s solid and he hits all the notes but I’m not moved. Randy: “We got another hot one tonight! Trying to sing Stevie, one of the greatest singers in the known world is really hard. You put it down. I loved you from day one.” Paula: “It’s effortless. Great performance from beginning to end.” Simon: “Five seasons. Potentially you are the best male vocalist we have.”
Chris Daughtry (Bon Jovi’s “Wanted Dead or Alive”) I think this is the first time someone has sung Bon Jovi. He’s cut back on the facial hair. It’s a good bar performance. He’s got a powerful voice. I agree with Simon’s early audition take on him — I’m not sure he has that real “it” factor. Maybe it’s because I just saw Jon Bon Jovi do it last month, but I wasn’t blown away. “You are very very current,” Randy said. “Great recording voice. I loved the performance. I thought it was the bomb.” Paula: “I am so wowed by you. I’ve been wowed by you from day one… Spot on.” Simon: “That was a good choice of song. I think for me, for the first time tonight, now I’m hearing somebody with potential.”
7— Bucky Covington (Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man”) — If you thought Paris looked like it was 1974, so does Bucky! He has a very rustic, country-flavored vocal styling. Echoes of Bo? Very rough-sounding voice when he gets going, like he smokes two packs a day. It was another distinctive performance that should help him get through week one. Randy: “You keep doing the south proud… You don’t always have to sing that hard… it goes a little sharp. I thought it was a cool choice for you. Good southern rocker. I like you stretching it.” Paula: “I thought you picked a good song. Though some were a little off. You’re growing.” Simon: “I think you did better with the band than I’ve seen you before. You’re very raw. We’ve had so-called rockers then find out they did weddings all their lives. Having said that, there are thousands of bars across America where you’d find someone like Bucky.” “He’s better than most of them,” Randy said.
8— Patrick Hall (Melissa Etheridge’s “Come To My Window”) He got virtually no airtime before tonight. Kimberly Caldwell sang this song in season two. He certainly has done a better job. I don’t think his voice is all that special but he brought his own take to it and it wasn’t bad. Not great, just okay. Randy: “It started a little rough, but I thought you did your thing. This wasn’t your best performance. You could actually do this. This wasn’t your best but it’s good.” Paula: “You’re needed in this competition. Stick with what you do best.” Simon: “It was a terrible song.” Paula: “I love Melissa.” Simon: “It is a great song but not for you. You were very anxious. Paula is right. ‘If’ is a beautiful song. You look like you’re missing your piano. You didn’t show any emotion. You didn’t show any star quality.”
9— David Radford (Queen’s “Crazy Little Thing Called Love”) Another repeat song. Fantasia did it. Wow. He is cheesy! He is better than John Stevens vocally. He’s got a distinctive voice and it’s a good song choice for him. He’ll be remembered and survive the week. Randy: “I felt like we were back in auditions. This was some kind of act. There was no originality. The voice wasn’t great. The pitch kept changing. That wasn’t good.” Paula: “The kitty pound loves you. Or the Paula poodle pound. I disagree with Randy. It wasn’t horrible. You carried on who you are. You have a tremendous amount of charisma… It wasn’t my favorite song choice but you were true to who you are.” Simon: “It’s a tricky one. I kind of see where Randy is going. This came over as a bit of a joke. Having said that, I think the audience at home will like you. My advice however, you have to take yourself more seriously.”
10— Jose “Sway” Penala (Earth Wind & Fire’s “Reasons”) — He’s in falsetto zone. Cool hat. Just so-so in the upper levels. Prediction: Simon is going to excoriate him. He has charisma and hit that high note late in the song. Randy: “We got a hot one tonight! You showed originality and range. Congrats, baby, congrats.” Paula: “That was truly amazing… It proves you know who you are and how good you are and deserve to be on that stage.” Simon: We’re really on a different page tonight. I thought it was really pimpy, third-rate copy of Earth Wind & Fire.” (Well, got THAT one right.)
11— Kevin Covais (Brian McKnight’s “One Last Cry”). He looks soooo young and that haircut does nothing for him. He’s not as good as Anthony Fedorov. His vocals are solid but nothing to write home about. He probably has enough of a following to keep him around though. Randy: “I really really like you… You are actually talented and such a real honest kid. From me to you, that was the bomb. Congrats.” Paula: “You make me beam and make me feel proud. I look at someone at 16 so poised, without arrogance. You’re a sheer joy.” Simon: “I like you. But that would appeal to anyone over the age 90 who is hard of hearing. I’m not going to patronize you because of your age. Vocally, it was verging on excruciating.” Cheeks were then pinched by Paula’s poodles.
12— Bobby Bennett (Barry Manilow’s “Copacabana”) Another song that can’t be cut to 90 seconds in fair way. The song is unredeemingly cheeseball and this sort of makes Bobby cheeseball by default. Randy: “I’m watching someone from a whole different era. It’s amazing… I like you and think you’re a great entertainer. Vocally, the song was more here and there. It was just alright.” Paula: “We’ve all enjoyed your entertainment value and showmanship. It was very risky. I think to do that it could go either way… You commit 100% with passion.” Simon: “If you hear a scream from a hotel room in Las Vegas, thats’ where Barry Manilow is watching this show… That was a complete nightmare. There must be people watching this show, saying we must be off our rockers!”
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2/21: Pip Pip Hooray!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s time for the rankings, ladies’ edition! Overall, the pool of 12 girls is better than last year. And there were at least four great performances. And none were complete disasters.
With two hours, “Idol” has time to do more bio on each contestant and for the first time, in their own words. That’s good and especially helps the women who didn’t get much airtime early on. Let’s rank’em from best to worst (Top six in the main entry body, the rest in the “extended entry” portion) I start with my immediate thoughts before I hear the judges, then I provide some of their thoughts.
My crack prediction for the two to go: Stevie Scott and Heather Cox. But don’t take my word for it. My track record last year was fairly miserable. In the final 12, I could usually name two of the bottom three but for eight straight weeks failed to predict the person to be voted off. It was embarrasing. Let’s see if I can do better this year.
Paris Bennett (Gladys Knight & the Pip’s “Midnight Train to Georgia”) — She’s representing Georgia! And I’m not just giving her hometown props. She was joyous and fun, had me on my feet. Her choreography/dancing background helped. I loved the 70’s flip hairstyle, too. Wow! That was one of the best performances in “Idol” history. “We got a hot one America!” Randy said. “Looks like you’ve been doing this all your life.” “You’re my Idol,” Paula said. “You are a showwoman!” Simon: It’s very interesting. You come in 17, showed what you have to do well in this competition. It’s a performance everyone is going to remember… the likability factor. It’s not about being good. It’s about being great. That was great.”
Lisa Tucker (“I Am Changing” Jennifer Holliday)— This gal is 16? She’s a showstopper! Bravo!!! Standing o’ and all that good stuff! “You probably chose one of the biggest and most ambitious songs of the night,” Randy said. “It started a little rough but you worked it out in the end.” Paula: “You are this precious little gift. You light this fire inside my heart and are poised and your’e 16 and you have this gift… you are a star.” Simon: “You made girls who are five or six years older look ordinary. That’s what it’s all about. You have the potential with your career and we look back at this, this is the night we’ll remember Lisa Tucker.” True, true.
Katharine McPhee (Barbra Streisand’s “Since I Fell For You”) —She is one of those vocal gymnastics gals that I often find annoying. But she has a fine texture to her voice and she didn’t overdo it this time. What a range! She won me over. Go figure! Randy: “I always love your voice. You are one of the natural talents… You got it going on.” Paula: “This was a great performance. You gave your all. You own the stage. Everything about you was fantastic. I think you’ll be going all the way.” Simon: “There were four very good vocalists. You were the best.”
Mandisa (Heart’s “Never”) She rocked! Great song choice! Not predictable at all. “It shows you have personality,” Randy said. “You overdid it just a little bit.” “You were phenomenal,” Paula said. “It wasn’t a perfect vocal,” Simon said. “However, you have an unbelievable personality. You have thrown down the gauntlet to the other 11 girls. We’ll see you all the way to the finals of the show.”
Becky O’Donohue(Patti Smith’s “Because the Night”)— She picked a song suited to her lower registers. She started strong, weakened a bit midway but I liked it overall. She has spunk and a fine intensity. She could almost be on “Rock Star.” “I love the performance,” Randy said. “You don’t have to have the best voice but I liked the whole thing.” Paula: “Your charm is your pixie dust. But being realistic, there were notes that were off during the song. You guys all have to remember you don’t have to overperform.” Simon: “Slightly better than what I expected to be honest with you. Visually you are a 10. Voice is a 6 and a half. That last note was so off. I don’t think quite good is good enough for Idol 5. You’ve got to be great. There are probably five or six girls amongst this 12 are great. It was just okay.”
Kellie Pickler (Martina McBride’s “How Far”) This sweet gal picked a really tough song. She was pitchy at times and she just barely pulled off the chorus. She did okay, ended well. “I still feel a little nerves hitting the high notes,” Randy said. “It was good.” Paula: “You’re unpretentious. You don’t have the diva attitude… I think on the chorus you sang your heart out. But you have to carry the song through on the verses.” Simon, who clearly likes Kellie: “You have the likability factor… It felt heartfelt and sincere. That’s what we always like. You’re not a stage school monster… I thought you did very well.” “I’m just glad to be here,” Kellie said gleefully.
7— Kinnik (pronounced ki-NEEK) Sky (Oleta Adams’ “Get Here”) — Brings back memories of one of Justin Guarini’s better performances in 2002. Her voice isn’t nearly as light as Adams. She clearly showed off her theater vocals. But for some reason it didn’t blow me away. It was very good but compared to Lisa Tucker, Mandisa and Paris, not quite there. “Choosing those stylized songs, you’re always compared to who sung it originally. The middl ewas really rough. You brought it home at the end. I have to give it a 6.” “Sharp notes, a few. So what. Your performance was powerful. Your showmanship was on point. I thought you did a lovely job,” Paula said. Simon: “We have seen one or two quite stunning performances from very young girls. We’ve gone incredible young talent. With somebody like you who is 28 years old. You’re very elegant, very regal. It was very cabaret… You’re being overshadowed by the young pretenders.”
8— Melissa McGhee (Faith Hill’s “When the Lights Go Down”) — The pageant gal says with the “Idol” contestants, “it’s a big family.” Uh huh. I’m not familiar with this particular tune. She has an interesting huskiness to her voice and definitely enough heft to it as well. The song is a snoozer. She was good, not incredible, definitely in the middle of the pack overall. “Started a little rocky, but I like that you worked it out,” Randy said. “It didn’t quite come together.” Paula: “I thought this was a shining moment for you. You have a sexy sultry voice.” Simon: “I’m somewhere in the middle here. Before you sang tonight, I would not have remembered you… You’re a bit lifeless when you sing. That worries me. You sang it well. “
9— Ayla Brown (Christina Aguilera’s “Reflections”) - This really is a lame Disney song. I wasn’t impressed with her from her initial audition but she was far better than I expected. Still she isn’t all that distinctive. “I didn’t expect it to be that good,” Randy said. “I was pleasantly surprised.” Paula: “I totally agree with you. That is a very ambitious undertaking. What I really enjoyed is you made it your own song and showed vulnerability.” Simon: “I think you’re probably a hard worker. There’s a limit to where your voice can go. We discovered that toward the end… For the first time for me, I saw some emotion… one of your better performances.” “I felt amazing!” she exclaimed.
10— Brenna Gethers (Stevie Wonder’s “You are the Sunshine of My Life”) The drama queen opts to go understated (like Mikalah tried a couple of times last year). Subtlety is not her strong suit. She plays to the cameras well but the performance felt kind of blah. What happened? “You chose a very safe song,” Randy said. “For me, I gotta keep seeing the girl with attitude… Be who you are. Paula: “Humility and a little bit of humble pie. There is a sensitive side that redeemed you.” Simon: “I don’t think you need to eat any humble pie. That’s what we like about you. That was horrible. Completely and utterly. You’re like a wild little cat. Somebody just put gloves on you. Everything we liked about you just evaporated.” She promises the claws to be out if she makes it. She will. She poses in the most irritating manner. Makes Constantine seem like a modest fella.
11— Heather Cox (The Idols’ “When You Tell Me That You Love Me”) She says she loves the show “like a stalker.” Hmmm… I wouldn’t know, would I? Her vocals are rather ordinary. The power notes were not that powerful, either. Not bad, just not good enough to get into the finals. She looks like a more innocent Jenny McCarthy. “It was kind of really boring,” Randy said. “I wanted to hear you go for it. It was kind of pitchy. It didn’t work for me tonight.” Paula: “I have to agree with Randy. It sounded reall rough… This was not a great performance.” Simon: “It was forgettable. You sang it like someone taking an elocution lesson.”
12— Stevie Scott (Josh Groban’s “To Where You Are”) - The opera girl strives to be the girl version of Groban. Not my type of song. Fairly subtle and difficult at the same time. Her voice is okay but a bit thin in the falsetto compared to some of her peers. She could be in trouble. “That was really difference,” Randy said. “It didn’t capture my attention at all.” Paula said: “I disagree. I felt it was very brave of you to take on that and be very ethereal with the falsetto and be very intimate. You’re very trained and did the exactly right thing with the song.” Simon: “You completely utterly messed that up. It was like being at some horrible Sunday lunch.”
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2/21: Who stands out?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Standing out early in the audition rounds certainly helps at this stage of the game. Last year, semifinalist Melinda Lira commented on that unfairness on her way out the door before the final 12 was named. Most of the final 12 last year got some airtime before hand. Exception: Bo Bice. He stood out big time in the semifinals thanks to a riproaring version of “Whipping Post” (I wasn’t a huge fan of it but it cut through the pap.). So to make it this far without the airtime, someone like Kinnik is going to have to really shine or she’ll be gone.
Of course, the early airtime doesn’t guarantee a final 12 spot. Last year, there was David Brown, who sounded so good before the semifinals, then choked.
Nonetheless, there are probably five gimmes that would have to completely collapse NOT to make it to the final 12.
— Kellie PIckler. Talent, looks and a good sob story (plus not a trace of arrogance) should get her in.
— Paris Bennett. She had arguably the best first audition of anybody we saw but showed some flaws vocally during the Hollywood portions. We’ll see how things play out starting tonight but I still think she has already built a fan base ready to get her into the final 12 easily.
— Mandisa Hundley. She’s already dropped her last name but Simon may have gotten her into the final 12 with his nasty weight comment, as much as her skills. She was extremely articulate right before she made the final 24 and made Simon eat crow. She is a lock.
— Ace Young. He’s the looker of the guys and there’s nobody else like him in the bunch at all. He would have to do what David Brown did and fold during the semis not to make it through. The teen girls are already going gaga over him.
— Taylor Hicks. This man has such a giddy personality, he practically bursts from the TV screen. He too has a big fan base and should cruise into the final 12.
There are two others that showed a bit too much ego for the fans to fall in love with them: Brenna and Gedeon. Both will have to be careful from here on in. A lot of folks seem to love Katharine McPhee (whose mom is a voice teacher) but I don’t see it at all. And Lisa Tucker is young and talented but might get overshadowed by Paris.
The teens may latch onto William Makar, who has impressed me. Both David Radford and Kevin Covais might catch that John Stevens/ Anthony Fedorov crowd, but I just don’t think either are that good. Southern rockers who miss Bo might go for Chris Daughtry. Jose “Sway” Panala apparently already has a following in the Phillipines with his group 6th Day and might grab the Asian-American audience.
Everyone else is going to have to do something to break out of the pack and take full advantage of their 90 seconds on stage each week. We’re all looking forward to it tonight and tomorrow!
2/20: Mario Vazquez is back (who?)
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Remember Mario Vazquez, known heretofore, as “the quitter.” Last year, the quitter was about to make the final 12 but then inexplicably dropped out, giving Nikko Smith a new lease on life. The quitter never gave a clear reason why he cut out. Theory is he didn’t want to go through the work necessary to win, that he wanted to just use the month-long exposure he got from “Idol” at that point to get a record deal. In one sense, he got his wish: Clive Davis’s J Records signed him. His album comes out next month, according to www.people.com.
“It’s a mix of what I’ve grown up listening to. It’s a bit of Latin, a bit of R&B and soul, old Motown but reinvented for now,” the quitter told People magazine at a recent party in L.A. for J Records honcho Clive Davis.
Inexplicably, he tells People that the current semifinalists should “stay on the show as long as you can. It’s 35 million viewers every week. Take advantage of that.”
Gee… thanks, quitter! Maybe he’s now worried that nobody will remember him, much less buy his record? For your amusement, People magazine misspelled his name. Ah… sweet justice. It only makes you hope for great success for Nikko…
2/18: Taylor Hicks downloads
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I sense a lot of early Taylor Hicks fans — the gray-haired dude with the bluesy sensibility from Birmingham. Here’s a radio station accessing three songs he’s sung at this link
2/17: Kinnik & Paris talk
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The “Idol” publicists always give me at least one-time phone access to the Atlanta contestants before the final 12 starts. (I remember interviewing Tamyra, RJ and EJay back in June 2002 while in New York visiting friends.) So I spoke with both Paris and Kinnik Thursday evening by phone between the start of rehearsals for them. I don’t have my notes with me now but I’ll tell you my general thoughts and sprinkle in more detail later.
Paris impressed me as a very articulate 17 year old, very excited, very confident. She was a tomboy, she said, as a younger kid and loved playing football and wrestle, but now “I’ve become a princess.” In others, more singing and dancing, no football. She loves all kinds of music, giving her single mom and grandma credit for exposing her to Billie Holliday and many of the older jazz classics. Plus, she’s a big fan of Beyonce and Usher and the like as well as the Dixie Chicks and Faith Hill on the country side. Very diverse.
Kinnik is 28 and has spent the past few years struggling to break through in Atlanta on the acting front, doing plays with Tyler Perry and Kenny Leon plus Laughing Matters, the improv group. She has never gotten the big break but said she’ll die trying. She has recently worked at Twist, the trendy bar, and spends plenty of time in Buckhead. The “last name” of Sky is not her real last name — she just recently added it. She had been going simply by her real first name Kinnik for awhile. She is a recent divorcee after six years and has no kids. I don’t know her married name or maiden name. She’s not worried that she hasn’t gotten much exposure yet. She’ll just go out there and sing and see what happens. She had a Web site called www.allaboutkinnik but it’s only available in cache form on google now. She’s been in one movie, according to www.imdb.com. She confirmed it.
(By the way, my DVR failed me Wednesday night so when I got back from my part-time MBA class, I racked my brain and realized my boss tapes it on her Comcast DVR so I had to go over there and watch it. That’s what makes her a great boss! Or how desperate I can get when I miss “Idol.” Last year when I missed one episode, I had a friend in Phoenix try to stick the phone up to the TV so I could hear it. That failed so I had guest blogger help me out.)
2/18: Simon not sure who will win
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The NY Post did a piece in which Simon Cowell, who picked Carrie early last year as the winner, isn’t sure this time around. He says it’s more about personalities than pure vocal talent this year.
“You’re not going to find 12 amazing singers this year,” he told The Post last week.
“But you’re going to get 12 characters, I’m sure of that,” he said. “It’s a real sort of chocolate box of talent — or lack thereof.”
Here’s the story
He adds that he still wishes former Norcross resident Tamyra Gray had been in the finals vs. Kelly Clarkson rather than Justin Guarini but said personality that year trumped pure talent when it came between Tamyra and Justin. And Tamyra has had a more successful post-“Idol” career.
He did like Kellie Picker, who has a good back story (dad, the jailed drug user).
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2/16: The final 24 list
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Here’s the final 24 for you with little shorthand descriptions to jog your memory of who’s who.) My memory of vocal skills is somewhat fuzzy so I am relying more on visual cues for now, fairly or not. The two on the top are from metro Atlanta! The rest are in order of their appearance on Wednesday’s show. For photos and bios, check out here As usual, 12 Southerners (four from North Carolina alone!), seven from the West, one lone Midwesterner, a single New Englander and three New Yorkers.
Kinnik Sky (cool name, gospel sound, Duluth gal!)
Paris Bennett (Ann Nesby’s granddaughter, Fayetteville’s pride)
Katharine McPhee (voice teacher mom = Christina-itis)
Ace Young (hot stud dude with memorable name)
Robert Bennett (happy go lucky guy)
Mandisa Hundley (big voice, big bod)
Melissa McGhee (who?)
Lisa Tucker (16 year old with talent)
David Radford (John Stevens redux)
Jose “Sway” Galang (Part of Terrell’s quartet, supposedly had a record deal already)
Elliott Yamin (the best guy from Terrell’s quartet)
Brenna Gethers (the gal with the ‘tude Simon likes)
Gedeon McKinney (only black guy left!)
Stephanie Scott (cutie pie)
Ayla Brown (basketball player, kinda robotic)
Chris Daughtry (bald guy stuck in elevator with some rock edge)
Rebecca O’Donahue (Lara Flynn Boyle’s stunt double)
Heather Cox (hot blonde)
William “Bucky” Covington (country dude)
Patrick Hall (not as pretty as Ace, as he notes)
Kevin Covais (dorky Clay/Anthony type)
Kellie Pickler (drug addict dad in jail, sad upbringing)
Taylor Hicks (gray hair blues man from Birmingham)
William Makar (Peter Brady lookalike, great 16 year old singer)
2/15: Two metro Atlantans in final 24!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
We’re getting down to the nitty gritty. And two of the finalists are metro Atlantans: Kinnick Sky of Duluth and Paris Bennett of Fayetteville.
“Idol” eliminates a bunch of people we barely noticed though Brooke, the sister, is someone we had seen a few times but wasn’t all that great. Some guy I vaguely recall Nick Whitten is out. Stephanie White, too. Crystal Stark is the first one they actually showed singing a capella and she too is eliminated. Bobby Dillard is another one that’s out.That’s six or seven out already.
Katherine McPhee, who has the voice teacher mom and sings like Christina Aguilera, makes it to the final 24. First one! I don’t like her but I appreciate why she made it. “Oh my god, I got to kiss Simon!” she exclaimed. Randy’s was the best—real luscious, she said.
Ace Young, a good lookin’ dude, is up after the break and he’s through. Paula is quite hot for him. Antonio Bridges is out. Eugenia Littlejohn (who?) is out. “I think i’ve peaked at 26,” she said and cries hysterically. Paula hugs her. Robert Bennett, a happy dude with a thin-pencilled mustache, makes it through. “I think I’m going into cardiac arrest,” he said.
Simon really dogged Mandisa Hundley during auditions. “You didn’t need a bigger stage but you could have used a bigger chair,” she said. “You hurt me. You made me cry. But I’ve forgiven you.” Now they hug. He doesn’t do anything untoward. “I feel one millimeter small so I will carry on,” Simon added. She makes it.
Then there’s this long waiting sequence that could have been used for more singing. Melissa McGhee gets through. Mark Adam Locklear (dunno this guy) is over. Lisa Tucker, who I remember, is only 16. “We’re concerned you can cope under the stress of the competition,” Simon said. She makes it through. Her mom looks younger than some of the contestants!
David Radford is cute but worse than John Stevens. “You made it!” Paula said. Well, the crooner is in.
Jose “Sway” Galang makes it. He’s not bad.
Elliott Yamin, who was part of Terrell’s group last night, makes it, too.
Brenna Gethers, who has tons of ‘tude from yesterday, has Simon saysig, “I think you’re talented but I think you could be a nightmare. You could be difficult.” “I don’t believe that,” she said. “Therefore, we welcome you to the final 24,” Simon said. “I like you but I don’t know why.” (A kindred spirit?)
Marcy Smith, who hated Brenna, didn’t make it.
Next four were down: Nicole Ortiz, David Avreau 9sic), William McCoy, Brianna Taylor.
Gedeon McKinney says “I am ready for America to see what God has done and understand to be an American Idol, you have to have it. You have to have it. IT.” (Ebay is happy). He makes it. Interesting look with that guy. “After I heard that speech, I would have said no,” Simon said.
Stephanie Scott has Christina-itis is incredibly cute. She makes it through.
Basketball star Ayla Brown is through. She’s kind of dull but very good, too.
Chris Daughtry got stuck in the elevator. He’s in definitely. Good singer. A likely final 12.
Lara Flynn Boyle, I mean, Rebecca O’Donahue makes it on a split decision.
From Denver, the better looking one Heather Cox while not as good looking April Walsh doesn’t make it.
Country dude William “Bucky” Covington makes it. The hair, the mustache and the teeth are a bit odd but he will be memorable.
“I’m not as pretty as Ace but who is,” says Patrick Hall. But he’s through.
Kevin Covais, who is the dorkiest dude in the group, makes it. He’s different, too.
Only three slots and four girls. Paris Bennett doesn’t seem nervous. She did a pretty odd “Fever.” I’m surprised! She’s in. Phew!!!
Jamecia Bennett is her mom. Gotta track her down!
Then the news about the Brittenum’s alleged identity theft crimes are shown. B-bye Brittenums.
Kellie Pickler, the gal whose dad is in jail, makes it through. She’s in serious shock. What a sweet story.
Taylor Hicks from Birmingham is sweet and comes in playing a harmonica. Wow! “What an entrance!” Randy said. “You’re through!” Paula explains. He sings his way out.
Kinnik Sky from Duluth. Megan Bobo. One spot. Megan, it’s not you. Kinnik is in. So we have two Atlantans in the group.
Syd Harcourt (Corey Clark redux?) or William Markar (Peter Brady?) The young kid makes it through.
2/15: Dunkleman is back!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Scary but true. Original “American Idol” co-host Brian Dunkleman is baaaack. He hated Ryan Seacrest and left after season one. He tried to get into acting, with barely any success. He is now working on an online “Idol” site, a free online fantasy game. Here’s the site.
Dunk spoke with Q100 Wednesday morning and the station plans to use him as a regular correspondent in Ryan’s hometown. The guy claims not to be bitter but it’s hard to deny that there’s still a little bit of shock and awe over “Idol” being so successful.
2/15: Hung wannabes beware
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Apparently, “Idol” has supposedly added a contractual clause for folks who appear on “Idol” that limits their ability to sign deals the way William Hung did independent of the show until 90 days after the finale in May.
At least that’s what www.tmz.com is saying.
This will likely blunt any of the baddies who want to capitalize on their 5 seconds of fame the way Hung did two years ago. Still, if you think about it, only Hung of all the bad singers has truly capitalized on his bad singing in a financially successful way.
If you look at www.williamhung.net, the man is still making money off of his “She Bangs” performance. He’s going to be a the New York Toy Fair and appeared on a recent “Arrested Development” episode.
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2/14: It’s the Brittenum show, folks!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
When producer Ken Warwick promised lots of Brittenum a couple weeks ago, he wasn’t kidding! Is it flattering? Well… let’s just say — bring on Paris!
Anyway, definitely a fun episode.
Terrell Brittenum, our buddy from Tennessee with the alleged identity theft problem, is on the warpath before the group sessions when two members of his temporary quartet decide to sleep instead of practice deep into the night. “That’s why I don’t work in groups!” he yelps, when in fact he always seems to be with his brother (except in this case).
Early fave Paris Bennett of Fayetteville is the lucky first singer as part of a trio singing “Tears on My Pillow.” Stephanie Scott from California overemotes, followed by a few seconds of Sandersville Ga.’s Hanna Freeman. “Overall, it was a fairly pitiful performance from the three of you,” Simon said. “There was no buzz, no chemistry. Wasn’t great.” But Hanna and Paris, the two Georgians stick around.
Now it’s Terrell’s group. Anthony Hansen, one of the guys who stuck with him, is blah. Elliott Yamin of Richmond, an early sleeper, is better. Jose “Sway” Penala of San Francisco is also mediocre. Terrell isn’t bad, isn’t amazing. No chemistry in the group. Terrell decided to create an excuse: “Some of us decided we got to the hotel to sleep. So me and Anthony stayed up until 5:30 in the morning trying to salvage something we couldn’t salvage. Got to bed at 5:30 and woke up at 7:30, got to the breakfast area in my shorts, shirts and socks so I wouldn’t be late to salvage into another rehearsal. And they wanted to eat breakfast.”
“Are you saying you were let down by the two in the middle?” Simon said.
Randy thought the best one was Elliott. True!
“I didn’t cut his performance. We could have been better.”
“You’d make a good backing singer,” said Simon about Terrell. “Unfortunately when you came forward after hours of performance, it was terrible. It was a horrible combined performance.”
Terrell is onto the next round and so is Sway and of course, Elliott, despite what Paula said he had “two left feet.” Terrell says Anthony is “tone deaf” and “threw everybody off” after promising him they’d make it through.
Of the next group they feature, Kevin Covais of Levittown, the dorky looking dude, is pretty good. Josh Jordan of San Diego is lame. David Radford of Crystal Lake isn’t bad but the winner is 16-year-old William Makar of the Woodlands, Texas. He has the chops! All four make it.
Derrell is now up and does better than his brother. But he throws a shocker: “I’m very disappointed. I would like to thank you guys for the opportunity but my spirit has been broken. I’m not going to crap on my talent because I know that I have it. I did American Idol because this was not a place for a person like me and my brother. I begged to differ. This is the end of the road… I’m going to go home and we’re going to get an album finished on the music we want to do and leave on top.”
“Nobody will do that to you,” he tells Terrell. “I don’t give a [bleep] who they are.”
Huh??? Well, apparently, he thought his twin had been cut. Now Terrell wants Derrell to apologize.
“They thought they cut me. He just overreacted,” Terrell said.
Sarah Manisa Hundley of Tennessee is solid with “Band of Gold.” Brooke Barretsmith isn’t bad. Sarah Enouen of Austin is the best of the lot. All go through.
Tyra leaves her group, then goes to another, then goes back to her original group. The trio she just left is awful. Meredith Bandas just forgets the words. Leah Barrettsmith (much worse than her sister) was a disaster. “Absolutely terrible,” Simon said. All three get cut.
“I’m begging for your forgiveness,” Terrell said. “He was mistreated. I wouldn’t want to resign from the show.”
“You want to keep him in?” he asks the audience of contestants. Mixed reception.
“I am fed up with your hissy attitude,” Simon said to applause. “You resigned publicly in front of them. I think this lot here is sick to death of you.”
“I’ll decide with Paula and Randy whether we want you back in this competition in 30 minutes. I don’t want to hear anymore from you.”
Tyra’s quartet is now up. Celest Scalone is offkey. Shontai Kinnick Sky of Duluth is great, might have a chance for the final 24. Tyra is really offkey. Gotta love our Georgians — here’s another one: Nicole Turk of Atlanta. She’s good though not Paris material. All four make it. No clue why Tyra did!
Marcy Smith of LA has powerful abs and a cute if thin voice. Brenna Gethers of Mount Vernon, NY shows off her behind and a great voice. (“I’m the Simon of the group,” Brenna said.) Nick Whitten of South Carolina is decent. Fun trio, despite Brenna. All three make it through.
Then they do a hilarious take on “Brokeback Mountain” with three cowboys: “Brokenote Mountain.” Garet Johnson, the goofy cowboy, is hopeless and will likely be cut.
The Brittenum twins come back after the break and get a reprieve. (The producers must have insisted!)
Now the cowboys hit the stage. Michael Evans of Denver, the black cowboy, is entertaining. Matthew Buckestein of Burbank is okay. Garet is clearly not ready for the primetime. He looks like he’s about to die on stage. “I think you will look back on this and wonder why you possibly blew the opportunity of the lifetime by trying to be bad comedians,” Simon said. “It was just ridiculous. It was like some ghastly party where three workmates go drunk and attempted to entertain an audience that wasn’t interested.” Agreed. They’re gone.
“I’m not ready yet,” Jackson said stoically.
The remaining contestants sang a capella among 95 songs. Now it’s time for more cuts.
They split them into four groups. In past years, two groups were cut. This time, only one was. So both twins get through and there’s Paris, of course. There are 44 contestants. Derrell now is looking for his brother and smiles when he sees him and is tearful. They hug.
Wednesday night: the cuts from 44 to 24. Actually, 42 because we know the Brittenums ain’t coming back.
2/12: Fantasia on Grammy’s
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I am only now watching a taped version of the Sly & Family Stone celebration from Tuesday’s Grammy’s, with Fantasia doing a cameo. She was great, as always. What was surreal to see Randy Jackson playing bass. You almost forget that he’s actually a musician, not just a judge on “American Idol.” Then again, when was the last time we’ve actually heard Paula Abdul sing live??? Given how thin her voice was in 1989, I can’t imagine what it sounds like now. But hey, at least she’s on a Dr. Phil episode later this week on CBS talking about her (sniff) relationships.
2/10: Diana gets love in Daily News
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Diana DeGarmo had her first performance this week on Broadway playing Penny in “Hairspray.”
http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/story/389966p-330849c.html
If anybody catches her up in NY, please drop us your review!
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2/9: “Idol” crushes the Grammy’s
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
During the 8 o’clock hour Wednesday, “American Idol,” the Hollywood edition, drew 28 million (the ratings tend to flag a little when the auditions end and this year is no exception.). The Grammy’s got crushed and drew just 15 million viewers at the 8 p.m. hour.
The boring Boston edition Tuesday still drew a massive 31 million.
2/8: Welcome to Hollywood!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Now it’s time to be tested. What did you all think? Twenty six were eliminated in the first two days, 99 still alive. When exec producer Ken Warwick told me we’d be seeing lots of the Brittenum twins, he wasn’t kidding!
The sweet gal from North Carolina, Jennie Pinkler, whose dad is in jail and has never had a single vocal lesson, does a decent version of “Hopelessly Devoted to You.” Simon notes her nerves but she gets through.
Second given some airtime is a guy I don’t remember, Arkansas native Patrick Hall, who does a wonderfully nuanced version of Bread’s treacly hit “If.” “I think you have to work on your look. I don’t feel the the star factor but I like your voice,” Randy said. “You have Clay Aiken but you’re likable,” said Simon. He’s in, too.
RJ Norman, the ladies’ man from Texas, did a surprisingly offkey version of Shai’s “If I Ever Fall in Love.” The other cocky guy, Steven David from South Carolina, did slightly better but neither made it through. RJ cries.
Lisa Tucker, from Denver auditions, the best 16 year old Simon has seen proves her worth in round one. It’s hard to believe she’s 16! She’s likely to be a final 12.
Then there’s a string of poor performances. “This is serious,” Randy chided them.
At 23 minutes in, here comes Paris Bennett from Fayetteville, Ga. She’s 17 and “there’s no little person as loud as me,” she proclaimed. She’s dressed really dowdy but you can’t deny those vocals as she blasted out “Can’t Fight the Moonlight,” a cruddy tune she made tolerable. She’s through. I would have been stunned if it hadn’t been the case.
Taylor Hicks, the gray-haired dude from Birmingham (Bo/Ruben country!), sings Sheryl Crow’s “First Cut is the Deepest.” I don’t really like his voice but it’s very unique. The judges are into it. He has charisma, if not the looks. “I’m a fan of yours,” Paula said. “You’re interesting,” Simon said. “I would have thought it was somebody’s father up there.” No surprise he’s through, too.
41 go through among the 60 or so. Now it’s day two.
Megan Zeiger of Rochester, NY gets the focal point since she has laryngitis. She struggles through her audition. She says she tries to go a key lower but it’s not low enough. She goes a capella. It’s still not enough. “Randy, I can sing dawg. Look at me, I’m sick as a dog, smiling, doing my best,” she said. “I’m a winner.” And the judges give her a break.
Then there are excuses of sickness. “The keyboard was going too fast,” one gal said. “What’s wrong with the speakers?” another said.
Here come the Brittenum twins! They start with Derrell singing “I’ll Never Love This Way Again.” It’s solid but Simon says, “You can sing. I don’t think for one minute I’m looking at the winner of this competition.” Terrell goes for the Sheryl Crow song and he is quite dramatic. “Dare I say I liked your audition than your brother’s because you showed a whole different range of colors to your performance,” Paula said. “I enjoyed it. You may be a little over the top but I appreciate that.” The opinionated twins are through. They are very defensive about the critique and even diss Carrie Underwood!
That Shai song brought out four decent singers: Gina Glocksen, with a silky deep voice; David Radford, doing it Frank’s style; Brett “Ace” Young, going the sexed up route and Kevin Covais reaching for his best Clay imitation.
Joshua Simmons does a good version of Rascal Flatts’ “Blessed the Broken Road.” Twin Jarrett does Whitney’s “I Believe in You and Me.” “That song was way too big for you,” Simon said. “It swallowed your voice.” Neither make it through. I’m surprised Joshua got dumped. Oh, well. They are only 17.
A tearful cowboy dude Garrett Johnson who has never sung in front of a crowd and sees the ocean the first time. “Holy crap!” he says on stage. He picked that awful tune “Can’t Fight the Moonlight” and it’s just okay. Not horrible and he makes it through! Surprise! I can’t see him making the final 24 though.
Chris Daughtry from North Carolina rocks. Mandisha Hundley from Tennessee raises the roof. Katharine McPhee from Sherman Oaks, a judge favorite, does a fine “I’ll Never Love This Way Again.” She is definitely a final 12 keeper. I’d be shocked if she doesn’t make it that far.
Last but certainly least, there’s hyper Dave Hoover. I have no clue why the judges let him through in the first place except for his pure entertainment value. Sure, he’s vastly fun to watch but his singing is barely there. He is going home but that was amusing.
2/8: Kelly Clarkson wins two Grammys!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Kelly Clarkson won the first primetime Grammy of the ngiht,best female pop vocal performance. “I’m terrible speaking when I cry,” she said, while waving her hand. “Thank you to everybody that has supported me this year including my record label and my management. I love you Jeff Evans… thank you for my date, something or over… my first producer, my closet when I was a kid. Thank you to my mom… sory I’m crying. Thank you fro my fans. and eveyrone who worked on my record.” So sweet! I didn’t catch every word there but that was genuine emotion.
The Grammy producers introduce her with a clip of an interview she did with “Idol” before she even made it to the final 10 in which she said she’d love to end up at the Grammy’s. Four years later, here she is! In a lovely red dress, Kelly sings “Because of You.” I’m surprised they chose this ballad, which is still a great song, but the one that caught everyone’s attention (and a Grammy) was “Since U Been Gone.”
Not long after, she wins best pop vocal album. Wow! “I promise I won’t cry again. I’m all cried out!” She thanked Gwen on the way down the aisle and thanked Bonnie Raitt, another nominee. Raitt didn’t look all that happy. Then she raced through thank you’s until the orchestra played her off the stage. You go girl!
2/8: Beantown blues
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Bawston is wicked… dull. Not a lot to get excited about or even cringeworthy. Although 28 people were headed west, they didn’t show much talent — at all. What are they hiding?
Ayla Brown, an athlete, was all power voice, lots of ambition. “There’s something empty about it,” Simon said. Randy & Paula said yes though I’m not sure if she’ll make it very far.
Rebecca O’Donahue has an adorable twin who had a cyst in her vocal cords. Her “Black Velvet,” though, is real dark and kind of unpleasant. “There’s a part of me who thinks you can turn the magic on,” Paula said. She goes to Hollywood despite a no from Simon.
Kenneth Maccarone does a hilarious Cher imitation but sure ain’t Hollywood material. Nice argumentation. “It’s not just Cher. I can do Judy Garland,” Simon said. “Be a female impersonator,” Simon said. “I“‘m a man. I won’t dress like a female,” Kenneth argued. “You do sound like Cher,” Simon said. “I’ll take that as a compliment,” Kenneth said. “I won’t let you walk all over me.”
“I bring youth and excitement,” said dorky-looking Kevin Covais from Levittown, N.Y., who sang “You Raise Me Up.” quite well if very old fashioned. “Jolly nice young man, aren’t you? I think anybody over 80 will like you,” Simon said. “I don’t think anybody under the age of 20 will relate to you.” “He’s an underdog because you don’t look like what the next American Idol will look but that didn’t stop Clay Aiken.” Again, Simon says no; Randy & Paula says yes.
Oh, speaking of Clay, there’s Michael Sandecki. “He was playing the Clay card as much as he’s playing the camera,” said Ryan Seacrest. He unfortunately doesn’t sound like Clay as he tried to croon “In the Still of the Night.” He missed as many notes as he hit. “Let’s deal with the Clay Aiken thing. At least he could sing,” Simon said. “I’m nervous as hell and I gotta pee,” Michael said, as his excuse. He went to the bathroom to the sound of “Chariots of Fire,” (well, at least the editors threw in that song.) He’s baaack. “It didn’t work,” Simon said. “It made you worse.”
He was probably the highlight of the episode, besides the “best of, worst of” summary.
Let’s go to Hollywood baby!!!!
A trailer shows Paris in tears. Wow, I’m already just using her by first name.
2/7: Paris “most memorable”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In USA Today’s unscientific survey of “most memorable” moments so far, Paris Bennett of Fayetteville is currently in the lead as of 9 a.m. Tuesday here.
2/7: Domain names
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Some enterprising person online with lots of time on his hands named Christopher Ambler who says he works for a large Internet registrar was able to ascertain that “American Idol” has registered the domain names of at least 48 people. He thinks these are the final 48, which may or may not be true.
For folks who like to be spoiled ahead of time, this is the supposed list.
2/6: Talking to the “Idol” producer
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This was part of a transcript of me from Friday’s phone press conference with Ken Warwick, the executive producer for “Idol”:
Moderator Thank you. Next we have Rodney Ho with The Atlanta Journal. Go ahead please.
R. Ho Well, earlier this week, I spoke with the attorney representing the Brittenum twins from Tennessee, the ones who were arrested for auto theft. They said they were part of the final 36 but were disinvited to go to Idol recently for the cut down to 24, and they weren’t given a chance to become part of the final 24. Why did you disinvite them? Was it because of this arrest?
K. Warwick Well, obviously yes. Those issues were prevalent. We do background checks on all the kids when we get that far down the road. And if there’s anybody that has done anything that would bring the show into disrepute, and obviously, there’s a lot of money and a lot of kids watch this, a lot of demographic—
R. Ho And this was all recent. You’ve let people go who have had problems in the past like Bo Bice and Scott Savol.
K. Warwick We’re not judgmental. If it’s something that’s not ongoing at that particular moment. I mean, I remember a serious one, Nikki McKibbin I think used to be a stripper. We can’t be judgmental, and if there are things that happened in the past, I mean, everybody’s got skeletons in their closet. If it’s something that is of no danger to the show; but obviously it’s not just our decision. The network and attorneys and everybody…
R. Ho Right. But did you agree with that decision not to—?
K. Warwick I think from what I heard, under the circumstances, I’d probably think it was a prudent decision, but how we handle it, you’ll have to wait and see on Wednesday. We just don’t take them out and not mention it, put it that way.
R. Ho No, there’ll be on, we’ll see them on the screen, right?
K Warwick Oh. You will.
2/3: Another “Idol” breaker?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jose Panala from San Francisco may have broken “Idol” eligibility rules by already having a recording contract.
Penala, 27, apparently had a record deal with his group, 6th Day, when he auditioned for “Idol” last August in San Francisco, according to realitytvmagazine.com.
Here’s the story
2/2: Ain’t no sunshine in Austin
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Austin was flaky and almost as poor in its talent as Vegas. Who would have thunk it? Just 12 people made it to Hollywood from Texas.
But there was some talent after a slow start.
The funeral home embalmer Jason Horn was one of the better ones. (Naturally, he sang “You Raise Me Up”)
About halfway through the episode, we got music major Ricky Hayes, 21, of Bedford Texas with one of the best voices we’ve heard so far. Warm and inviting, his vocals should get him into the final 24 with ease. “Refreshing,” Paula said. “Hello, Austin!” Randy said. “I think for me the nicest sounding voice I’ve heard on the auditions so far. There’s something distinctive about it. Loved it!”
Right afterwards (at least on screen), came a hot blonde named Ashley Jackson from Dallas does a decent version of “Something to Talk About.” Not sure if she’ll make it to the final 24 but she can sing with her mouth closed! “I like you but I’m not crazy about your singing,” Simon said. “But I think people will like you.”
Then there’s Mr. Playboy Ronnie “R.J.” Norman of Tyler doing a surprisingly subtle “Ain’t No Sunshine.” I don’t think it’s that great but he gets two out of three. “I like your voice,” Paula said. “Average, out of tune in the end,” Randy said. “I agree with Paula,” Simon said.
For pure entertainment value, the Randy Jackson lookalike Kevin Mitchell from Longview, Texas is a blast. “Dawg — My brother from a different mother!” he chortled. He has an interesting voice which I kind of like until he hits the chorus of “I Can’t Dance.” Rough! Full rejection. Oh, well. It would have been fun to see him go further!
William Makar, just 16, is one of the best really young male singers I’ve seen in five years. But shockingly, Paula is not impressed. “You have a sweet voice. I don’t think you’re ready for this.” “You had a better voice than I expected from a 16 year old,” Simon said. “Guess what dude — you’re on your way to Hollywood!” Randy said. That’s unusual! Paula’s gettin’ tougher!
Tessie Mae Reid, 17, wins “angry deluded girl” of this episode. “I’ve been compared to Diana DeGarmo,” she noted. “Simon is going to love me!” Sadly, she isn’t what she’s billed. Her “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” is flatter than the Texas plains.
We had a fun debate on this board between Deidre and Achin over humiliating girls this age. We’ll know how Deidre felt about this one. Simon really mocked her badly with the “sack of potatoes” comparison. Ouch!
On to: Boston!!!! Looks fruitful based on the trailer.
2/2: Kelly Clarkson to perform at Grammys
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Kelly Clarkson was just added to the performance roster for the Grammy’s this Wednesday, along with the likes of U2, Mary J. Blige, Paul McCartney, Atlanta’s Sugarland, Coldplay, John Legend, Mariah Carey, Madonna (with Gorillaz), Bruce Springsteen, Faith Hill with Keith Urban, and Kanye West with Jamie Foxx. And Atlanta’s Ciara is going to be part of the Sly and the Family Stone tribute with Maroon 5 (?), Will.I.Am. of Black Eyed Peas, Joss Stone, Robert Randolph and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry.
This is going to be a HOT show!
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