New URL for the American Idol buzz blog!
Please go to the new American Idol Buzz blog at http://blogs.ajc.com/american-idol-blog/
Access Atlanta > American Idol Buzz > Archives > 2008 > February > 15 > Entry
2/15: Nigel Lythgoe says 60s theme next wk, defends Carly Smithson
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“American Idol” producer Nigel Lythgoe fed us media folks some tidbits today.
For instance, next week’s theme will be ’60s songs. This is the first time the semifinals will feature a theme. There will be a new set for the final 12. He also made sure the singers will sing more familiar songs that were cleared. “These are the 50 songs you can choose from the 60s,” he said, as opposed to letting the semifinals pick a potentially obscure song or one that doesn’t get cleared and they’re forced to swap out at the last second.
He promises only four celebrity guest coaches this year but hasn’t named any yet.
And the results show will feature more background packages on the contestants themselves and a “Where are they now?” segment. He referenced two examples of folks who will likely come back: Kimberley Locke and our very own Diana DeGarmo.
Plus, singers will have the opportunity to use instruments during the regular competition (as they did for the first time in Hollywood.) He said this worked well in Australia.
Nigel also incorrectly insisted that “Idol” had revealed Carly Smithson’s past with MCA Records. He was wrong. But he got rather testy when a reporter challenged him on it. The show did reveal her past visa problems so he might have simply forgotten. He said he wasn’t hiding people’s pasts at all, though “Idol” has conveniently left out record contract deals. Did they mention Joanne’s win on Monique’s Fat Chance or David Archuleta’s “Star Search” win? I can’t recall myself.
He also downplayed the potential backlash Carly is getting on the blogs for her failed time at MCA, saying that most people who vote don’t read the blogs and boards. And since “Idol” isn’t saying anything on air about it, indeed, it probably won’t matter. He did get quite testy over this line of questioning. Credit the wonderful Star Ledger writer Alan Sepinwall. I emailed Sepinwall and he merely wanted to know (before he got cut off) if they were going to mention their past recording contracts sometime in the future.
Finally, Nigel explained why they dropped group sings during Hollywood. Last year, he said, they cut people because they couldn’t remember lyrics. (Remember that Carrie Underwood 16 year old last year who they loved so much?) “It’s got to be their talent that lets them down. We didn’t ask them to spend a night with two or three contestants arguing and haggling over choreography. We don’t make them do that during the season. Why do it there? It was always done for the contentious side, get then aroused, get them tired, see how they coped under the pressure. [This year,] we just wanted to base it on talent. The proof will be in this season… We concentrated on their performances and gave them a second opportunity to sing. [In past years,] nerves would come into play and people were getting cut willy nilly. This season, we give them an opportunity to sing the next day.”
I got in line first and asked Nigel about the three “Idol” contestants with known Atlanta connections:
Alex Lushington: “She’s 16 and still remarkable. I think she’s one of those who took us a little by surprise by how quickly she realized what she had to do to get through the competition and really perform. Every time, there was no let off.”
Carly Hennessy Smithson: “She had a recording contract. She came to us a couple of years ago. We thought she was terrific. She did a Prince song. She sent chills down us. We lost her because of the visa. She returned. She stands a very good chance this year. She’s quite known by the public [courtesy of “Idol“‘s editing choices, of course] and she’s got a lot of talent.”
Michael Johns (Lee): “Wow. When he sang “Bohemian Rhapsody,” it was one of the best renditions I’ve ever heard. So amazing!”
He was also as bemused as I was that the two foreigners both happened to live in Atlanta at some point.
And when I asked if there would be any backlash to either Michael or Carly because they aren’t, well, American, he said, “We’ve never said you had to be an American citizen. You just have to be legal. And most of this country came from somewhere else, so I don’t see where the backlash is.”
He has no clue what has happened to Josiah Leming, the kid who lived in the car. He said the reason he didn’t make it was his voice was a wee bit shaky at points and he picked the wrong song at the end.
Another Atlanta angle: three contestants, including Asia’h and David Archuleta sang “Crazy” by Gnarls Barkley at one point in Hollywood. They got clearance from Atlanta’s Cee-Lo but not DJ Danger Mouse in the end. So they couldn’t air those performances. He also said one of the Jasons sang it but I’m not sure which one—but that cost that dude airtime.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
February 15, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this
60’s …. that could be SO wide open, and i’ll bet there’s not a Jefferson Airplane song, or Grateful Dead, or … we’ll get Beatles, Stones, and the like, betcha, lol!
By Deirdre
February 15, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
Hello…I’m home from the ranch…dirty but happy!
Michael Johns could be from Outer Mongolia as far as I’m concerned and, as long as he’s singing well, he’s eligible for my vote! My mom wasn’t born in the US but she’s a citizen now. He’s working to become a citizen so he has my respect…and he probably respects this country more than many ‘born here’ citizens. Remember..he’s choosing it as opposed to being born to it. That signals a commitment to me!
By JTesla
February 15, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this
Amen Deirdre!
And I would like to see a list of the 50 songs offered from the 60’s.
By Deirdre
February 15, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
Hey, JT! I agree! Rodney, do you think Idol will release a list of the 60’s songs eligible?
By ,,,=^..^=,,, from home
February 15, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this
i second that agreement! time for some research from the Research team…
By Justin
February 15, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this
I’d love for Diana to come on the show! I want Katharine too but you never know… and i’m done complaining about this but i still think it’s so ridiculous to play the instruments… next week i don’t want to see someone with a keyboard in front of their bodies and a guitar or drum set. When David COok sang and played guitar in Hollywood Simon didn’t compliment his voice, but talked about how he’d fall apart without the guitar…i just think it’s too much of an interference that’s all… but..whatever
By Justin
February 15, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this
I’d love for Diana to come on the show! I want Katharine too but you never know… and i’m done complaining about this but i still think it’s so ridiculous to play the instruments… next week i don’t want to see someone with a keyboard in front of their bodies and a guitar or drum set. When David COok sang and played guitar in Hollywood Simon didn’t compliment his voice, but talked about how he’d fall apart without the guitar…i just think it’s too much of an interference that’s all… but..whatever
By Justin
February 15, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this
Oh yeah and one more thing why are they doing a 50’s week in the semi-finals? I’d rather hear a variety of songs than someone picking the same song and being compared to each other
By Van
February 15, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this
60’s. I know Blake Lewis did “Time of the Season” last year. Then there was Lulu on the show with “To Sir with Love”. I would like to hear “Bus Stop” by the Hollies.
By Mimi
February 15, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this
I’m just still sad for Kyle.
By War Eagle (from home)
February 15, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this
The 60’s should be fun Van. Especially for kids that weren’t born before 1980.
Mimi I was pulling for Kyle myself. Not a bad voice and a like-able kid.
By John
February 15, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this
Who put the bomp by Barry Mann.
By War Eagle (from home)
February 15, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
Before my time John but I know the song. My dad use to play his favorite songs on the record player while we were getting ready for church every Sunday morning.
By jon
February 15, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this
Was there a 60’s song titled “Get a f*ing life”? That would be the appropriate song for an Idol contestant to sing to the audience.
By jean
February 16, 2008 12:20 AM | Link to this
While there is no rule stating that someone should not be a professional, and no rule stating that you have to be amatuer, how long do you believe people will wait in line when they find the people appearing on the show got there from being walked into auditions by agents?
Yes this is melting pot America, but it is not stupid America, we have eyes and can see. Carly may have not had a contract, but Michael did until they decided to have him appear on Idol.
By ,,,=^..^=,,, from home
February 16, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
jean someone could be “walked in” as you say by anyone, and STILL have to do the work to make it. it happens that Johns can sing. and if you know so much about his career, you would know that every time he gets close, recording labels merge, die, or change, and he’s been left holding essentially “air” for a contract. in fact, if i were a recording label, i’d be AFRAID to give him a contract!
but then you probably know so much more than the rest of us…
and jon, it appears YOUR life isn’t worth a lot yourself is it? have a nice day!
By Deirdre
February 16, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this
LOL!! linny
I see nothing wrong with the contestants having some experience. Carly is the only one that I know of who actually had an album released for sale but, even then…so what!
The viewing public will decide whether they’re happy with this or not by voting for or against the contestant. If you ask me, it’s a boon for the viewers. Talented people with a little or a lot of experience are certainly much better as contestants than the likes of Sanjaya or Kevin Covais.
It’s not that I mind people in or just out of high school…..David Archuleta this year is still in school but has a wealth of experience. I think he’s going to be one of the favorites.
By suzan
February 16, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
riders on the storm by the doors.
By suzan
February 16, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
riders on the storm by the doors; stairway to heaven; anything by the beatles; knights in white satin; white room;and tupelo honey by van morrison.
By Teach
February 16, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
HABS INSIDE/OUT site wants to hear a new hockey diddy dedicated to Hotlanta sports fans, “Get your hands off my doggie, or you will get Thrashed”, losers.
By War Eagle (from home)
February 16, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this
huh?
By Kimberly D.
February 17, 2008 3:45 AM | Link to this
I would like to hear the contestants try the Marvelette song “Mr. Postman”, or the Beatles “My Love”.
By Kimberly D.
February 17, 2008 3:48 AM | Link to this
I would like to hear the contestants try the Marvelette song “Mr. Postman”, or the Beatles “My Love”.
By Kimberly D.
February 17, 2008 3:48 AM | Link to this
I would like to hear the contestants try the Marvelette song “Mr. Postman”, or the Beatles “My Love”.
By Kimberly D.
February 17, 2008 3:48 AM | Link to this
I would like to hear the contestants try the Marvelette song “Mr. Postman”, or the Beatles “My Love”.
By Kimberly D.
February 17, 2008 3:48 AM | Link to this
I would like to hear the contestants try the Marvelette song “Mr. Postman”, or the Beatles “My Love”.
By Kimberly D.
February 17, 2008 3:48 AM | Link to this
I would like to hear the contestants try the Marvelette song “Mr. Postman”, or the Beatles “My Love”.
By Kimberly D.
February 17, 2008 3:48 AM | Link to this
I would like to hear the contestants try the Marvelette song “Mr. Postman”, or the Beatles “My Love”.
By Kimberly D.
February 17, 2008 3:48 AM | Link to this
I would like to hear the contestants try the Marvelette song “Mr. Postman”, or the Beatles “My Love”.
By Kimberly D.
February 17, 2008 3:48 AM | Link to this
I would like to hear the contestants try the Marvelette song “Mr. Postman”, or the Beatles “My Love”.
By Kimberly D.
February 17, 2008 3:48 AM | Link to this
I would like to hear the contestants try the Marvelette song “Mr. Postman”, or the Beatles “My Love”.
By Deirdre
February 17, 2008 7:51 AM | Link to this
Kimberly….you only need to hit the ‘post’ button ONCE. They are VERY serious when they say there may be a delay of up to 5 minutes.
And I’m a fan of both those songs…good choices!
By cookie
February 17, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
How about Donovan’s “Try And Catch The Wind”?
By quix
February 17, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
How about that old 60’s song “Everybody Who Watches This Show is Gay” by The Buttmonkeys?
By quix
February 17, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
How about that old 60’s song “Everybody Who Watches This Show is Gay” by The Buttmonkeys?
By quix
February 17, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
How about that old 60’s song “Everybody Who Watches This Show is Gay” by The Buttmonkeys?
By quix
February 17, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
How about that old 60’s song “Everybody Who Watches This Show is Gay” by The Buttmonkeys?
By Deirdre
February 17, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
quix…how about “Everybody Who Hits the Post Button Too Many Times is an Idiot!”
By War Eagle (from home)
February 17, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
I think that song is a personal favorite for quix because I never heard it. Did you write it quix, from personal experiences?
By Ex-Northerner
February 17, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
What’s the big deal, Rodney? Why do you think there is some type of expose to be revealed? I’m so tired of reporters trying to concoct news when there isn’t any. What difference does it make if they have had a record contract? I think it is a testimony to the success of AI that seasoned pros are auditioning and taking the show’s opportunities seriously. The paparazzi seem to think they have uncovered a scandal and it looks to me more of an attempt to make a mountain out of a molehill by creating news rather than reporting it. You guys can do better.
By Pen
February 17, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this
Ex-Northern, I agree. They have their rules, they make the rules. They have followed their own rules. What’s the big idea? I’d love to see Constantine come back for a visit. I am so not into the grunge look, but his CD is SO awesome!