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Access Atlanta > American Idol Buzz > Archives > 2007 > February
February 2007
2/28: Queens of the night week two
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Phew. Just got back from the very entertaining Campus MovieFest, hosted by Carson Daly, who was very cordial. The concept started by Emory students six years ago: one week, free Apple movie-making equipment, 700 college teams from seven universities in Georgia. They hold the event now in several cities. We watched the 16 best from the state and some were really great. Check some out here. And now onto… “Idol”!
Naturally, this week wasn’t quite as good as last week but the front runners didn’t damage their chances to move forward this week.
Who should go home? Alaina and Antonella. Who will go home? Alaina and Haley, for obvious reasons. We know Antonella’s publicity and possibly, votefortheworst, will keep her around. Dialidol.com has Leslie and Alaina at the bottom in the early voting, with Lakisha and Melinda at the top.
As for who were the best, I liked a few but really only loved Melinda’s performance tonight. Stephanie is a true contender and I placed her second even though I didn’t enjoy the song. And I probably enjoyed Leslie’s performance more than most.
CREDIT: American Idol
1- Melinda Doolittle (Jazz standard “My Funny Valentine”) dedicates the songs to her stylist and vocal coach. That’s unusual! Ah… it’s one of Constantine’s songs. But she does it minus the cheese factor. She’s got such a warmth abou ther and her vocals show texture and nuance. Bravo! Randy: “We have a competiton going on. Melinda Doolittle came out here to win it! You are the one to beat!” Paula: “That was just astounding. You phrased that so beautifully. So differently. I applaud you.” Simon: “That was incredible. Best vocal we had in this competition. We’ve had precocious little monsters with enormous egos. You have this fantastic talent. What I like, you don’t know how good you are. I don’t think you’ll change. It’s part of your appeal.” Sorry Lakisha, but Melinda is the one to beat right now!
- Stephanie Edwards (Destiny’s Child’s “Dangerously In Love”) - I’m not a big fan of this rather shapeless song but she does an excellent job. She’s a less edgy, slightly less interesting version of Fantasia but more intriguing than LaToya London. Randy: “You proved you deserve to be up there. That was so much better than last week. But check this out. A little Beyonce lite to me. Don’t worry about copying her.” Paula: “You are fantastic, brilliant.” Simon: “I have to agree with Paula. You’re not just taking part in this competition. You’re putting your mark down. A terrific performance.”
3- Lakisha Jones (Gladys Knight’s “Midnight Train to Georgia”) tackles a song Paris hit out of the park last year. Lakisah does it much sleeker, much more refined. But after last week, it’s an inevitable let down and lacks the joyous feel Paris imbued a year ago. Randy: “You flipped it up from last week. That was hot.” Paula: “I loved it. And I love you.” SImon: “Interesting dance at the end. You are a phenomenally good singer. But it wasn’t as good as last week because I don’t think you came out with that ‘I’m going to prove a point’ attitude you had last week. I think at this stage, you can afford to believe you are a big star and you have to start acting like a big star. I don’t like the outfit. I found it distracting.”
4- Sabrina Sloan (Whitney Houston’s “He Fills Me Up”) I wasn’t as impressed with her last week as others were. I like her more this time and doing a Whitney song after Haley’s pale version helps her. Her final note is a big shaky. Randy: “You had moments where you lost touch with the pitch a little bit but very nice one overall. Big song. You have a big ol’ voice.” Paula: “I just love you. You are fantastic. You are a big contender.” Simon: “Very good. Don’t confuse power with shouting. You were right on the limit. I wouldn’t have chosen that song. I preferred you last week.”
5- Leslie Hunt (Nina Simone’s “Feelin’ Good”) She has a sweet spirit. She picked a trite, oversung song last week. This time, she selects a much better tune for herself. She opens strong. It’s sexy. It’s slinky and fits her voice perfectly. Her scatting wasn’t so hot, however, and it didn’t quite end on such a high note. Randy: “It’s good to see you back to your jazzy scatty sort of thing. But what am I going to say? It was a little on the pitchy side for me. I liked the a capella beginning. It was just awright.” Paula: “You’re being you. You’re back in your element.” Simon: “At the end, you sounded like Paula talking. The problem is Leslie, you’ve been whacked by three big big voices before you. You are getting lost in the competition.”
6- Jordin Sparks (Christina Aguilera’s “Reflection”) She picks a very very difficult song. She’s good but not as good as Christina. This was a step down for her from a week ago. I like her doing upbeat stuff better. She cries after dedicating the song to her brother. Randy: “You can really really sing this song. Had some pitchy moments but I’m telling you 17 years old where you are today, it’s unbelievable. It wasn’t the best you’ve done but still very good.” Paula: “There’s something about you that’s infectious. You’re just a good good human being.” Simon: “I agree with Randy. It wasn’t your best but compared to a lot of other people, it was excellent. The dedication is getting to you. 17 years old. Massive potential. Great personality.”
7- Gina Glocksen (Heart’s “Alone”) gives props to her boyfriend Joe. He convinced her to try out again and now she’s in the final 20. She opts for the same song that solidified Carrie’s front-runner status two years ago. This song is more to her rocker style than last week’s “All By Myself.” I’m not a big fan but she did awright, as Randy might say. Randy: “This song was a good song choice for you. That’s where you belong. It started a little pitchy but by middle of the song, you got it together.” Paula: “Carrie sang it. And we were really surprised then. But man, excellent job. Real good.” Simon: “Good choice of song. I thought your vocals felt forced by the end. I’m confused by who you are. You were a little more edgy than this. I’m confused who you are. She’s not dressed edgy.” Paula notes: “Don’t take fashion advice from Simon.”
8- Haley Scarnato (Whitney Houston’s “Queen of the Night”) Talk about picking a song that is way too big for her. She had energy but lacked the pipes to make any of us drop to our knees. She has a pop voice, not an R&B voice and this is R&B pure and simple. Randy: “Everybody had a good time. The thing is there’s more background parts than lead vocal parts. It wasn’t great for me. Vocally, it wasn’t on point.” Paula: “Leaps and bounds better than last week.” Simon: “I think it was A for effort. It was a little manic verging on insane at some point. But if you’re going to take on a Whitney song, you’re doing it at your peril. Vocally, you came out badly. You are one of two or three very vulnerable girls tonight.” Correct.
9- Alaina Alexander (Dixie Chicks’ “Not Ready To Make Nice”) dedicates the song to her mom. She should have gone home last week after an ill-concieved take on the Pretenders. I notice she has poor breath control. She takes these big breaths that are very distracting. I feel like she’s play acting. There’s no genuine emotion. Randy: “It started off good… when you went up to the chorus, the tuning and pitch went away. It was a mess. It was all over the place.” Paula: “It’s a hard song to sing. The pitch was a little bit off. It’s not as bad as this guy’s saying.” Simon: “Let me put this into plain English. It’s like Randy taking part in a 100-meter sprint. You ran out of steam three quarters of the way.” Her chances of survival? Very very slim. And being up so early places her in a very very poor position.
10- Antonella Barba (Celine Dion’s “Because You Loved Me”) Ryan doesn’t bring up the photos. She dedicated her song to her brother, not any of her buddies who posted those lovely pictures. Smart move! Not so smart move: picking a lame Celine song. She did a better job than last week but she’s still in the minor leagues compared to several of her competitors. She can’t change that. Randy: “On the positive side, you’re a drop-dead beautiful girl. But that was completely the wrong song. Way too big for you. Pitch was all over the place. I wish I could sing like Celine, too. But it didn’t work.” Paula: “You made leaps and bounds from last week.” Simon: “The problem was most of the vocals weren’t good enough there. I thought you were worse than last week.” Will all the controversy keep her in another week? Probably. “Simon was wrong about Jennifer Hudson,” Antonella sniped. Ouch. That doesn’t bring in votes! “We put her through. The American audience voted her out. I didn’t kick Jennifer Hudson out. If the audience disagrees with me, you’ll be back next week.” Bingo! Even if those photos weren’t around, I’m liking Antonella less and less by the second.
Side note: I’m watching “Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?” and the adult contestant actually called a library a “liberry.” Geez!
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2/28: Sick of Antonella yet?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
SOURCE: American Idol
Access Hollywood showed some of the photos of Antonella floating around the Web to Simon Cowell at some party last night at the Playboy Masnion and he reacted thusly: “You know what, whoever sold those is despicable. I really mean that. It’s despicable. That is private property. Out of order. Honestly. It’s repulsive.”
I don’t think the photos were “sold” per se but the source of the shots of her in the fountain has yet to be sussed out.
The reporter Laura Saltman noted:
When I spoke to Simon outside the party during a smoke break (him, not me) he told me he hoped the culprit would be identified soon. Randy expressed the same sentiment when I spoke to him briefly inside the party. He had not spoken to Antonella telling me they have little to no contact with the contestants other than the show tapings. I expressed my sorrow for even having to ask such questions to both Randy and Simon . Simon told me he was happy he got to address it and besides he loves the controversy, that it was good for the show and joked there were probably a lot more coming.
The reporter also talked to Bo Bice at the party but didn’t reveal anything related to his RCA record deal, just his sympathies for Antonella’s situation.
Hugh Hefner, of course, would love her in Playboy.
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2/27: The boys are back in town!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The boys lifted their game after being shamed by the gals last week. There were a few blah performances but nobody bombed completely.
The two worst performances were Sanjaya and Nick. Who will get knocked off this week? Nick is a definite goner. It’s tough to say if Sanjaya, Brandon or Jared will go this time. I have to pick someone so I’ll say Sanjaya. (Dialidol shows Sanjaya has plenty of support and it’s Brandon who’s more likely to go home. And Jared is doing better than expected while Chris R. is weaker than expecdted so far.)
I didn’t have a clear No. 1. The top 4 performances were all solid. I’m glad to see Sundance back in the game.
The dedications were cute but a couple didn’t seem remotely affiliated with the songs. For instance, Phil sang “I ain’t missing you at all” to his military buddies while Jared sang “Let’s Get it On” to his… parents.
(Nice to see former Atlantan Jeff Foxworthy get some free promotion from former Atlantan Ryan Seacrest for Foxworthy’s new game show “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?”)
1- Chris Sligh (Ray LaMontagne’s “Trouble”) dedicates his to his lovely wife Sara. “Most people have no idea how in the world I ever coerced her to marry me,” he joked. She kept him going even when the money was tight. He pulls off “Trouble” with sophistication and emotional depth. In his case, being 28 makes a big difference. The experience shows to his advantage. Randy: “Good choice. I liked that.” Paula: “Watch your pitch a little bit and getting ahead of the music. Other than that, you’re awesome.” SImon: “We put you though because we thought you were a very good singer. and tonight you were a very good singer.” Chris’ star has risen again. He’s very very safe.
2- Blake Rogers (Jamiroquai’s “Virtual Insanity”) dedicates his song to his dad and mom. He’s got a good voice but he’s all about the charisma and that matters in this competition. This is a good soulful tune to match his persona. He even throws in a bit of his beat-box magic. He owns a final 12 spot and could sing “Three Blind Mice” next week and get through. Randy: “It’s so good to see you return to form. You were flowing, beat boxing, scatting. I like you man!” Paula: “You’re smart with this. You’re making smart choices. You’re unique.” Simon: “I’m going to disagree with you two. I like you. You were terrific last week. I thought the first half was like watching the video. The second bit you showed some originality. Then by the third part, your tuning went… I was very disappointed.” I suspect Simon has heard that song a million times. Ryan starts fighting back but Simon holds his ground, of course.
3- Chris Richardson (Jason Mraz’s “Geek in the Pink”) dedicates his to his grandma, too. “She’s so spunky, energetic,” he says. The man some people love and some people hate probably didn’t change anybody’s minds this time around. He’s not the best vocalist even among the guys but he has a personality that will get the teen girls dialing and dialing. And he is truly confident and sparkles on stage. Randy: “Chris is in it to win it tonight. I thought that was hotter than the original. I’m loving you tonight!” Simon: “You’re somebody to watch. For me, best tonight by a mile.”
4-Jason “Sundance” Head (Wilson Pickett’s “Mustang Sally”) dedicates his song to his son Levi. “I didn’t think I’d get this far in the competition,” he said. Same with the rest of us! He gets teary-eyed thinking of his kid. But surprise! This is much much better than last week. I enjoyed his energy and his vocals, his best we’ve heard since that great first audition. This might save him (along with votefortheworst.com, of course) for at least the week. And you can see why the producers had him sing last. Randy: “What a difference a week makes! You dropped the bomb on it tonight!” Paula: “I didn’t know you had range like that.” Simon: “I’m glad we have the Sundance back we really liked. Let’s not get too carried away. You sang a song like that, a very popular song. I still think you can do better.”
5-Brandon Rogers (Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time”) dedicates to his late grandmother. Brandon needs a big big performance to stand out and move on this week. He does a far different version than Nadia Turner’s strange rendition two years ago. It’s actually pretty good and Brandon is truly a likable guy, but it’s probably not good enough to get him much further. Randy: “I like the sentiment to your grandma… I don’t think it did enough for you vocally to show what you really got. It was kind of boring.” Paula: “I think that if you take a song you can feel and you can sing. I felt your heart. You don’t have to oversing. You have a beautiful voice.” Simon: “It’s a singing competition and Randy is absolutely right. You have to come out as talented as you are and make a wow impact.”
6- A.J. Tabaldo (Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good”) does another mom-dad dedication. Vocally, he did a fine job. I just don’t see lead singer. He’s feathery light in terms of presence. Randy: “It was so much better than last week. You proved you have skills.” Paula: “You have a real real real real real good voice. I love seeing the change and you expanding in different areas. It’s refreshing.” SImon: “That was nearly very good… for the first time, we saw a bit of personality. And you looked strangely comfortable doing that.” He’ll stick around.
7 -Jared Cotter (Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get it On”) dedicated his performance to his parents. He said his mom got him to the “Idol” auditions. I must be in a grouchy Simonized mood because this song is so iconic to Marvin, I just didn’t feel he did anything to make the song stand out. (Okay, that hand gesture over his face was memorable…) Randy: “I kind of liked it. It was a little pitchy. I loved the face move dawg. I might have to borrow that.” Paula: “That’s the song you don’t have to push. No pun intended.” Simon: “This is a family show. I’m going to take over here… I’m glad you made the attempt to make a statement. It did remind me of the Love Boat. I’m imagining if they had a cabaret singer on the Love Boat, we would have seen something similar to that because it was corny in parts.” (Yes, that hand gesture was corny, yet effective.). I’d say Jared is safe for at least one more week but the fact he sang so early in the show doesn’t bode well.
8-Phil Stacey (John Waite’s “Missing You”) dedicated his performance to Navy Band Southeast and they show a shot of him in uniform at Turner Field. He joined the military after 9/11. And his little bio certainly gets him patriotism points. It was just okay, nothing special, but good enough to cement his spot in the final 12. Randy: “That was hot.” Paula: “Every week I can hear how good your tone is. And I can hear you on the radio.” Simon: “I’m not jumping out of my chair… you have a completely unoriginal voice. I liked toward the end of the song. What I’m struggling. I’m not hearing anything unique. I’m hearing a very good karaoke singer.” He did note that Phil will be back next week and although Phil went first (a bad thing), he’s not in bad shape.
9- Nick Pedro (“Fever”) gives props to his girlfriend Kateland. The drummer is better than Nick. He’s perfectly adequate but he’s simply not interesting enough to get the votes to stick around another week. The song does match up with his voice. Randy: “So far, everyone has done better than last week. You returned to that cool, smoky vibe. Very pitchy and you were rushing a bit but it was kind of nice.” Paula: “I love the tone of your voice… Just let go. Go for it.” Simon: “I thought it was good. When you attempt that, it’s about charisma. You lack charisma… I thought the drummer was very good.” (Yes!)
10- Sanjaya Malakar (Irving Berlin’s “Steppin’ Out”) dedicates his song to his grand-dad. He’s cute but he’s really not ready for primetime yet. He just doesn’t have the vocal ability to hit the big notes. It’s certainly better than last week but he might find himself at the bottom Thursday. Randy: “It was like a bad high school talent show. It didn’t work for me. That was really weak.” Paula: “You sang on pitch. You’re 17? Right. You have an old soul. [But] it would be great to pick songs that celebrate your youth.” Simon: “It was like some ghastly lunch where after lunch, your parents have asked your children to dress up and sing and not particularly liked what they heard. It was weak and a little weird. It made absolutely no impact. Halfway through the song, you whispered.” “I wanted to celebrate the great years of music, the classics and I’m dedicating it to my grandpa,” Sanjaya said. He is holding up well considering the beating he just got.
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2/27: Oddmakers place Lakisha at top
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Web site www.gambling911.com has Lakisha Jones as an early 2 to 1 favorite with Melinda Doolittle not far behind. The top guy? Chris Richardson at 6 to 1 odds. Worst odds? Nick Pedro at 30 to 1 odds. Antonella is at 8 to 1 odds.
Theonlinewire.com places Blake as the top guy with 5.85 to 1 odds. Antonella? 12 to 1. Chris Sligh dropped from 4.5 to 1 to 12 to 1 after last week.
This is not endorsement of online gambling, but merely here for entertainment purposes only. :)
2/27: More on Antonella
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Associated Press wrote a story about Antonella Barba’s Web photos. Folks studying the photos of the more explicit shots now say they don’t match her, esp. the shape of the woman’s ear.
Just the fact all these photos are now circulating shows how easy it is for so-called privacy to disappear on the Web. Here’s an excerpt from the story:
“It’s a real wake-up call for a lot of people,” said Dave Della Terza of Chicago, who runs the www.votefortheworst.com. “With the advent of MySpace and Facebook, people put photos up on the Internet and have to realize that someone you don’t even know can grab these photos that you think are only going to be seen by your friends, and have them on every Web site in the world within 10 minutes.”
Della Terza’s site posted photos Monday that he claims confirms the woman in the sex photo is not Barba. Close-ups of the right ear of the woman in the sex photo, and a photo known to be of Barba, show differently shaped ears.
Here is a great commentary on the situation at www.foxesonidol.com.
Not surprisingly, Yahoo reports she is the most searched Idol 6 contestant, ahead of Blake Lewis, Chris Richardson, Chris Sligh and Lakisha Jones.
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2/27: EW’s Power 20 w/Melinda #1
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Here’s the EW Power 20, ranking the 20 candidates.
Overall, the rankings are pretty fair. I can see Melinda Doolittle having more versatility over Lakisha Jones so placing her at No. 1 is not a surprise. I wasn’t that impressed with Sabrina Sloan, but she’s now at No. 3, with Blake the top guy at No. 4 and Stephanie at No. 5. Chris Sligh drops from 1 to 6. At the bottom? Alaina Alexander. That’s fair though I’d place Sundance at the bottom right now. They have Brandon Rogers way down though at 17 behind the likes of Leslie Hunt and Haley Scarnato. I’d put him higher.
What do you think?
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2/26: Taylor interview Friday
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I just scheduled a phone interview with Taylor Hicks for 3 p.m. EST Friday in advance of his arrival at the Tabernacle on Friday, March 9.
Feel free to email me questions for Taylor at rho@ajc.com for me to ask him. And if you want your name attached, I’ll give you full credit online. I’ll try to post as much of the interview that day or over the weekend. If it’s meaty enough, I’ll break it into multiple parts as I did with Ruben last summer.
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2/26: Hudson wins Oscar
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s no surprise but Jennifer Hudson nabbed the Oscar for best supporting actress for “Dreamgirls.” Of course, she’s the first “American Idol” finalist to win an Oscar. Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini were robbed after that classic “From Justin to Kelly” in 2003!
“I have to take this moment in,” she said tearfully on stage. “I cannot believe this. Look what God can do! I didn’t think I’d win.” She credited her grandma as her biggest inspiration. She then thanked her mom, her boyfriend, her brothers and sisters, the “Dreamgirls” director, the cast and the Academy and God again. As the music started to cut her off, she added, “I thank you all for keeping the faith even when I didn’t believe.” And she then thanked Jennifer Holliday, too!
2/26: Most overused Idol songs of all time
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
With www.votefortheworst.com, AOL TV came up with the 12 most over-used, annoying “Idol” songs, songs that should be banned forever. I’m sure if I give it some more thought, I can come up with a few more.
Here’s the list.
12- Open Arms - Journey. (I grew up in that era so that song doesn’t bug me much and I’m not even sure how many times it’s been done during the competitive portion. One of the final 12 guys used it during their audition.)
11- Superstition - Stevie Wonder. (Oh, yes. Thank you Bucky!)
- Let’s Stay Together - Al Green. (My memory is awful. I had to go online to find out Trenyce sang this back in 2003. So did Leah Labelle from season three. But that’s all, I think.)
9- Crazy Little Thing Called Love - Queen. (I still liked Fantasia’s version of this better than Taylor’s.)
I’m Every Woman - Chaka Khan/Whitney Houston. (Vonzell rocked this one but it has been done too many times.)
One Last Cry - Brian McKnight (I’d say “Back to One” is the one I’d ban.)
I Believe I Can Fly - R. Kelly. (I don’t recall this being sung that often. Anwar did it. Apparently, Kat did, too.)
Signed, Sealed, Delivered - Stevie Wonder (Oh, yes. Lisa Tucker’s specialty. Yawn.)
Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me - Elton/George (This was Clay Aiken’s baby but yet, it does keep coming back. Didn’t John Stevens do this, too?)
I Have Nothing - Whitney Houston (Agreed. Done and overdone. I see online that Kat McPhee sang it but I remember Vonzell doing it. Apparently Leah Labelle did, too. And some gal named Jennifer Hudson.)
Unchained Melody - Righteous Brothers. (Tough song to sing well and maudlin after all these years.)
Against All Odds - Phil Collins. (Good pick! Now why did George Huff sing this? Or Scott Savol? Or Jessica Sierra. Overall, it’s been sung in the finals five times in five years - tied with “I Have Nothing” for the most.)
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2/25: Camp Idol
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This summer, “American Idol” is introducing a 10-day camp in Northfield, Mass. for wannabe singers ages 12 to 15.
This also sounds like a great temp job for former “Idol” contestants who haven’t been nominated for an Oscar or landed a No. 1 album.
You don’t have to audition and there’s no preferential treatment to camp alums when trying out for the real show. The cost? $2,900 though some will be able to get in on scholarship. Up to 700 kids will take part over the summer learning to act, dance and sing.
This seems like a great idea and I’m surprised they didn’t do this sooner. What other reality-show themed shows should there be? So You Think You Can Dance camp is a no brainer. Hell’s Kitchen camp could be quite devilish. The Apprentice and Survivor could be parlayed into summer camps, too.
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2/24: Nigel responds to Antonella’s photos
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
EW has written a story about Antonella’s increasingly racy photos online. We’re a family paper so I won’t link to them. It wouldn’t take much effort to find them. One includes her in the bathroom, a few of her cavorting about with friends, her posing at what looks like a WWII memorial in a wet T-shirt, and another possibly of her performing a, um, Monica on a guy.
A photo I can use of Antonella
Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe says he has not seen any of the Internet pictures, and only learned of the sexually explicit shots from EW. ”We have really good background checks on everybody, and we deal with that every season,” he says. ”It’s sad, isn’t it, that your best friends are the ones that come forward with information that will go to Smoking Gun or put your photographs on the web?”
Given that Antonella’s singing has been a disappointment since her first audition, this all seems like a moot point but then again, all her notoriety might get her into the top 12. Who knows? Or will Idol have to boot her next week a la Frenchie Davis season two once topless shots of her popped up on the Web?
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2/24: Daughtry the anti-Idol
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This came out a week ago but I wanted to wait til the weekend to post it, just to give you something to read. Entertainment Weekly did a profile on Chris Daughtry (whose song “Home” was the goodbye tune used this past Thursday) and his ambivalence toward “American Idol.” Here’s the link.
An excerpt:
The working dad-turned-rock star seems to epitomize the showbiz dream that Fox’s American Idol dangles in front of 30 million viewers every week. But over the course of several meetings, Daughtry comes off as coolly professional, but flat, muted, and unenthused. ”There’s this misconception that you get famous and everything is perfect,” he says, sounding worn out. ”If anything, it’s harder.”
And the last graf:
A sold-out midweek show at Los Angeles’ El Rey is filled with moms in bedazzled peasant shirts and clumps of kids sipping Shirley Temples. When the compact, muscular singer bounds on stage wearing his standard uniform — dark T-shirt, flared jeans, and wallet chain — the room erupts in shrieks. A woman screams repeatedly, ”You’re so hot, Chris!” The balcony is filled with chattering VIPs. Well, Idol VIPs: 19 Entertainment head Simon Fuller and Daughtry’s season 5 cohorts Kellie Pickler and Ace Young. It should be a triumphant coronation of a rock star, but during the entire 50-minute set, Daughtry doesn’t smile once.
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2/23: Idol CD sales
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
With the sixth editon of “Idol” flooding our brains, I haven’t been paying as much attention to the American Idol finalists and their CD release sales. So here’s are the eight most recent releases and how they’re doing so far courtesy of Nielsen SoundScan and Billboard magazine.
Katharine McPhee is dropping fast in her third week. Her single is going to have to pick up some steam for that CD to sustain momentum. Kellie has a promising new second single “I Wonder” to prop up her sales in coming weeks. Taylor is now on tour and finally has a single out so maybe his CD will get a second life. Carrie’s latest single is about to hit the top 10 and she’s riding high on Grammy success as her CD enters its 17th month. Daughtry is just… hot! I’m not even sure what Fantasia’s second single is and she sang that “Color Purple” song last night, mitigating her chances of getting much of a sales bump this week. We’ll see. Clay’s CD is on its last legs. Ruben has a new single out. It’s too soon to say how that will play out in reviving his fortunes.
Artist, album title (last week’s rank, this week’s rank): sales for the week, total sales (weeks on Top 200)
Daughtry: Daughtry (No. 9, down from No. 3): 102,000, 1.6 million (13 weeks)
Carrie Underwood: Some Hearts (No. 13, up from No. 19): 61K, 4.9 million (66 weeks)
Katharine McPhee: Katharine McPhee (No. 29, down from 11): 35K 199K (3 weeks)
Kellie Pickler: Small Town Girl (No. 93, down from 84): 12K, 433K (16 weeks)
Taylor Hicks: Taylor Hicks (No. 96, down from 87): 11K, 634K (10 weeks)
Fantasia: Fantasia (No. 117, down from 110): 9K, 294K (10 weeks)
Clay Aiken: A Thousand Different Ways (off the chart): 1,500, 502K
Ruben Studdard: The Return (off the chart): 2,900, 207K
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2/23: Josh Gracin (can’t) talk
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I stopped by the 94.9/The Bull advertising party at the Park Tavern Thursday night to say hey to Josh Gracin, the ex-Marine who finished in fourth season two of “American Idol” back in 2003. He was there to help the new country station woo advertisers such as Home Depot, Six Flags and the Mall at Stonecrest. He sang for about 30 minutes acoustically, sounded great.
Here he is with Lance Houston, the new music director (left), and Clay Hunnicutt, the program director (right). It’s the grip-and-grin:
Gracin has gained a few pounds since his Marine days. And oddly, he’s on his second radio single on a new CD that has yet to come out called “All About Y’all.” HIs first CD, the self-titled “Josh Gracin,” generated three top 10 country hits and sold more than 600,000 copies. But the first single “Favorite State of Mind” from that second CD barely scraped the top 20. The next song “I Keep Coming Back” has just entered the top 30.
He seems like a perfectly nice guy. I felt obligated to ask him a couple of questions for the blog, no big deal. But Gracin’s tour manager said there was “protocol,” meaning he wouldn’t let me actually interview Gracin because I hadn’t gotten (gasp!) clearance from Vector Management. I had a couple of other events to go to so I simply said, “It’s his loss” and left. The fact he is being blocked by “protocol” strikes me as silly. I mean, he’s not exactly Britney Spears. He’s not even Carrie Underwood. He’s a moderately successful country act. That’s all.
Gracin is coming back to Atlanta for a public concert at Cowboys in May. Should I bother interviewing him then? I’ll get your feedback bloggers. What do you think?
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2/22: Paul, Amy, Nicole, Rudy out
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The first cuts weren’t the deepest. The four contestants out were Paul Kim, Amy Krebs, Nicole Tranquillo and Rudy Cardenas. I only got Amy and Rudy correct. Alaina Alexander and Nick Pedros survived.
I thought Paul Kim had enough goodwill from all the airtime he had to make it, but his over-fried version of George Michael’s “Careless Whisper” did him in. What I can’t get out of my mind was his horrible attempt at a falsetto. It made us wish for, of all people, Ace Young, whose best song was from George Michael. His second chance wasn’t any better though he did thankfully forego the falsetto.
Amy Krebs, who sang Bonnie Raitt, was just boring and unmemorable. She got no airtime before and that didn’t help.
Nicole Tranquillo, the gal who made all the funny faces while singing Chaka Khan wasn’t half bad in my estimation and I’m surprised she got booted over Alaina “Brass in Pocket” Alexander. But she got zero airtime, too, which probably hurt her. And she got overshadowed by more riveting singers and more memorable-looking singers.
Rudy Cardenas suffered from being first up and was quickly forgotten despite a passable version of “Free Ride.” (I ranked him eighth). Even though he got a smidgen of airtime during the audition episodes, he didn’t stand out in any way. I still think Nick’s stultifying version of Richard Marx should have had him go first.
Some upcoming guests, according to host Ryan Seacrest: Jon Bon Jovi, Barry Gibb, Gwen Stefani, Diana Ross, Jennifer Lopez, Tony Bennett, Lulu with Peter Noone and Martina McBride. Access Hollywood got J.Lo and Gwen correct. Diana let the cat out of the bag on a talk show last month.
That group sing would have fit perfectly in an amusement park having to fit in 24 people. It was interesting who the producers chose to do solos (Lakisha, naturally, got a few lines). I like “Sowing the Seeds of Love.” It certainly wasn’t an obvious pick. The British producers must have had a hankering for Tears for Fears!
Chris Sligh got to do some audience grovelling after his unfortunate dig at Simon Tuesday when he mocked Simon’s production of Teletubbies and El Divo (while skipping over those WWE wrestlers and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles). “I am a little nervous about how America is going to take it,” Chris said honestly. :”I think that it was taken as disrespect. I have incredible amounts of respect for Simon and I’d hate for America to think that. It wasn’t what I meant at all.”
It’s interesting Fantasia sang “I’m Here” from “The Color Purple,” the Broadway play she is going to be part of rather than promoting her second CD.
And thank you Deirdre for feeding me the results at 9 p.m. while I was out. And yes, it was Gwen Stefani, not Christina Aguilera you were thinking of! :)
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2/22: Where does Lakisha go from here?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Well, Lakisha Jones brought down the house but what she did is like hitting a grand slam to win the World Series in her first at bat. Where does she go from here?
Nobody wants a contest to be over the first week! Will the judges be extra-harsh on her from here on in? How do folks like Stephanie and Melinda feel suddenly being overshadowed after great performances themselves?
Will she crack under pressure without her daughter? Will she be able to sing a country song? Can she do more than R&B?
And I will reiterate the four I had originally predicted to go home: Nick Pedros, Rudy Cardenas, Amy Krebs and Alaina Alexander. After seeing dialidol.com, Paul Kim, despite all his previous airtime and memorable quirks (barefeet!), his poor singing may have really cost him. And as Mike S. noted, the push by www.vftw.com may have come into play with Sundance and Antonella. Both appear to have done extremely well in the voting despite the fact I placed both at the very bottom.
2/21: Jennifer Holliday, watch out!!!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Last night’s lackadaisical performances had me and many of you concerned. Fortunately, the women did not disappoint and put the boys to shame.
My jaw is still on the floor after LaKisha Jones’ “Oh wow” performance. Up to that point, I was about to place Melinda Doolittle at the top, followed by Stephanie Edwards. But then LaKisha came along and as Simon said, “thrown down the gauntlet.” She is the automatic favorite to win it all with that one, incredible performance.
The two worst? Antonella Barba and Amy Krebs. Who will go home? I predict Amy and Alaina Alexander simply because Antonella has built up a small fan base already and they may save her this first week.
But where was the rock? Where was the upbeat pop? Where was the country? It was an R&B songfest (and a great one at that), with three Aretha songs to boot. Why did “Idol” give us so many similar-styled singers this year after providing us, last year, the most diverse crew yet? Just a gripe. I may bring that up as a separate topic later.
- LaKisha Jones (Jennifer Holliday’s “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going”) — The single mom bank teller from Michigan caught the eyes of the judges from the first audition. She has a voice of an angel and gets the lucky final slot. She goes for an incredibly difficult song and pulls it off! Phew! What a way to end the show! I mean, I had to rewind the DVR and watch it a second time. Randy: “I do love you. You laid it out on that stage. Jennifer Hudson. Watch out!” Paula: “You have so much to be proud of. This is where you belong.” Simon: “Just to correct someone earlier. That’s the right note. I am very tempted to say to 23 people book your plane tickets home.”
2-Melinda Doolittle (Luther Vandross’ “Since You’ve Been Gone” ) - The Nashville background singer broke out during Hollywood and hits it out of the box tonight. She exudes confidence and verve. Randy: “If you got it, show it, prove it. You came out and blew it out of the box. You are hot! That was the bomb!” Paula: “No more background singing. You are a front runner, a firecracker.” Simon: “You are an incredible singer, a fantastic singer. I really hope you do well.” Her ticket to the final 12 has just been stamped.
3-Stephanie Edwards (Alicia Keys’ “How Come You Don’t Call Me”) - Stephanie has the unfortunate position of going first, when ratings are lowest and the chances of being forgotten are great. But she wipes away any doubts immediately and opens the show strong. A classic, old-school R&B specialist, she has maturity beyond her 19 years. She clearly has had some stage experience. And she does a great job. Randy: “That said it all! It was definitely pitchy at spots but you can work on that. But the conviction was there and the run at the end. Oohh!!” Paula: “What a performer you are. You are a star, my god!” Simon: “You were a million times better than any performance we saw last night. By far your best performance we saw from you. Unlike yesterday, “It looked like you said, ‘I want to win American Idol.’ “
4-Jordin Sparks (Tracy Chapman’s “Give Me a Reason”) - A high school junior from Arizona, she faced Simon’s “too sugary sweet” criticism with a smile. She takes a bluesy route with the Chapman tune. And while she lacks that edge Tracy has, she is entertaining and sparkly, even more so than last year’s Lisa Tucker. I say bravo! Randy: “Challenge yourself. I don’t know if there is a song too big for you so go there.” Paula: “It was a great song selection. You were a little tentative at first but you came into your own.” Simon: “We’ve seen a big change with you. You’ve got a very very good voice. The great thing is you’re 17 years old. You pick songs a bit younger. I think push yourself and you may surprise a few people in this competition.”
5-Haley Scarnato (Celine Dion’s “It’s All Coming Back to Me”) - A San Antonio Texan who described the experience as “surreal.” The initial audition was mixed but she did better in Hollywood. She’s got a beautiful smile and a fine pop voice. It’s a good song choice and she is very engaging. She’s better than, say, Kat vocally. Randy: “It was just okay for me. It was a good choice for you. You have a Broadway-ish voice. You didn’t do anything special.” Paula: “I thought you did a nice job.” Simon: “You sounded 40. That was the problem. It was a bit like being at a reasonably good hotel. And that’s the last song of the evening. Everything about you was old. But you have a good voice. At 24, you made yourself dated and old fashioned, which is a shame. It was a little boring.” “That’s my style,” she said.
6-Sabrina Sloan (Aretha Franklin’s “I Never Loved a Man”) - She’s a professional singer who has had zip airtime like Leslie and Amy. And she’s yet another R&B gal. She tackles Aretha with more authority than Leslie. You can tell she’s a pro. She’s great. But does that make her appealing to “Idol” fans? I’m not so sure. I feel like I’ve seen her before or someone like her. Randy: “We finally got ourselves a competition. That’s the one to beat.” Paula: “Standing ovation. Awesome.” Simon: “You just proved the point between taking part as we see a lot and genuinely having a desire to win with talent. That performance probably out of everything so far is the best one so far.”
7-Nicole Tranquillo (Chaka Khan’s “Stay”) — She’s yet another blank slate. And she sings yet another R&B song. But she may not be a true R&B singer. She enunciates very poorly but she shows impressive intensity. She picks it up a notch the second half. She also scrunches her face in a rather unpleasant way while she hits the high notes. Randy: “It wasn’t really working for me. I don’t think that’s your vibe. That was rough for me. It went over my head.” (I agree it didn’t quite fit her.) Paula: “I don’t know how many people can hit the notes she hit. That was a performance that was out of this world. It may not have been the right song but you can sing.” SImon: “I thought it was indulgent. It was aggressive. It looked unnatural. It looked fake. It looked like you were overrehearsed. It didn’t feel like you at all.” She is interesting and should stick around.
8-Gina Glocksen (Eric Carmen “All By Myself”) — This dental assistant who has gotten tons of airtime. She seems to have that rocker vibe but inexplicably chooses this ’70s ballad. She has the vocal moxie for it but I ain’t feelin’ it, dawg. It seems wrong. Maybe I just don’t like her. Randy: “I love this. When you started this I didn’t think it woudl work. I was surprised. That was nice. Nice close.” Paula: “It was the right song to sing tonight. You have that big powerful voice.” Simon: “That was a different side of you. I don’t think you quite nailed it. I don’t think you hit the big note.”
9-Leslie Hunt (Aretha Franklin’s overused “(You Make Me Feel) Like a Natural Woman”) — A dog walker from Chicago, she got good feedback from the L.A. judges. She’s one of those “we haven’t seen you before” semifinalists. Can she stand out? She seems sweet and has a deep soulful tone to her body. But she’s not quite Kelly Clarkson, who sang the song much better in 2002. Hey, she is better than, say, Nikki McKibbin. And yes, I’m going to keep whipping out the 2002 references! Randy: “I was hoping for a definite greatness. That song actually I felt was too big for you. You can’t take on Aretha, Stevie, Mariah, Christina and let it lay there. It has to be oh my god you sang that. It was just okay.” Paula: “I thought you did a great job, Leslie. Watch the songs that you pick.” Simon: “It wasn’t great. I tell you what it is with you. You are a very nice person and you’re a dog walker. You look embarrassed and ungainly as if you’re walking your dogs… as if you don’t want to be there.”
10-Alaina Alexander (The Pretenders’ “Brass in Pocket”) - Ryan teases the pizzeria employee as very emotional. “I cried a lot but they are happy tears cos when you want something… to know you can actualy do it and it’s happening is just, like, the best feeling ever.” She at least whips out a pop-ish rock song. She lacks the depth of Chrissie Hynde in vocals and presence. She’s pleasant but not special, as the song notes. Randy: “It really wasn’t great to be honest. The song was okay but you didn’t do anything different with it.” Paula: “You didn’t take the song and make it your own.” Simon: “You kept saying that line, ‘I’m special’ and it wasn’t.” (He stole my line!) “It’s a very hard song to make your own. You are going to be reliant on your looks, not your voice, tonight.” “I’m not crying now,” Alaina said. As Ryan defended Alaina’s passion, Simon utters “Are you trying to date this girl” Simon said. Ryan doesn’t have a good comeback so he says: “That doesn’t even deserve a response.”
11-Amy Krebs (Bonnie Raitt’s well-worn “I Can’t Make You Love Me” which Constantine sang two years ago) - This Seattle optometrist’s assistant has gotten virtually zero airtime at this point. She has no particular back story from the interview. She has an interesting voice but she isn’t a striking personality. Sort of Lindsey Cardinale/Melissa McGhee blah. Randy: “That was a medium, middle of the road rendition.” Paula: “I am going to have to agree with Randy. You impressed us in your earlier audition. You were bluesy, an R&B feel. It’s very sentimental. Has to be soft and breathy.” Simon: “The problem is what you saw in that clip. I still can’t remember you. When you sing, you have a personality of a candle. Everything about you is forgettable.”
12-Antonella Barba (Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing”) - We know her back story. She said she lost her voice the last day and her confidence was off. Let’s see if she can redeem herself. She’s the umpteenth R&B/pop mode singer. This song, which I can’t stand, needs a strong strong voice. She doesn’t quite have it. I was hoping when she hit the chorus that she’d amp it up but she never gets there at all. It’s pretty but not good enough. Randy: “It was really pitchy and really bland. It really wasn’t good.” Paula: “It wasn’t bad. You had some pitch problems… It’s about song selection. You picked songs earlier in the competition that suited you better.” Simon: “The good news is you’re attractive. The bad news is it didn’t work. It was way way way too big for you, that song. It has seriously damaged your chances of staying here another week. You have a pop voice… Pick a pop song. It ate you up… It would be like Ryan doing the news.” Ryan actually didn’t bite back: “She was better than me doing the news. Trust me.”
2/21: Report says J. Lo on Idol in April
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Access Hollywood reports that Jennifer Lopez will be one of the guest celebrity singers to be on “Idol” this season. They even have a date in mind: April 11 for the final eight. Lopez is not known to be a stellar singer so it’ll be interesting what sort of advice she could provide on that front.
There’s also talk of Gwen Stefani helping out the contestants on March 28 for the final 10.
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2/21: Jennifer Hudson at Austin fundraiser
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“Dreamgirls” star Jennifer Hudson is going to perform at a big Dallas Austin Foundation fundraiser March 11 at the Georgia Aquarium. But you better have some deep pockets to attend: the cost is a whopping $1,000 per ticket.
Besides the former “Idol” finalist, the Rev. Al Green will perform. And Denzel Washington will cohost. So that’s some serioius star power. Actress Gabrielle Union, who stars in Tyler Perry’s “Daddy’s Little Girls” will be there as well.
Here’s a description of where the money will go:
Founded in 2003 by Grammy Award-winning songwriter and producer Dallas Austin, the Dallas Austin Foundation, Inc. (DAF) is transforming the lives of young people by enriching their educational experiences through the use of music and film. DAF has developed a curriculum-based program that puts music back into public schools by establishing small recording studios in local schools to teach students song writing and music production. The Dallas Austin Foundation has already established studios at five Atlanta Public Schools: Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School; Brown Middle School; Southside Comprehensive High School, Washington High School and North Atlanta High School. DAF also provides scholarships and financial assistance to help further develop and maintain the musical arts and entertainment departments in school and bring awareness to students of the vast opportunities that exist within the entertainment industry. The Dallas Austin Foundation, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) tax exempt organization. For more information or to contribute, call 404-609-9431.
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2/21: Fantasia on Idol Thursday
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Fantasia, whose second CD has been a major disappointment in sales after her first single “Hood Boy” failed to reach the top 20, is performing on Idol this Thursday in hopes of reigniting sales. I presume she’ll be singing whatever her second single will be.
So far, her current self-titled album has sold about 250,000 copies since it came out a couple months ago. She’s going to be hardpressed to approach anywhere near the 1.7 million she sold the first time around with “Free Yourself.”
She left 19 Management back in the summer of 2006 to sign with a group called Violator Management. But six months later, she has returned to 19 Management and voila! She gets love from “American Idol.”
Fantasia is also joining “The Color Purple” on Broadway as Miss Celie, yet another “Idol” alum making it in that venue.
2/20: Too few good men
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Well, it’s the first two hours of a five-hour marathon this week. Whether you made it through or not, I had to! And I’m tired! I will rank the top 12 in my own estimation based on performance. That won’t necessarily correlate with whether I think the bottom two will actually go home. In fact, they won’t.
The two who deserve to leave? Paul Kim and Sundance. I didn’t like either one at all. But they have had so much airtime up to this point, they should be bulletproof.
Who will go home? My predictions: Nick Pedros and Rudy Cardenas. Neither got much - if any - airtime and undistinguished performances will cost them.
As for the best singers of the night? Chris Sligh and Blake Lewis solidifed their virtually guaranteed spots in the top 12. And Phil Stacey was far better than when we heard him the first time. I would have placed him on top but he started so badly, I couldn’t quite give him that top cred. Even Chris wasn’t stupendous vocally but overall, he gave the best overall performance.
Overall, this wasn’t a great night for vocals. I haven’t seen the comments yet. I deliberately didn’t read them. But I’m about 99.9% sure you all will agree with me. Our favorite predictive Web site [www.dialidol.com] (http://www.dialidol.com] was correct 87% of the time last year and the early going shows. The site measures a combination of number of votes using their special software and busy signals. The more votes, the merrier but a higher busy signal total also indicates popularity.
The bottom three as I go to sleep are Rudy Cardenas, Nick Pedro and Paul Kim. Kim might see his numbers go up if the West Coast lifts him. Sundance is near the bottom but looks safe. Overall, being on the second hour seems to have been an advantage but the better performances were clustered later in the night anyway. Phil Stacey is in the lead. Blake is near the top as expected. Chris Richardson (Justin redux) is pulling in the teen vote. Jared, another good-looking young man, is doing better than I expected while the not-as-handsome Chris Sligh isn’t doing quite as well as I expected and neither is Brandon, a first-hour singer.
Simon understandably roughed up the boys. With time to spare after two long hours of air, Ryan Seacrest got on his case. “Unlike you, I actually respect the audience at home. I don’t believe in patronizing people.” Randy had a hard time mustering up enthusiasm for most of the performances either. Even Paula was occasionally negative but also very cogent. She is clearly being far more productive in her critiques than I’ve ever seen her.
- Chris Sligh (Mute Math’s “Typical”) He’s a marketing consultant at a leasing firm. He disses the song “Sweet Home Alabama” which he had to sing constantly where he auditioned in Birmingham. I didn’t like the song to begin with, but now if I ever hear it again, I’ll probably go postal. I guess he won’t be going back to Birmingham anytime soon! He hopes strategy and song choice will help him out. “Only one of us will be standing there singing “Do I Make You Proud” and I’m looking forward to that,” he cracks. Man, this guy is funny! This song was ranked No. 9 on his favorite 100. I have no clue who MuteMath is. Here’s some info about the band. Overall, I enjoyed it. He has a deep, full soulful voice.
Randy said: “I am a Chris fan. I loved it. I like you. You’re the bomb baby.”
Paula: “You’re anything but typical. The song choice was great. You were ahead of the chorus. So what!”
Simon: “Your humor has got you hear. I’m torn here. I’ve got to know you. I like you very much. You’re a fantastic personality. But I felt like I was at some weird student gig.” Then he disses Simon: “Just because I don’t sing Il Divo or Teletubbies doesn’t mean I’m not a good singer.” (Simon produced both those groups.)
Phil Stacey (Edwin McCain’s “I Could Not Ask For More”) The active duty sailor who missed his youngest daughter’s birth gets the lucky final slot of the night, which is a great advantage based on past history. He felt his initial audition was kind of so-so and he was lucky to get through. He ended strong during Hollywood week. Can he finish off the night well? He starts really poorly, but once he opens up, he sounds pretty good. And he ends on a high note. Bravo! Randy: “It started a little rough but guess what. Phil, you get best vocal props of the night! In tune. Rich. Full. Yah!” Paula: “When you hit the chorus, you opened up.” (Hey, stop stealing my lines Paula!). Simon: “It was okay at the end. It wasn’t necessarily the best vocal tonight.” He said he’s comparing it to Chris Daughtry. “You didn’t nail it. It was okay.”
Blake Lewis (Keane’s “Somewhere We Only Know”) Mr. Beat Box enjoyed the group experience. He was worried about being pigeonholed and says he’ll bust the beat box again occasionally, but he’ll sing more. He misses quite a few notes but it’s a pretty song and he has plenty of charisma to spare. Women are going to vote for this man and he will be back next week.
Randy: “I was really shocked you came out singing a Keane song. But I kind of dug it. You’re so different.”
Paula: “You picked an odd song we never expected. We saw a different side of you and your vocals were spot on. I love your falsetto. And you’re cool. You bring a contemporary vibe and I love it.”
Simon: “Not the best vocal I ever heard in my life. But the difference between you and everybody else tonight, you’re the first person who has come out and sounded like someone in 2007. Everybody else could have been 20-30 years ago.”
Brandon Rogers (Michael Jackson’s “Rock With You”) His audition song: “Always on My Mind.” He felt he did the best at the very end of Hollywood week and now believes he can be a lead singer. He starts effectively slow, then picks it up. He doesn’t ape Michael Jackson, at least in the beginning. Overall, he has a fine spirit and quiet confidence. He should make it past this week without a problem. Randy: “It’s a little pitchy. You know what it means.” Paula: “I do feel the same as Randy. You’re used to doing background runs. You’re a lead vocalist now.” Simon: “You’re a very good singer. It was just a very safe and predictable song to do.” “I wanted to pick a song I could be comfortable with,” he said to open the competition.
Chris Richardson (Gavin DeGraw’s “I Don’t Want to Be”) After singing “A Song for You” in his first audition, the judges compared him to Justin Timberlake. The Chesapeake, Va. boy takes it as a compliment. He is a hottie. The gals are going to love him. His slightly nasal tenor is different than Bo’s version from 2005. He does a perfectly admirable job. Randy: “It wasn’t your best performance. But you made it kind of work. You added a different take.” (He accidentally calls Gavin Edwin McCain.). Paula: “Great arrangement. It was so much fun watching your dad dance on the upbeat while you were on the downbeat.” Simon: “I really like you. I liked the soufulness of your voice [during the auditions].” This time, though, “I thought it sounded very small. It was a bad vocal personally. Though I like you and girls will vote for you. You have potential.”
A.J. Tabaldo (Luther Vandross’s “Never Too Much”) He tried out five times and actually made it to Hollywood last year but got cut. He seems sweet and nice like R.J. Helton. He goes uptempo and we get another R&B dude who can’t match the original. It’s sweet and fun but again, nothing memorable. Randy: “Vocally, it was pretty good. You’re a really good singer. I don’t know if you brought anything new to it.” Paula: “You can definitely sing. You need to go for it more.” Simon: “It was good, nothing great, nothing terrible. That was like a theme-park performance. Very predictable. Maybe you’re better than I originally thought.”
Jared Cotter (Brian McKnight’s “Back at One”) A Long Island waiter who lost his job for trying out for “Idol.” He notes that America hasn’t seen him yet. “I look at this as a clean slate,” he said. He’s a very generic R&B singer. No wonder the producers paid him no attention! He’s a perfectly capable singer but he’s no American Idol. Randy: “That was pretty good man. I didn’t like the way you ended.” Paula: “I like you sing more uptempo songs. It sounded like how Brian would intepret it. I feel there’s more to you.” Simon: “It was a very unadventurous performance really. You sounded a bit nasally. You look good.”
Rudy Cardenas (“Free Ride” Edgar WInter Group) - His audition song: “Open Arms” from Journey. He considers himself a professional singer and a result, has eaten lots of ramen. Simon didn’t like him at first and he hopes he’ll like him more now. Vocally, he’s solid and he shows a lot of energy. But does he have that “it” factor Simon likes to talk about? I’m not so sure. Randy: “You got the party started but for me, it was very corny.” Paula: “I thought you started off fantastic.” Simon: “The reason why I haven’t been that enthusiastic. You don’t do anything unique. I don’t think you have a distinctive voice. I think the song was dated. There’s nothing we’ll remember.”
Sanjaya Malakar (Stevie Wonder’s “Knocks Me Off My Feets”) He thought his sister was better but he feels he has to work harder to represent her. He’s very charming and has a warm voice. Is he Stevie? Not even close. But the fact he’s so green is what will get him into the top 12. How far he gets beyond that it’s too early to say. Randy: “I didn’t think it was very good. We talk about song choice. You try to tackle Stevie. It wasn’t even remotely close. It was really bad. Sorry dawg.” Paula: “You’re a sweet soul. There’s an easiness about you. And you have a nice voice. I wish more of your personality and more force came through in your performance. You seemed hesitant.” Simon: “The most used line was I don’t want to bore you with this. It was the most dreary performance we had all night. Half the band was asleep during it. That minute and a half felt like an hour.” Sanjaya said hesitantly, “I appreciate his honesty?” He wasn’t great but I didn’t think he was that bad.
Nick Pedros (Richard Marx’s “Now and Forever” ) He bowed out last year but gets a second chance this time. Uh oh. He’s playing Richard Marx. zzzzz… He’s got a fine tonal quality but man, this song is a snoozer. And he gets the falsetto (unlike Paul Kim.). He’s kind of okay but not overly memorable. Randy: “It wasn’t good for me. It was really really boring. It was very pitchy. I felt like I lost Nick.” Paula: “When you did [“Fly Me to the Moon” during his first audition], the tone of your voice just melts… the magic kind of fell flat.” Simon: “I didn’t think it was that bad. It wasn’t terrible. I think you lost your spark a bit. But you’re a very charming guy. You’re very nervous.”
11-Paul Kim (George Michael’s “Careless Whisper”) He said it seemed Simon didn’t like his “If I Ever Fall in Love,” but Simon said yes. He explains why he loves going barefoot. He opts for Georga Michael a la Ace Young last year. But he always does too many runs and he has an odd tone to his voice. The cameras show his bare feet when he notes “guilty feet have got no rhythm.” He completely botches the high notes. Given how much airtime he’s had, he’ll squeak by but he’ll need to step it up to make it to the final 12.
Randy: “You’re one of the best voices but I don’t love this song on you. The falsetto didn’t quite work but I see a lot of promise. I like your potential.”
Paula: “You kind of oversang the song. You were pitchy.”
Simon: “I suggest you put your shoes on next week. Who cares? It’s a singing competition. I thought it was an ordinary copy of George Michael… third rate.”
- Jason “Sundance” Head (Moody Blues’ “Nights in White Satin”) He admits the reason he even made it to the final 24 was his initial audition of “Stormy Monday,” not his subpar performance during Hollywood week. His opening is kind of dull. In fact, it’s just alright, as Randy might say. He lacks the emotional resonance in his voice he needs on a song like that. It didn’t click at all. Randy said he abandoned his bluesy initial audition. “I don’t think you were on pitch the whole song. It was really strange for me.” Paula: “I think you picked the wrong song.” Simon: “You’ve gone right off since we first saw you. You came in rough, great voice. Tonight, you were dad at the wedding… very old-fashioned, very uninspired. I think you lost what you did originally. I didn’t like you tonight.” Harsh! But deserved.
2/20: What happened to Denise Jackson?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Here’s an item I picked up from a site called newsblues.com, which focuses on broadcast news. Denise Jackson was the very first person on the first show in Minneapolis to go to Hollywood. She was invisible during last week’s shows so the presumption was she didn’t make the cut anyway:
The “manager” for 16-year-old Denise Jackson, a crack baby-turned “American Idol” contestant from the Minneapolis auditions, says Sean Ryan, a reporter at Sinclair-owned WMSN-47-Fox in Madison, WI, “screwed up” her chances on “Idol” by reporting that she participated in a fundraiser in January. “Idol” contestants are forbidden from raising money for themselves by mentioning the program.
WMSN News Director Al Zobel called the accusation “a flat-out lie” and says a $5 admission was charged to Jackson’s “Going To Hollywood” party. Her manager insists a “$5 donation was requested.” (Jackson reportedly took home $30 from the “fundraiser,” after expenses.)
“We simply reported the facts,” said Zobel. “Now we’re being vilified for reporting fact.”
Here’s a story about the mess.. And another one here.
In September, Jackson rose above 10,000 “Idol” wannabes in a Minneapolis talent search but was mysteriously “eliminated” at the Hollywood level.
Local viewers tuned in expecting to see her on last week’s “Hollywood Week” shows, but she never appeared, leading to speculation that she may have been removed for violating terms of the “Idol” contestant agreement.
Jackson and her family flew to Hollywood in November to tape her audition segment…a full two months before the so-called “Going To Hollywood” party in Madison.
2/20: Most powerful TV show ever?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Zucker, the new chief executive of NBC Universal, said, “I think ‘Idol’ is the most impactful show in the history of television.”
And that’s from a rival!
It’ll be interesting how the show will impact Survivor, Earl/Office and Ugly Betty on Thursdays the next three weeks.
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2/19: Favorite Atlantans on Idol
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This season, for the first time, “American Idol” is not featuring any finalists from the metro Atlanta area.
Here’s a list of locally connected contestants from previous seasons who made some waves. Pick your favorite:
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2/20: Chris Sligh’s favorite songs
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This list of 100 favorite songs were on Chris Sligh’s blog before he took it down last week. He readily admits some of the songs are “crappy.” So brace yourself for Celine Dion (he liked “Because You Loved Me” so much, he listed it twice), that horrible “Armageddon” Aerosmith theme song and oodles of Bryan Adams ballads circa 1993.
My 100 Favorite Songs of All Time
EDIT: Hey guys, a lot of people are ragging on me because the songs I’ve picked…some of them are pretty crappy. However, I should’ve noted beforehand that these are songs that I love from my whole musical journey. The music that I listen to now on a regular basis is vastly different from what I did 10 years ago. However, many of those songs from years ago still have a place in my heart b/c they brought me to where I am now. If the same songs came out now I probably wouldn’t even hear them since I rarely listen to the radio anymore. So, hopefully that explains choices like Celine Dion, BoyzIIMen & Michael Bolton.
or my favorite recordings of songs
or songs that you should go buy from iTunes if you don’t have them
Runners up:
Why Cry by The Panic Channel
When a Man Loves a Woman by Michael Bolton
100- Because You Loved Me by Celine Dion
99- Knockin’ on Heavens Door by Guns & Roses
98- Remix to Ignition by R.Kelly
97- Recipe for Love by Harry Connick, Jr.
96- Open Arms by Mariah Carey
95- No One Love Me Like You by Jars of Clay
94- Rain King by Counting Crows
93- Until the World by the Afters
92- Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing by Aerosmith
91- Landed by Ben Folds
90- Like a Rolling Stone by Bob Dylan
89- Dr. Dre Song by Ben Folds
88- Can’t Always Get What You Want by the Rolling Stones
87- Hallelujah I Just Love Her So! by Ray Charles
86- Wartime Prayers by Paul Simon
85- Home by Downhere
84- Walk Down This Mountain by Bebo Norman
83- Tennessee by Arrested Development
82- Nothing to Say by Andrew Peterson
81- Can’t Stop Loving You by Phil Collins
80- Answering Bell by Ryan Adams
79- Colored People by DCTalk
78- I’m Not Sleeping by Counting Crows
77- And So It Goes by Billy Joel
76- On Bended Knee by BoyzIIMen
75- Sitting, Waiting, Wishing by Jack Johnson
74- Amazed by Desperation Band
73- Tiny Dancer by Elton John
72- Helter Skelter by the Beatles
71- St. Robinson & His Cadillac Dream by Counting Crows
70- Kashmir by Led Zeppelin
69- AM Radio by Everclear
68- Boys of Summer by the Ataris
67- Because You Loved Me by Celine Dion
66- Change the World by Eric Clapton
65- Look After You by the Fray
64- With a Wink and a Smile by Harry Connick, Jr.
63- Only Living Boy In New York by Simon and Garfunkel
62- Your Body Is a Wonderland by John Mayer
61- Let’s Get It On by Marvin Gaye
60- Love Song by Five for Fighting
59- Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey
58- Show Me How to Live by Audioslave
57- I Think About You by Bryan Adams
56- All Along by Blessed Union of Souls
55- Song for the Asking by Simon & Garfunkel
54- Sir Duke by Stevie Wonder
53- Jolene by Ray LaMontagne
52- Hackensack by Fountains of Wayne
51- I Could Not Ask For More by Edwin McCain
50- Crazy by Aerosmith
49- Don’t Lie by the Black Eyed Peas
48- Hard to Handle by the Black Crowes
47- End of the Road by BoyzIIMen
46- Someone Saved My Life Tonight by Elton John
45- Without Me by Eminem
44- Cigarette by the Graham Colton Band
43- Crazy by the Gnarls Barkley
42- Love is Only a Feeling by the Darkness
41- Come Back to Bed by John Mayer
40- Senorita by Justin Timberlake
39- Golddigger by Kanye West
38- This Love by Maroon 5
37- Hey Julie by Fountains of Wayne
36- Some Folks Lives Roll Easy - Paul Simon
35- When You Were Young by the Killers
34- Carrying Cathy by Ben Folds
33- Ophelia by the Band
32- If I Could Give All My Love (Richard Manuel is Dead) by Counting Crows
31- Sweet Emotion by Aerosmith
30- God Only Knows by the Beach Boys
29- Eleanor Rigby by the Beatles
28- Killing Me by the Graham Colton Band
27- Bright Lights by Matchbox20
26- Elevation by U2
25- Gone by Switchfoot
24- Always on Your Side by Sheryl Crow & Sting
23- Somebody to Love by Queen
22- Brick by Ben Folds Five
21- Memory by Sugarcult
20- With Imagination by Harry Connick, Jr.
19- You Are Here by needtobreathe
18- Move Along by the All-American Rejects
17- Save Me by Queen
16- Learning to Breathe by Switchfoot
15- Kiss from a Rose by Seal (The song he sang during his first audition for Paula, Simon & Randy/Rodney)
14- Trouble by Ray LaMontagne
13- City of Blinding Lights by U2
12- Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen
11- Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman by Bryan Adams
10 Army by Ben Folds Five
9- Typical by MuteMath
8- Stockholm Syndrome by Muse
7- Yellow by Coldplay
6- Please Forgive Me by Bryan Adams
5- Blackbird by the Beatles
4- Long December by Counting Crows
3- Butterflies & Hurricanes by Muse
2- Control by MuteMath
1- Hysteria by Muse
2/19: Top 24 Yahoo searches
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’m surprised Leslie Hunt is doing so well in the searches department and single-mom Lakisha Jones is doing so poorly.
Top American Idol Searches on the Final 24 according to Yahoo! Buzz
According to Yahoo! Buzz, Antonella Barba has an early commanding lead in the pack: The bikini cheesecake montage during the New York auditions helped, plus the double drama of her being better than musically trained best galpal, Amanda Colucci, and destroying San Antonio audition favorite Bailey Brown. Commercial with a Capital C can’t match two Jersey girls.
Here is a list of the top 24 in order of most searches done on Yahoo!
Antonella Barba, Point Pleasant, NJ. She didn’t bring the most searches from the New York audition (that honor belonged to the bearded Sean Michel), but natural talent and not Machiavellian techniques (per Simon’s rec), got her into the top. Um, plus the bikini.
Chris Sligh, Greenville, SC. Will he get his chance to make David Hasselhoff cry? His curly mop and dry wit have made him popular among his fellow competitors and the public.
Sundance Jason Head, Jason Sundance Head. He aced the Memphis auditions, then biffed Hollywood… but still managed to score a seat. Besides checking his musical lineage, people may be searching for Sundance to see how he got so lucky.
Paul Kim, Saratoga, Calif
Sanjaya Malakar , Federal Way, Washington
Blake Lewis, Bothel, Wash
Jordin Sparks, Glendale, Ariz
Chris Richardson, Chesapeake, Virg
Leslie Hunt, Chicago, Ill
Melinda Doolittle, Brentwood, Tenn
Haley Scarnato, San Antonio, Texas
Gina Glocksen, Napierville, Ill
Nicholas Pedro, Taunton, Mass
Phil Stacey, Jacksonville, Fla
Rudy Cardenas, North Hollywood, Calif
Alaina Alexander, West Hollywood, Calif
AJ Tabaldo, Santa Maria, Calif.
Brandon Rogers, North Hollywood, Calif.
Nicole Tranquillo, Philadelphia, Penn
Stephanie Edwards, Savannah, Georgia
Lakisha Jones, Fort Meade, Maryland
Sabrina Sloan, Studio City, Calif
Amy Krebs, Federal Way, Wash
Jared Cotter, Kew Gardens, New York
SOURCE: Yahoo! Buzz http://buzz.yahoo.com
2/19: Stories on some semifinalists
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Typically, the hometown papers of the various final 24 get quick interviews with the contestants. For the first five seasons, I always had someone to talk to, from Tamyra Gray, EJay Day and RJ Helton in June 2002 to Vanessa Olivarez season two to Diana DeGarmo season three to Janay Castine season four to Paris last year. Since this is the first year with no Atlantans in sight, I get my very first bye.
Here’s one from the San Jose Merc about Paul Kim. He’s worried he’ll be known as “the Asian guy” on the show but hey, he was the one who made it an issue! (AJ Tabaldo, by the way, is Filipino American.)
The Seattle Times talks with beat-boxer Blake Lewis, Sanjaya Malakar and Amy Krebs. Lewis is part of the hip hop scene. Malakar is in a gospel choir. Krebs is originally from Des Moines.
My friend Maureen Ryan at the Chicago Tribune did a quick overview of Gina Glocksen and Leslie Hunt Hunt has had lupus and almost died after an adverse reaction to a yellow fever vaccine before going to Rio. We haven’t heard much of her but she says she likes classic soul. Glocksen, who we have seen lots of, said she actually sang “Killing Me Softly,” not “Black Velvet” in front of the judges but editing made it seem like the latter. She also had tried out in L.A. but didn’t make it so she got in after her Memphis audition. And she repeated her crush on Simon.
The Richmond Times Dispatch covers Chris Richardson. He’s worked at a Hooters in Chesapeake, Va., a city I covered back in the early 1990s for the Virginian Pilot. And he tried out twice in 2005. He likes soul — like Richmond dude Elliott Yamin.
Jared Cotter and Antonella Barba gets the treatment from the NY Daily News. Cotter missed auditions season one and his mom convinced him to try out this season. Barba said her best friend Amanda Coluccio has been supportive of her and she wouldn’t kick her buddy while she’s down, as Simon suggested.
I have to go to sleep. I’ll post some more links later.
And Chris Sligh is already being pegged by a gambling site as the favorite to win it all.
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2/16: Nigel says no MJ on Idol
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“Idol” executive producer Nigel Lythgoe, in his weekly talk with Chuck Ross of TV Week, flat out said Michael Jackson is not showing up on “Idol.” So end that rumor!
“I much prefer, rather than teasing anybody with it, that the fact is he will not be on ‘American Idol,’ ” Lythgoe said.
Here’s the transcript
But Lythgoe throws out a big tease without being remotely specific:
Mr. Ross: Anything you can tell us about the contest we’re doing and how that’s going?
Mr. Lythgoe: No, there’s nothing else that I can sort of fill you in at the moment with, but please, please look towards a major news announcement in the next couple of weeks.
Mr. Ross: Ah ha! Regarding “Idol” and…what would it be? Give us one little more tease.
Mr. Lythgoe: It’s the biggest thing that’s happened to “Idol” in five years. But it does include “American Idol” and it does include America.
Hmmm…. what could this be people? Any guesses?
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2/16: More on Chris Sligh
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Since Chris Sligh looks like a lock for the top 12, I fished around a bit more about him.
Here’s some info from a Fox station in Greenville. He is married, according to his bio on the Idol page. This story says he’s lived in Greenville for 10 years, attended Bob Jones University and North Greenville College. No sign of any Atlanta ties so far.
Check out his blog..
And his band.
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2/15: Bio info on the top 24
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Here’s bio info of the top 24, courtesy of Fox PR:
Rudy Cardenas (28) - Currently lives in North Hollywood, CA, but grew up in Denver, CO. Cardenas was born in Venezuela and has a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Northern Colorado.
Jared Cotter (25) - Grew up in Kew Gardens, NY, and currently lives in West Orange, NJ. He has a degree in business management from Five Towns College, Long Island.
Sundance Head (28) - Currently lives in Porter, TX, and is the son of Roy Head (who had a No. 1 song in 1965, “Treat Her Right”). His life has been centered around music and he can play five instruments.
Paul Kim (25) - Currently lives in Saratoga, CA, and is working as a pool maintenance technician. He grew up with a love of soul music and enjoys gardening.
Blake Lewis (25) - Currently lives in Bothell, WA, and began “beat boxing” in his senior year of high school. Lewis was a member of a youth choir group that traveled to Europe.
Sanjaya Malakar (17) - Currently lives in Federal Way, WA, and comes from a family of singers. He spent four years in Hawaii performing with the Hawaii Children’s Theater.
Chris Richardson (22) - Currently lives in Chesapeake, VA, and is a supervisor at a restaurant. He was born in Belgium into a military family and performs at local clubs.
Nick Pedro (25) - Currently lives in Taunton, MA, and made it to Hollywood last season. Pedro has performed at talent shows and is an account executive.
Brandon Rogers (29) - From North Hollywood, CA, but spent six years in Dallas. Rogers has been singing for as long as he can remember. He works as a voice coach, wedding singer and background singer. His mother is a published songwriter.
Phil Stacey (29) - Currently lives in Jacksonville, FL; however, he grew up in Cincinnati. Stacy has a degree in vocal performance and is a singer in the Navy. He is married with two children.
Chris Sligh (28) - Currently lives in Greenville, SC, and is the son of missionaries. Sligh spent 10 years with his family in Germany. Since attending Bob Jones University, he has traveled and performed with a band.
AJ Tabaldo (22) - Currently lives in Santa Maria, CA, and has been singing since the age of 5. He is a supervisor for a shipping service.
Female singers scheduled to perform Wednesday, Feb. 21 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) include:
Alaina Alexander (24) - Currently lives in West Hollywood, CA, and has been singing all her life. Her favorite artist is Mariah Carey. She has been pursuing a career in music but almost gave up her dream until she made it on AMERICAN IDOL.
Antonella Barba (20) - From Point Pleasant, NJ, Barba attends Catholic University in Washington, DC, pursuing an architecture degree. She began singing in sixth grade and once toured with the Monmouth Conservatory of Music in England.
Melinda Doolittle (29) - Currently lives in Brentwood, TN. Doolittle is a graduate of Belmont University in Nashville and has a bachelor’s degree in Commercial Music. She is a backup singer on stage and in the studio.
Stephanie Edwards (19) - Currently lives in Savannah, GA. Edwards sang at the famed Apollo Theater when she appeared on “It’s Showtime at the Apollo.” She has won every singing contest she has ever entered.
Gina Glocksen (22) - Currently lives in Naperville, IL, and works as a dental assistant. Glocksen also performs in a cover band. She tried out for AMERICAN IDOL last season and made it to Day 4 of the Hollywood Round.
Leslie Hunt (24) - Currently lives in Chicago, IL. Hunt is a dog walker who is studying to become a dog trainer. She also plays the piano.
Lakisha Jones (27) - Grew up in Flint, MI, and began singing at age 5. Gospel is her Jones’ favorite type of music but she has trained formally in classical music.
Amy Krebs (22) - Currently lives in Federal Way, WA. Krebs has been singing since she was a small child and attended the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City. She is fluent in German and lived in Germany for three years.
Haley Scarnato (24) - Currently lives in San Antonio, TX. Scarnato, who recently became engaged, has been performing as a freelance singer since she was 15 years old and considers Celine Dion her hero.
Jordin Sparks (17) - Currently lives in Glendale, AZ. Sparks began singing when she was only 18 months old. She won the “Arizona Idol” contest. Her favorite band is Something Corporate.
Sabrina Sloan (27) - Currently lives in Studio City, CA. Sloan attended the Northwestern University music and theater program and has performed across the country with the touring production of “Hairspray.”
Nicole Tranquillo (20) - Currently lives in Philadelphia, PA, where she is a vocal major at the University of the Arts. Tranquillo began taking voice lessons when she was 12 years old.
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2/15: South not so hot on Idol
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Despite the fact two of the auditions cities were Memphis and Birmingham, not a single person from either of those cities made the final 24, based on the cities of residences listed on Idol’s main page.
And the South is only represented by seven of the 24 contestants this year (and that includes Florida and Texas.).
Last year, a whopping 13 of the 24 were from the South and in season four, it was 11.
Georgia gets one representative from Savannah: Stephanie Edwards. Here’s her bio
Alabama and North Carolina, homes to the likes of Chris Daughtry, Clay Aiken, Fantasia, Bo Bice, Taylor Hicks and Ruben Studdard, were shut out.
I’ll have to do some fishing as we go along to see if anybody has even a remote Atlanta tie.
California, which has generally been under-represented despite Katharine McPhee’s runner-up status last year, has six people alone this year.
Minneapolis, site of one of the auditions, didn’t have a single person in the running either.
And though Seattle was mocked incessantly by the “Idol” judges, three of the 24 are from Washington state.
The South shouldn’t feel too bad: the Northeast only has three people in the top 24 and the Midwest just two.
After doing some more investigation on the Web, it appears 17 of the 24 contestants had at least some airtime during the auditions including a few I didn’t recall such as Chris Richardson, Rudy Cardenas and Haley Scarnato. These photos are from reality TV magazine
The seven I don’t think were referenced at all during the audition city rounds: A.J. Tabaldo, Stephanie Edwards, Leslie Hunt, Nicole Tranquillo, Jared Cotter, Amy Krebs and Sabrina Sloan. Was Stephanie seen at all? I could be wrong. Folks with better memories, please help me! These seven are at an immediate disadvantage and will have to step it up next week to get people’s attentions. (Recall Bo and “Whipping Post” in 2005 and “Respect” from Kelly as examples.)
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2/15: Bucky separates with wife
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Bucky Covington announced he was separating from his wife of seven years, who is a nurse. Here are some details..
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2/14: And then there were 24…
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The judges, after last night’s one-hour massacre, interviewed the final 40 and decided among them which 12 guys (next Tuesday) and 12 gals (next Wednesday) will make it to the competitive voting rounds. It’s the moment of truth and it’s about time, eh?
And if you saw the spoiler page list, it was 100% correct!
Sanjaya Malakar was the first one up. He talks about losing his sister in the Hollywood rounds. “It’s bittersweet,” he said. He’s through, of course.
Anna Kearns, the tall gal from Seattle, didn’t make it. “It’s see ya later time,” Randy said. She’s aghast. “Nobody has a body like this on the show,” Anna said. “This is about singing,” Simon said. Bernard Williams, who we’ve never seen before, is out. Eric Davis, who looks like Constantine, and Tammy Gosnell, who I don’t remember, are gone, too.
Melinda Doolittle, the shy background singer, is next. “You’re good enough to stand in front of the stage,” Simon said. “You are no longer a backup singer.”
Speaking of backup singers, there’s Brandon Rogers from L.A. “You finally earned your spot as a lead singer,” Randy said.
Gina Glocksen, the gal who was cut from Hollywood last year, came back this time around and made the final 40 — and the final 24. “Shut up!” she gasped.
For Jimmy McNeal and Errick Johnson, it’s over. (Who?) It was nice not ever knowin’ ya! Haley Scarnato is in. I don’t remember her from the audition eps. Phil Stacy, who missed the birth fo his daughter, has that dirty bad boy thang Paula likes. He’s also through! (The spoiler page says he was “possibly” disqualified but it looks okay so far.)
Six in. Commercial break. Now it’s Chris Sligh’s turn. “You guys are probably wondering why we’re calling this meeting today,” he joked. His soulful voice shines. And he’s, of course, through. “You’re one of the most popular,” Simon said. “Everybody seems to like you. But you weren’t one of the better singers. Unfortunately, you’re going to be seeing a lot of us.”
Blake Lewis, beat box dude, managed to get by with his singing. Thomas Lowe the Brit dude who worked with Simon’s label a few year’s back, is gone. Rudy Cardenas, a man I don’t remember but I’m told was featured during the audition round, makes it through.
Nine in. Next commercial break. Paul Kim talks about his barefood habit and his lucky “cut” underwear. His audition seems a bit overwrought. “This is a split decision,” Paula said. But he’s in.
Jordin Sparks, the adorable 17 year old, didn’t do as well in Hollywood as Randy had hoped, saying she was a bit nervous. But she made it back.
Unseen Olivia Quiba-Hurst is gone. Tatianna McConnico from Austell didn’t make it either. (Again, the spoiler page has been 100% right up to this point.) Another unseen gal Monique Vieras is a goner, too.
A.J. Tabaldo, who has auditioned five times before, has gotten farther than he ever has before. He is really good based on the clip we saw. And he’s going to the 24.
Stephanie Edwards, a gal I don’t recall, sounds great and makes it, too. She’s followed by another gal I don’t remember: Leslie Hunt, who has a smoky voice and gets in. Nick Pedro, who is making a return visit to Hollywood, is another one in.
15 down. Nine slots to go. Commercials. Alaina Alexander is next. She doesn’t sound all that great in the snippet we see. But they give her a shot anyway. Did we see her audition before? I can’t remember!
Chris Richardson gets a few seconds of airtime and he’s “in the house,” as Randy said. Sabrina Sloan, another unknown, joins Chris in the 24.
After a string of yesses, here are some no’s of folks: Jerome Chism, Joelle James. Matthew Buckstein (cowboy dude who did get airtime last year and this year) and Princess Johnson.
Single mom Lakisha Jones, who sang with conviction during Hollywood week, rocked her way in.
Seven people left. Five open slots left. Two nada’s upcoming. Three good singers we’ve never seen make it through in a row: Nicole Tranquillo, quite a confident singer; Jared “J.L.” Cotter who also sounds fine; and Amy Krebs another assured, soulful singer we had never seen before.
Marissa Rhodes and my favorite Antonella Barba enter the zone. Marissa started strong while Antonella struggled for words her final day. That would imply Marissa would make it but no, folks, it’s Antonella. Surprise! And Marissa is understandably miserable.
Then it’s Tommy Daniels and Jason “Sundance” Head. The spoilier page claims Tommy was cut because he revealed info to the media. We don’t know if that’s true. Sundance, who had a rough Hollywood round, takes the final male slot. Fair? Not fair? Hard to say since we don’t see all the auditions. We can’t really judge for ourselves on that one.
I wonder: are folks who make the final 40 but not the final 24 eliminated from future competitions? Does anybody know?
Now it’s on to the voting! We get to see them goof on the cameras. One quick observation: no pure blondes among the gals. And lots of good-lookin’ guys.
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2/13: Say goodbye to Hollywood
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For 132 people tonight, “American Idol” will be but a memory. Paula, Randy and Simon slice and dice the Hollywood contestant pool to just 40 in 42 minutes of airtime (minus commercials.)
Day one is the women: 114 of them.
Each contestant gets 30 seconds in groups of six. The first ones are Jory Steinberg and five women we didn’t see before - and won’t see again. All six are cut! “It was a terrible start,” Simon said. “No originality.” Ouch.
Shakira er.. Perla Meneses pops out with “Hips Don’t Lie” and survives cut one. Rachel Jenkins, the military gal with the hubby in the Iraq, is out. “You are personality over talent at the moment,” Simon warned Perla. “I can’t help being myself,” she said.
Farm gal Baylie Brown moves forward. Aslyn Carr, funny face who got that second chance, got cut on screen in a matter of seconds. “I’m still going to do music no matter what,” she said. Sarah Burgess, the gal who defied her dad, was also out. And we didn’t even hear either of them sing.
Nicole Turner, one of last singers of the day, goes home after singing a song for her mom. She talks to the judges. “I just want to tell you Nicole did that song to please me. I don’t know if I can make it up to her.” “I picked a bad song I wasn’t feeling,” she said. Simon walks away as they argue.
We’re just 16 minutes in and 56 of the 114 ladies are gone. Survivors include Tatianna McConnico, Melinda Doolittle and Jamie Lynn Ward.
Now it’s the guy’s turn. There are only 58 of them so their chances of getting through are far better. Clean-cut 19 year old Brian Miller gets through with “A Change is Gonna Come.” Navy man Jarrod Fowler does a passable Josh Groban but doesn’t make it. Boyish, emotional teen Matt Satos talks about getting closer to his mom once he made it to Hollywood and makes the first cut. 34 make it through. The survivors include Seattle beat boxer Blake Lewis; Nick Padros, who dropped out last year; Phil Stacey, who missed his baby’s birth; and bearded dude Sean Michel.
All that felt crunched because, well, normally that would have encompassed a full-hour episode but we’re only at the 30-minute point.
There are now 92 left to do the group round. Interestingly, they allow groups of four as well as three.
We rush through the rehearsal night in less than 10 minutes. Antonella and best friend Amanda have arguments over song choice (Baylie Brown is caught in the middle.) pick “This Old Heart of Mine.” Amanda hangs out with some guys instead of practicing. Gina Glocksen’s group (with Perla) bicker.
Next day: Matt Sato forgot the words to his song and he’s gone. Gina’s group with Perla did okay but Perla is out. Chris Sligh’s group with Blake Lewis did a strange but compelling beat-box “How Deep is Your Love” and everybody got through. Sundance, who on the spoiler page is in the final 24, had a rough first round but still got through. “You sang through your nose,” Simon complained. “And halfway through, you look like you were boiled. You’re so red!”
Robyn Troup, who performed with Justin Timberlake on the Grammy’s just two nights ago, gets cut in the same group as Sundance, who just barely survives. “You were generous with that guy,” Simon said.
Baylie forgot the words for a huge swath of the song and so did Amanda. Antonella did just great. (Yah!). “To say that was rough was an understatement,” Randy said. Baylie goes home. Somehow, Amanda made it through.
Of the 92, 36 were out. Only 56 are left, nine minutes left in the hour. Phew! On day four, each contestant sings solo again. We hear none of them. (We will tomorrow.) Now they cut them into three rooms. One room will go home.
The first room with Chris Sligh and Paul Kim in it makes it through. Room two with Antonella and Sundance gets the thumbs up. So for the room with Jamie Lynn Ward, Antonella’s friend Amanda and Sanjaya’s sister is out. As the bro and sis hug, my DVR stops. Did I miss anything more?
We have about 40 left. I didn’t hear a specific count. It all did feel rushed, as we expected.
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2/13: Grease comments
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Given the pitiful ratings, I’m sure virtually none of you are watching NBC’s “Idol” ripoff “Grease: You’re the One That You Want.” I am a huge “Grease” fan so I’m following it. The gal I really liked, even though I know she wasn’t remotely the best, was Ashley. They gave her a second chance to come on the show last week but she was one of the bottom-two vote getters this week. In a twist that would have caused “Idol” fans to go crazy, the judges spared the lowest vote getters after a “sing off” with the second-lowest vote getters. That meant Ashley, who always had a frightened expression on her face that made her endearing, was out. Oh, well…
One problem with the contestants is they’re all fairly homogeneous because the judges wanted a certain “look” for Danny and Sandy. It’s hard to differentiate some of them at this stage. One gal even looks like Katharine McPhee!
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2/13: Idol-related Yahoo searches
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Top Audition Contenders on Yahoo!
If anyone’s in a betting mood, Yahoo! has counted the searches and came up with the top names from each audition:
Top Seattle “Idol” Contender on Yahoo!: Jordin Sparks. The 16-year-old may inherit a gene for fame: Her dad was a former New York Giants player.
Top Minneapolis “Idol” Contender: Matt Sato: Besides an angelic voice, he got the sympathy voice with his
Top New York “Idol” Contender on Yahoo!: Sean Michel
Top Memphis “Idol” Contender on Yahoo!: Jason Sundance Head
Top Birmingham “Idol” Contender: Chris Sligh
Top Los Angeles “Idol” Contender: Brandon Rogers
Top San Antonio “Idol” Contender: Baylie Brown
SOURCE: Yahoo! Buzz http://buzz.yahoo.com
And here’s the top 25 alum searches for the week. (I wish Google would release info like this since that’s the No. 1 search spot but Yahoo still pulls in decent numbers in searches. And below, I’m still befuddled by the Amy Adams searches. Who cares about Amy Adams???? Is Yahoo mixing her up with someone else?)
Top 25 “American Idol” Alum on Yahoo!
The Season Six hopefuls weren’t the only ones keeping busy… and getting attention for making their way through the grueling process. Plenty of alum made sure to keep their names and faces in the public eye (and ear). (Oh, and we counted searches for William Hung on Yahoo!, he would’ve been number nine on this list.)
Jennifer Hudson (Season 3, wild card who ended up sixth place). Golden Globe supporting actress winner, Oscars supporting actress nominee, debut album due 2007.
Katharine McPhee (Season 5, second place) Debut album Jan 30, played herself online in lonelygirl15 and “Ugly Betty.”
Chris Daughtry (Season 5, fourth place). Debut album Nov, 21, 2006, best-selling Idol contestant who didn’t win or come in second.
Kelly Clarkson (Season 2, winner). Third album coming 2007, new NASCAR spokeswoman.
Carrie Underwood (Season 4, winner). Top selling debut album (Nov. 15, 2005 release), latest award for Best New Artist (Grammy).
Fantasia Barrino (Season 3, winner). Second album released Dec. 12, 2006
Clay Aiken (Season 1, second place). Christmas album Nov. 28, 2006.
Taylor Hicks (Season 5, first place). Debut album Dec. 12, 2006, scheduled for New Orleans Mardi Gras celebration, memoir due spring 2007.
Ruben Stoddard (Season 2, first place). Went vegetarian, single Oct. 17, 2006.
Elliott Yamin (Season 5, third place). Christmas single Dec. 6, 2006, single Feb. 9, debut album March 20.
Amy Adams (Season 3, 10th place). Make-up artist.
Josh Gracin (Season 2, fourth place). Second album Feb. 13.
Mario Vazquez (Season 4, drop-out from final 12). Debut album Sept. 26, 2006.
Bo Bice (Season 4, second place). Debut album Dec. 13, 2005. Single Sept. 12, 2006.
Bucky Covington (Season 5, sixth place). Single released Jan. 16, debut album April 17
Ryan Starr (Season 1, seventh place). I-Tunes single Sept. 2004.
Paris Bennett (Season 5, fifth place). I-Tunes single Jan 16, debut album March.
Justin Guarini (Season 2, second place). TV Guide Channel commentator.
Kimberly Caldwell (Season 2, seventh place) TV Guide Channel host
Kimberley Locke (Season 2, third place). Sophomore album April 2007, Celebrity Fit Club April 2007.
LaToya London (Season 3, fourth place). Touring edition of “The Color Purple.”
RJ Helton (Season 1, fifth place). Came out as gay Oct. 18, 2006.
Diana Degarmo (Season 3, second place). Starring in “Hairspray” on Broadway.
Jim Verraros (Season 1, tenth place) Sophomore album early 2007.
Frenchie Davis (Season 2, disqualified for topless photos). Stars in “Rent” on Broadway.
SOURCE: Yahoo! Buzz http://buzz.yahoo.com
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2/12: Your favorite contestants so far
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
My bosses like to have a story about “Idol” pretty much every Tuesday in that ol’ print edition so I decided to list the most interesting, most memorable Hollywood contestants we’ve seen out of the 11 hours and 50 or so folks whose auditions were sampled by the public.
For space, he restricted me to eight people. That’s tough. Here are the eight. I picked four guys and four gals. I probably would have subbed out Tatiana for Antonella Barba, but I had to give our local gal some love. These aren’t necessarily the best singers per se but those who really stuck out to me. And since I don’t have to be restricted to eight on the blog, I’ll include a few more.
Ashlyn Carr
Audition city: San Antonio
Audition songs: Michael Bublé’s “Feeling Good” and Natalie Cole’s “Inseparable.”
Memorable because: she was eliminated for making weird faces, but Simon Cowell convinced fellow judges Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul to bring her back. Given a rare second chance, the 18-year-old Sugar Land, Tex. resident won over all three judges because she’s unique, an “old-school Dionne Warwick,” as Cowell said.
Jason “Sundance” Head
Audition city: Memphis
Auditon song: Eric Clapton’s “Stormy Monday”
Memorable because: the 27-year-old Texan has that funny nickname and a strange-looking beard. His soulful vocals stem from great genetics: his dad was Roy Head, who had a number one song in 1965 called “Treat Her Right.”
Ebony Jointer
Audition city: Los Angeles
Audition song: Whitney Houston’s “I Believe in You and Me.”
Memorable because: this 23 year old Californian came into the audition as part of a trio of carhops and blew away her peers.
Paul Kim
Audition city; Los Angeles
Audition song: Shai’s “If I Ever Fall in Love”
Memorable because: the 25-year-old self-described Asian-American “pool boy” tries to excise the memory of William Hung with a strong audition. And no Asian-American male has made the final 12 yet.
Sanjaya Malakar
Audition city: Seattle
Auditon song: Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed Delivered”
Memorable because: the Indian-American teenager was one of the best of a sorry lot in Seattle and was even better than his sister, who also made it to Hollywood.
Tatiana McConnico
Audition city: Birmingham
Audition song: Aretha Franklin’s “I Never Loved a Man”
Memorable because: the poised Austell 17 year old whose performed locally in “The Color Purple” and “The Wiz” (plus CBS’s “Star Search” four years ago) was the only person from metro Atlanta to be featured on air during the audition episodes and got a golden ticket.
Chris Sligh
Audition city: Birmingham
Audition song: Seal’s “Kiss From a Rose”
Memorable because: the wry Greenville, S.C. 28 year old resembles Jack Osborne with his wild curly hair, jokes about wanting to make David Hasselhoff cry, then sings with surprising power and conviction.
Jamie Lynn Ward
Audition city: Birmingham
Auditon song: Christina Aguilera’s “Reflection.”
Memorable because: the North Carolina gal outdid last year’s Kellie Pickler with the sad story of her dad shooting her stepmom for cheating on him, then taking the gun to himself. Cowell said no, but Jackson and Abdul gave her and her nasally voice a thumb’s up.
Honorable mentions: Brandon Rogers, the backup singer for Aguilera out of Los Angeles; Antonella Barba, the better singer of the two beach-frolicking best friends from the New York auditions; and confident 16-year-old Jordin Sparks, daughter of an NFL player who sparkled with Celine Dion’s “Because You Loved Me” in Seattle.
Others: Jenry Bejarano, the sexy teen who many of you bloggers fell in love with out of New York (or technically, East Rutherford, N.J. auditions.) Sarah Burgess was the gal from Ohio who defied her dad and auditioned. Gina Glocksen was the tattooed gal who made it to Hollywood last year and being given a second chance. Alaina Alexander, a 24-year-old Los Angeles gal who was about to quit the music business, but was given a last chance thanks to “Idol.”
EW is keeping a top 20 poll, which has only the first three weeks included here.
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2/13: Ryan Seacrest assessment
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
CREDIT: Mark J. Terrill/AP
This person on msnbc.com writes a long essay assessing Ryan Seacrest’s performance as a host. He has clearly spent more time parsing out Ryans’ strengths and weaknesses than I have. He feels, especially the past year or so, that Ryan has improved, that he asks better questions, supports the contestants more. He’s so much part of “Idol” in a purely innocuous way, I haven’t given Ryan’s abilities a second thought. I figure that means he’s good. He’s neither intrusive nor so dull as to bland out the show. He can throw in an occasionally funny line, duke it out with Simon, build the necessary drama, et. al.
What do you think?
Also, here’s a a story from CBS News about Kellie Pickler’s dad getting arrested again..
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2/11: Carrie hits Grammy gold
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Not surprisingly, season four winner Carrie Underwood capped an incredible year by winning three Grammy’s tonight: best female country vocal performance, best country song and best new artist. She didn’t forget to credit Simon Fuller, creator of “American Idol.” (Kelly Clarkson last year didn’t reference “Idol” in her speech and caught some flak.) Underwood also did a lengthy Eagles homage with Rascal Flatts, sounding great and looking glam. Sorry Faith Hill!
Underwood just keeps on chugging along. She’s got an astounding sixth single climbing the country charts: “Wasted.” Of the five Idol winners, she has had the most successful debut with “Some Hearts,” which is still in the top 30 after 64 weeks on the charts and almost 5 million copies sold. It has sold even more than Kelly’s first CD (though still short of Kelly’s second.) One word: astounding!
Also, it was a great time for Georgians at the Emmy’s: from Ludacris to Jennifer Nettles to Jimmy Carter to Third Day to T.I. to Gnarls Barkley to Rick Rubin, there were plenty of winners. Even former Atlantan John Mayer won best pop vocal album. And there was a lovely tribute to James Brown.
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2/11: Idol rewind season one
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Syndicated “American Idol Rewind” (on both the MyATL and WGN) is now up to the final 30. It’s fascinating to see how modest the set up was back then in June 2002. There were two rooms: one for the contestants and one for the judges where each contestant performed. There was no audience and just a piano backup. They had 30 semifinalists. Each week, 10 would perform and the public would pick three. The 10th was picked the judges. The problem with this set up is many contestants only had one shot and they’re gone. By cutting it to 24 and having four cut each week until we hit 12, we get to know all the contestants better.
There were actually quite a few good singers that were overlooked season one. Gil Sinuet and Alexis Lopez, for instance, were two that should have gotten through over the likes of Mr. Boy Band AJ Gil, who lacked personality, and Verraros, who lacked the vocals. “I think you;’ve blown it,” Simon said to Gil, who he termed “boring.” (I agree.) Lopez was adorable but she had way too much makeup on in the 2006 interview.
The judges were close to form: I think Paula has gotten tougher over time and Randy isn’t quite as overexcited early on (not as many dawgs and yos.). And they didn’t always go in order with Paula often speaking first. Simon is always Simon.
Another observation: too many torch songs. Tenia Taylor, for instance, even tried to tackle Whitney’s “Greatest Love of All” and couldn’t quite reach the high notes (or some of the middle notes), making it purely karaoke. “I was disappointed,” Simon said. “Simon, let me hear you sing a note,” she said, challenging him.
But it’s great to see Kelly Clarkson again doing “Respect.” “You have a good voice but I couldn’t remember you from the previous roundes except you swapped places with Randy,” said Simon. That will change, Simon! (“I was like ducka, ducka, ducka,” Kelly said right afterwards about Simon. The public quickly fell in love with her starting tht night.
And Justin Guaraini got through, too, with “Ribbon in the Sky.” He may have been cheesy but he had pipes and charisma that worked great for TV. “Gil sang it better but you have the X factor,” Simon said.
Last week, we saw Tamyra Gray, Ryan Starr and (undeservedly) Jim Verraros make the final 10. I loved Starr’s unusual take on “Frim Fram Sauce.” Tamyra shone and Simon’s love for her was obvious from the get go. Jim was shocked he got through and for him, it was purely back story. (Remember the deaf parents? The guy got more airtime than anybody else up to that point.)
2/10: Fedorov doing Fantastiks
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Another “Idol” finalist has joined Broadway to perform with “The Fantastiks.” This time, it’s season four finalist Anthony Fedorov, a good singer who never got a big record deal going. He was like a milder version of Clay Aiken. And he did pretty well on reality show “Fear Factor” with Carmen Rasmussen from season two. He starts May 1.
Anyway, here’s the story..
And here is Anthony on “Fear Factor.”
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2/8: Akron said Idol knew his past
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
According to people.com, Akron Watson, who was “disinvited” to Hollywood despite a great audition in San Antonio, said “Idol” knew about his past so he’s flummoxed why they turned their back on him.
He’s created his own MySpace page to garner support for his story - and is asking people to sign a petition to help him get another shot at going on the show.
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2/8: Bo’s agent disses me
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Bo Bice, season four runner up, really has some ornery people representing him. In recent days, fans were wondering: is he still with RCA? His name has been wiped off the RCA web site. His supposed publicist at RCA, Roger Widynowski, isn’t returning my calls or emails. So i decided to try his agent.
He signed up with Strategic Artist Management, which also reps Clay Aiken and the Dixie Chicks. I called them on Tuesday and left a message with Kat Darnell, who handles his account. She didn’t return my calls so I left a second message yesterday. No response. I called her today and she finally deigned to pick up the phone. She proceeded to say she had nothing to say and then told me not to call her again because she’s NOT his publcist. She also felt I was “harassing” her with phone calls. One call a day is harassment? And I told her if she had simply returned my call the first time around and said no comment, I wouldn’t have any reason to call her again for now. Case closed. Sheesh!
This is apparently how Bo’s “people” are defining “public relations.”
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2/8: Nigel Lythgoe’s comments
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“American Idol,” helping feed the media beast (which includes me), held a print phone press conference today with executive producer Nigel Lythgoe (You might recognize him as a judge on “So You Think You Can Dance”). He’s usually quite candid and informative and he didn’t disappoint. I asked him why the show chose to add an extra audition episode and reduce the Hollywood portion effectively to one episode instead of two.
In other words, next Tuesday “Idol” will trim 172 down to 40 in just 42 minutes (minus ads.). That’s not a lot of time. Then, Wednesday’s episode will include the elevator up to the room where the 40 contestants walk seemingly forever to sit in a chair before Simon, Randy and Paula to find out if they make the final 24 cut. (As a TV show, this is far more effective than emailling them the results.).
Anyway, Lythgoe gave me what seemed to be a perfectly honest answer: “There wasn’t that much that occurred in Hollywood to warrant two episodes. We often stretch it out already. This year, the audition episodes were so strong. We wanted to introduce to America more of the contestants that are going to Hollywood.”
He also explained how he’d like to bring back some former “Idol” contestants. Pick 10 songs from the open songwriting contest and have those ex-finalists come in and sing particular songs. Then have America vote for their favorites. He mentioned how great it would be see Constantine or Ace or Tamyra back on primetime TV that way. It’d be a way for Fox to get an extra hour of “Idol”-juiced revenues and it would be kind of cool to boot for us “Idol” addicts.
As for the Courtney Love rumors, he said he was amused that she was latching on to the show that way. (She had claimed she had heard from Nigel, inquiring about her becoming a guest judge. She later said she might have been “punk’d.”). And he denied that she was called to guest on a Nirvana themed Idol show. “Rubbish,” he said, noting that it would be ridiculous to see a Kellie Pickler sing a Nirvana song, for instance.
He said he has a personal favorite this year, a woman, but he wouldn’t identify who that is because it would cause problems naturally with the other contestants. He said his favorite last year was Chris Daughtry. He also felt this is a wide-open field and it’s impossible to predict a Fantasia or Carrie-type leader at this stage.
And he of course denied that the judges were any meaner this year than any other year. And I agree with that. In retrospect, only the first stretched-out two hour episode seemed to luxuriate over a few of the really bad singers and the one example folks liked to bring up were Bush Baby and the Special Olympics kid, who are now Jimmy Kimmel’s buddies. The one-hour eps were more like last year’s, a mix of bad and good but nothing too different.
Nigel also said that he had nothing to do with Akron Watson (Mr. Pot Bust) from the San Antonio auditions being “disinvited” to the Hollywood rounds. He said that was a decison of Fox and he didn’t know exactly why Akron or others may have been cut. Plus. he said he doesn’t take that into account when editing the audition episodes. Akron was interesting so he stayed in. The only thing that might make him deliberately cut someone from a show after the fact is if that person was found to be a murderer or something. I get a sense “Idol” and Fox will let a pot bust from years ago slide (see Bo Bice) if the person owns up to it but if the person doesn’t reveal their past misdemeanors or felonies, then they’re toast.
In the end, we got to see auditions from about 50 of the 172 contestants who went to Hollywood. I bet of those 50, at least half will make it to the final 40 and we will have seen at least 16 of the final 24.
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2/7: Best of the rest
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The end is here — at least for the auditions. Tired yet? The ratings have held up. (33 million last night.) This is a mish-mosh of leftovers from the seven cities. But at least they give us another six singers who make the grade.
The night starts with “fashion” gal, Christa Fazzino, who looks “like the inside of a dustbin,” as Simon said, and sang poorly to boot. Paula for some odd reason said yes but Randy and SImon are sane and say no way.
In Memphis, Tami Gosnell, the pedi-cab driver, does Bo’s specialty “Whipping Post” and is memorable with an interesting grainy voice. “I really really like you,” Simon said, “because you’re different. You’re someone who would have been a big star in the ’60s.”
Out of Los Angeles, self-proclaimed pool boy Paul Kim of Saratoga, Calif. arrives trying to make folks forget William Hung. He succeeds, hitting a home run with Shai’s “If I Ever Fall in Love Again.” “One of the best male voices I’ve heard so far,” Randy said. “Right when you opened up a mouth to sing, it’s like that tone, it’s soothing,” Paula said. But he’s on his way to Hollywood and has a solid chance of making it to the top 24, ahem.
Jack Odanovich tries to imitate Bo’s virtuoso a capella solo from season four and instead kills it and buries it. There were a lot of repeat auditioners, icnluding folks who even went to Hollywood. Tat-heavy Gina Glocksen, who showed up in season five, is back and her crush on Simon continues. The rocker gal is just okay. “You’ve got soul which I like about you — and taste,” said Simon. She gets another chance and let’s see if she can go all the way to the top 24. Wow. Eighteen minutes in and we already have three good singers in.
After the next break, they show a bunch of jobs, noting that Ace worked on a roof, Chris Daughtry worked in a car shop and Kelly Pickler was a roller-skating car hop. So there’s a trio of Frisco car hops. They all look adorable but can they sing? Heather Rennie does only a so-so version of “God Bless the Broken Road.”Ashley Cleland, the one with too much rouge on her cheeks, does a credible version of “Angel” but Simon cuts her off. Olivia and Randy says yes and Paula notes the makeup problem. “Motherly advice,” Ashley says. Oops! “I’m only 17!” she notes. Ashley gets through.
Then Ebony Jointer blows away her two carhop friends with “I Believe In You and Me.” “You’re in a different league to your friends,” Simon noted. Later, he notes, “Amazing.”
Ryan announces the songwriting contest. The producers then show off some contestant originals such as “Do it to ya.” and “Flow this Desert” that are not up to suff. Then there’s dude beat-boxing “Talk to Me (Baby Girl),” which is actually bizarrely fun. William Samland gets some airtime for his stomping (literally) “Don’t Worry, Don’t Hurry.”
Next: dancers! To C&C Music Factory, they even show Ryan shaking his moneymaker. Alexander Nazario out of Nashville sings one of the cheesiest songs in history, “Making Love Out of Nothing at All.” I’ve heard worse. In fact, he’s entertaining. But not “Idol” material. “Very flexible, very different,” Paula said. “You’d work well in a theme park,” Randy said. “It’s best to have a reality check,” Simon said, noting that he can’t sing.
Then there’s another possible top 24er, Lakisa Jones from Maryland, who has a three-year-old daughter. She gives Aretha a run for her money with “Think.” “Loved this girl,” Simon said. “You’re a good old fashioned belter.” She’s in, of course.
And we’re done. A montage of highlights from the previous seven episodes and a preview of what’s to come.
2/7: Akron out?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Last night during the San Antonio auditions, one of the best singers was Akron Watson. But according to tmz.com, he was disinvited to Hollywood. TMZ.com surmises that a pot arrest did him in but that was a misdemeanor from 2003. That sounds dubious.
CREDIT: TMZ.com
Ashlyn Carr, funny face gal, was also arrested this past August for pouring sugar into the gas tank of her ex-boyfriend, TMZ.com reports. But it didn’t say she was disinvited.
We’ll find out next Tuesday.
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2/6: Six cities down, San Antonio to go
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
We are now into the fourth and final week of “American Idol” auditions and tonight is San Antonio. Fatigue I’m sure is setting in among you blogsters. I wish they would stop at seven and go to Hollywood rather than air this extra episode tomorrow. If the ratings dip significantly tomorrow, they probably won’t do that again.
Overall, “Idol” showed us five great singers (out of 22) and not nearly as many true weirdos as, say, Seattle.
Anyway, giddyup, Texas! Bryan Kyrish from San Antonio is first up and as has been the pattern, he’s lousy. He’s loud and flat as he yelps “Rebel Yell.” “It was a lot of shouting without a lot of melody,” Simon says. He’s out.
Haley Scarnato is cute and does a lovely job with Bonnie Raitt’s “You Can’t Make Me Love You.” “Real nice control with your voice,” Paula said. “It was okay,” Randy added. “You look good. You sound good. It’s a bit cabaret. Not much originality,” Simon said. “In terms of the unique factor, I have a problem.” I don’t sense a winner but she’s through.
Jasmine Holland looks unhappy and her singing is just horrendous. Randy chokes on his water. Simon snorts. “That’s not the best audition,” Paula said. “You look really sad.” “It’s because you’re all being rude,” said Jasmine, who apparently has never watched the show before. “You don’t even know me.” Wow. She’s bitter and not in an endearing way. Sniff. Sniff. Choke. “Simon—he’s not even American,” she said. Sob. Sob. Sob.
Carrie Underwood alert! 16-year-old Baylie Brown is blonde and sweet. She’s country and lives on a ranch but wants to be a city gal. She does Faith Hill justice. “I think Baylie is one of these girls who was born to be a pop star,” Simon said. “You look great. Your personality is fantastic. Your voice isn’t great but it may be in two or three years time. You’re commercial with a capital C. A record label’s dream!” “Is that a good thing?” she asks naively. Of course! Off to Hollywood she goes! They even like her name!
Then the producers mock the doors. Apparently, in every audition city, one door is locked and the other one isn’t. “Other door,” was the mantra for the judges as contestant after contestant banged into the wrong one. Alas, there’s still no explanation why that other door is locked.
Sad sack story alert: broke William Green from Dallas thinks this is his ticket to fame but his “Amazing Grace” is amazingly awful and the judges seem to be on laughing gas. He takes it well, but how about his cousin? Akron Watson is far better with his stylish Sam Cooke. “There’s a massive personality charisma problem,” Simon said. “I don’t want him to be bored,” Akron said. Simon likes his “Let’s Get it On” and he gets the yellow ticket, deservedly so.
After the break, the show offers a couple of crappy singers. Then there’s teacher Sandie Chavez, who has horrible pronunciation issues rendering Alannah Myles’ “Black Velvet” unrecognizable. “I didn’t understand a word of that,” Simon said. “It’s like some language I’ve never heard in my life. Was that serious?” She bursts out crying. You almost (almost!) feel bad for her. “I feel like I let everybody down,:” she said.
Ashlyn Carr of Sugarland, Texas has a sweet smile and sounds great - at least to me. I liked her but the judges are confused. “You need to look at yourself in the mirror and watch what you’re doing when you’re doing these weird faces. It takes away from your voice,” Paula said. “It bums me out.” Simon said yes, at least. I didn’t look at her much while she was singing (I was typing) so I missed out on the strange expressions. “Bring her back in,” Randy said. (I”ve never seen that!) She gets a second chance and does “Inseparable.” I still like her. “You have some very very bad habits, much worse than you know,” Simon said. “But we are looking for something unique. You’re like an old school Dionne Warwick.” They change their minds and she goes to Hollywood! I’m happy!
Jake the Snake Tutor is just scary and thankfully, we get a commercial break.
And now the final singer: Jimmy McNeal does a fun version of “Cupid” that enchants the judges. “Well done,” Simon said. “You’re like a little fun Ruben. Good, authentic. You’re very likable.” He’s on his way.
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2/6: Top Idol Yahoo searches last week
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This is from the Yahoo! press folks. My comment: Amy Adams??? What’s she doing in the top 10?
Lone Star State Alum
Where are all the Texas contestants? From the last five seasons, about five finalists came from Texas - and most of them were from the first season. Of course, the most famous Lone Star “Idol” is the first one of them all, Kelly Clarkson. Kelly had the lead on Yahoo! for years among all the “Idol” folk. Then, Carrie Underwood became the new “It” girl. Now the top spot is up for grabs, with Jennifer Hudson and Katharine McPhee taking their turns. This week, Chris Daughtry’s moved into the number one slot.
Top “American Idol” Alum searched on Yahoo! this past week.
Chris Daughtry
Kelly Clarkson
Carrie Underwood
Katharine McPhee
Jennifer Hudson
Fantasia Barrino
Taylor Hicks
Clay Aiken
Ruben Studdard
Amy Adams
Josh Gracin
Mario Vasquez
Bo Bice
Ryan Starr
Bucky Covington
SOURCE: Yahoo! Buzz http://buzz.yahoo.com
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2/6: Kelly/Reba CMT Crossroads
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This should be an interesting pairing on an upcoming CMT “Crossroads,” in which a country artist and a non-country artist pair up. Unfortunately, it looks like we won’t actually be able to view the episode for at least eight months. Here’s the press release:
TWO OF AMERICA’S SWEETHEARTS UNITE FOR AN ALL NEW EPISODE OF “CMT CROSSROADS” FEATURING KELLY CLARKSON AND REBA McENTIRE Duo to Tape CMT CROSSROADS in Nashville on February 22
NASHVILLE - February 6, 2007 - Upon first sharing the stage in 2002, Kelly Clarkson and Reba McEntire formed a professional and personal friendship, making time to collaborate whenever possible. CMT brings these accomplished songstresses together again for another explosive pairing on CMT CROSSROADS, as Clarkson and McEntire take the stage before an invitation-only Nashville audience on February 22. CMT CROSSROADS: KELLY CLARKSON AND REBA McENTIRE will premiere in 4th quarter of 2007.
It was only five years ago that Clarkson first made her adoration of McEntire known to the world and since that time, the two have performed together and become friends both on and off the stage. Clarkson recently made an appearance on the November 2006 CMT special, CMT GIANTS: REBA, singing one of her favorite Reba songs, in order to pay tribute to her musical hero. Most recently, Clarkson guest starred on McEntire’s CW sitcom, “Reba,” and she will be dueting with her idol on Reba’s duets album slated to hit stores later in 2007.
Clarkson burst onto the music scene with her first single, “A Moment Like This,” in Oct. 2002, which set a still-standing mark by rising from 52-1 in its second week on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Her 2003 album debut, Thankful, debuted at No. 1, and was certified double-platinum for sale of 2.5 million in the U.S. alone. With her 2004 RCA Records sophomore album, Breakaway, the small town Texas native did just that, rushing past her competitors to sell more than 6 million in the U.S. and 10 million worldwide, producing five No. 1 singles including the title track, “Since U Been Gone,” “Behind These Hazel Eyes,” “Because of You” and “Walk Away.” In February ’06, Clarkson took home a pair of Grammy Awards including Best Pop Vocal Album and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. The album also nabbed four American Music Awards, three MTV Video Music Awards, one People’s Choice Award and 11 Billboard Music Awards. Clarkson has already begun work on her third album with famed rock producer David Kahne.
Having held the title of Top Female Vocalist and Entertainer of the Year and drawing in millions of fans through her music, television show and clothing line, Reba duly deserves the title of CMT GIANT designated to her in 2006. She was the first country female artist to sell five million copies of one album since Patsy Cline and has collectively sold over 49 million albums. From “Can’t Even Get the Blues” in 1982 to “Somebody” in 2004, Reba McEntire has been delivering hit songs for many years. Her music has become a soundtrack for the human experience with such songs as “Somebody Should Leave”, “Fancy” and “Rumor Has It”; she’s inspired others with “I’m A Survivor” and “Is There Life Out There”; and broke hearts with “The Greatest Man I Never Knew” and “Does He Love You.” In a career that has expanded beyond music, McEntire is also a multiple award winner in the acting arena. Her critically-acclaimed Broadway debut in 2001’s “Annie Get Your Gun” was awarded both the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Awards and her self-titled TV show, “Reba,” landed her a Golden Globe nomination and a People’s Choice Award. McEntire’s illustrious career includes 33 No. 1 hits, 29 albums, 15 American Music Awards, 12 Academy of Country Music Awards, seven Country Music Association Awards, two Grammy’s and the CMT Johnny Cash Visionary Award.
CMT CROSSROADS pairs country music stars with popular artists from other genres—pop, rock, R&B—to play together, swap stories, and share their common love of music. Recent episodes of CROSSROADS have included Bruce Hornsby and Ricky Skaggs; Lindsey Buckingham and Little Big Town; Steve Earle and Rosanne Cash; Bonnie Raitt and Lyle Lovett; Lionel Richie and Kenny Rogers; Bon Jovi and Sugarland; and John Fogerty and Keith Urban.
Visit CMT’s press-only web site www.cmtpress.com for more information and downloadable photos on all of CMT’s programming.
CMT, America’s No. 1 country music network, carries original programming, specials, and live concerts and events, as well as a mix of videos by established country music artists and new cutting-edge acts, including world premiere exclusive videos. Founded March 6, 1983, CMT, owned and operated by MTV Networks, reaches more than 83 million households in the United States. Go to country music’s biggest web site at www.cmt.com.
Visit CMT's press-only web site www.cmtpress.com for more information and downloadable photos on all of CMT's programming.
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2/6: Jessica Sierra at World Toyota Friday
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This is totally a random appearance but season four finalist Jessica Sierra, who sang “Total Eclipse of the Heart” and finished in 10th place, will be at World Toyota this Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. That’s 5800 Peachtree Indusrial Boulevard. I don’t see any info at the www.worldtoyota.com Web site but called and confirmed the appearance at 1-866-314-4459. You have to wonder how much she gets paid for this.
Jessica memorably gave us guys an eyeful when she sang “The Boys are Back in Town” and Simon said something along the lines, “Yes, they are!”
And for people who still can’t remember her, she was the blonde gal that year whose name wasn’t Carrie Underwood.
I met her once with Nikko Smith and Jennifer Hudson at a Gwinnett Place appearance in 2004. I recall Nikko doing the “sunglasses indoors” routine but was actually nice. Jessica was polite. Jennifer seemed sullen that day but since she was from the season three, she was the only one allowed to sing a full song that day and she was impressive.
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2/6: Daughtry concert sold out
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Chris Daughtry, who is appearing at the Loft April 6 in Midtown, has sold out the 600 or so seats. Promoter Lucy Lawler said Daughtry’s manager wanted to keep demand higher than supply on purpose and won’t move to Center Stage in the same building. (Center Stage has a capacity of about 1,000 people.) For routing reasons, Daughtry can’t add a second date either. But Lawler promises he’ll be back relatively soon, likely moving up to Center Stage.
Taylor Hicks, who is skeded to be at the Tabernacle March 9, still has tickets available, according to a check Monday on Ticketmaster. The capacity there is about 2,500.
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2/5: Spoiler alert on top 24
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For folks who like to know stuff ahead of time, sleuths at the American Idol forums have fished out what may be the final 40 and final 24. I can’t say if this is accurate or not. We’ll find out in nine days!
Here’s the link if you dare.
One guy in the top 40 apparently was booted because he revealed info to the media and/or he had a DUI which tmz.com reported about.
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2/5: Bo Bice update
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Since his last hospitalization a few months back, we haven’t heard much from Bo Bice, runner up from season five. But there are signs RCA is no longer supporting him because he’s no longer on the RCA Records Web site. Nancy Downes, Bo’s mom who lives in Covington, Monday morning said she had the flu and declined to comment. It’s a little early on the West coast for Roger Widynowski, the RCA spokesman.
Bo has been seen twice in the audience of Nashville Star. He’s living in Nashville so this may or may not mean anything but perhaps he and RCA had an amicable parting of the ways. His CD, as we know, was not what most folks expected. It was much more pop than his southern rock roots would have indicated. The CD sold a solid 660,000 copies or so, according to Nielsen SoundScan but was hardly a smash and didn’t really expand his audience.
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2/2: Lunch (kinda) with Paris
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’m sitting here in Noodle in Midtown where I had just met former Fayetteville resident Paris Bennett and her publicist for what I thought would be lunch. But apparently, Paris and a friend of hers had breakfast at IHOP not too long before the meeting so she sat, I ate.
Paris was in town doing promotions for her upcoming CD. She wore a black Bebe leather jacket with fur fringes, big white-framed sunglasses possibly stolen from one of the Olsen twins and a trendy Ed Hardy cap. (Yes, she wore sunglasses indoors so I couldn’t see her eyes.) She was polite but a bit world weary for an 18 year old. She came off as someone who has done 10,000 interviews and was going through the motions. I suspect she was just bone tired from all the traveling, promotion and work the past few months. But she denied fatigue. “I don’t get burned out,” she said flatly. “I’m always ready to go to the next place.”
Here’s a sampling of her curt, bland answers to my queries:
I asked her about the Christmas cruise she did for Disney and she “It was just a cruise,” she said. “Went to Disney’s private island. St. Lucia. St. Thomas. Sang Christmas Eve.”
How about the Paula Abdul tribute she sang at in Las Vegas? Any favorites songs? “No. I just sang the medley.”
She had time to meet Prince at the “Idol” finale. What was that like? “We had a personal talk,” she said, declining to say what she actually said to him.
She’s off to Fashion Week in New York. What are her favorite fashions? “Gwen Stefani’s L.A.M.B.. Baby Phat. I wouldn’t mind endorsing Heatherette.” Why? “It’s jazzy. I wore it on my video.”
How did you like Kat’s new CD? “I like her CD,” she said. Anything more specific about her or any other “Idol” CD? “They’re family. I’m appreciative of what they all do.” In other words, she won’t dare badmouth any brethren’s music, which is smart, at least not to me.
She decided to pick her uncle’s independent record label instead of big labels such as J Records or Sony because she felt she could be more like herself and have more control over her music. And she feels with her particular record promoter, she’s not handicapped getting R&B and top 40 radio airplay for her new single “Ordinary Love.” We’ll see.
While most of the conversation was that dull, she did convey a couple of interesting tidbits:
She’s part of an Apple test team and will be getting an iPhone in a couple of weeks in beta form before most everybody else.
She’s customizing a monster truck in pink and black in Minneapolis and has started her own company, Paris Bennett Inc., for possible future merchandising and business opportunities. She’s already thinking real estate and investments of that ilk. “By the time I’m 21, I hope to be a millionaire,” she said.
She recently bought new dog, a teacup yorkie she named Prince.
And her new CD (out in late March or so) will be eclectic, mixing pop, R&B, jazz, hip hop, et.al. She says that’s who she is, a mix. Her interest in college has waned now compared to when I interviewed her a few months back now that she’s immersed in entertainment.
She has no real home yet though it appears her mom’s place in Minneapolis is her de facto home base right now, more so than Fayetteville, where her grandma singer Ann Nesby lives. She still hopes to live in the South, though Atlanta isn’t her only option. She’s thinking Florida, New Orleans or Texas, too.
And she has one famous person she’d like to meet who she hasn’t yet: Gladys Knight. Her grandma knows Gladys but “I’d like to meet her on my own.”
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2/2: Kat cameo & misc. thoughts
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I just watched Katharine McPhee’s cameo on “Ugly Betty.” Betty runs into her during Fashion Week, burbles how much she loved her, then say sher name. Katharine says, “Oh, you’re Hilda’s sister?” Then she hands her a signed CD and leaves. This is part of a plotline where Hilda always overshadows Betty. Great show, by the way.
Anyway, here’s more on Pickler II, Jamie Lynn Ward, in the NY Post. Actually, it doesn’t illuminate much more but hey, it’s an excuse for us to bet how far she gets in the competition.
Here’s another story without much meat rom the Greensboro newspaper.
And here are where the Idols are listed on the Billboard Top 200
3 Daughtry
6 Dreamgirls (Jennifer Hudson)
14 Carrie Underwood
56 Kellie PIckler
63 Taylor Hicks
75 Fantasia
Both Kellie’s “Red High Heels” and Fantasia’s “Hood Boy” have peaked out in the middle of the charts. “Hood Boy” was a general disappointment, skirting the R&B top 20 while Kellie was more of a surprise, with her single peaking at about No. 15 on the country charts. As noted in a previou post, Kat’s new single has just entered the top 50 on the pop radio airply charts while Daughtry is top 10 with “It’s Not Over” on the pop and adult rock charts, plus airplay on the rock charts, too. Carrie is on single #4 (or is it #5?) with “Wasted.”
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2/1: Kat trending #2
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
According to {Hits Daily Double](http://www.hitsdailydouble.com/news/newsPage.cgi?news06496m01), Katharine McPhee’s first-week sales are trending in the range of 100K, which is double what I had predicted. That’s based on first-day sales. She’s only behind Norah Jones, set to open in the 350K range.
Her first single “It’s Not Over” is ranked at No. 48 on the top 40 charts. I haven’t heard it yet on either Q100 or Star 94. Holler if anybody does! Daughtry’s single “It’s Not Over” is top 10 nationally and was spun 72 times in the past week on Star 94 and 50 times on Q100. Kellie Pickler’s “Red High Heels” is top 20 nationally but only getting modest spins on Kicks (11 spins in the past week.). Carrie’s latest single “Wasted” was spun 19 times, up from 12 a week earlier on Kicks while “Before He Cheats” is down to 13 times while the Bull played it 41 times and “Wasted” 13 times.
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2/1: Screech goes after ex-Idol
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Dustin “Screech” Diamond of “Saved by the Bell” fame has been banned from the set of “Celebrity Fit Club” after threatening season two “Idol’ contestant Kimberley Locke, according to a story in tmz.com. After the verbal assault, other members of the cast including Maureen McCormick (Marcia of “Brady Bunch”), rapper Warren G and Tiffany stormed off.
His alleged comments are a bit randy.
Funny — I just saw Diamond do an amusing take on himself on ABC’s “Knights of Prosperity.”
2/1: Us says Courtney Love punk’d
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Poor Courtney Love. Us Magazine spoke to Love a couple days ago and she said executive producer Nigel Lythgoe had asked her to be a guest judge.
“He called,” Love told Usmagazine.com. “He was wondering if I was interested. I thought it was kind of weird but brilliant.”
Now Us reports that Love was probably ‘punk’d’. Here’s the story.
Lythgoe said in a statement: “I did not call Courtney Love and am afraid someone may have misrepresented me. Courtney Love is a very talented artist, but the judges for American Idol are Paula, Randy and Simon. We have no plans to add to or replace any of them.”
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