Access Atlanta > American Idol Buzz > Archives > 2008 > July > 21 > Entry
7/21: Jordin Sparks coming to Atlanta Sept. 1, Chicago Idols live tour
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jordin Sparks is coming to Atlanta to perform after the US 10K race, a charity event on Cobb Parkway in Vinings September 1 at a post-race concert.
If you volunteer for the race, you can get in free to see Jordin.
Here is the actual event, based on the Web site:
The U.S. 10K Classic is Atlanta’s premier multi-event road race, bringing runners, walkers, inline skaters, wheelchair athletes and professional cyclists together for a single cause - raising awareness and funds for children’s charities in Georgia and for the future development of the World Children’s Center.
I was out of town for her opening for Alicia Keys in late May so I’m looking forward to seeing her at this event.
-More reviews of the Idols live concert, now in the MIdwest, including Chicago over the weekend. MJ attended so she has extensive video and commentary.
This Chicago Sun Times reviewer was fairly evenhanded, though the writing was pretty flat.
The daily diss on Ramiele Malubay: Ramielle Malubay’s performance was completely forgettable. She’s got a great, big voice but needs to work on her stage presence.
Funniest line: Kristy Lee Cook, who looked and moved like an “Austin Powers” Fembot, warbled her way through a cringe-inducing cover of Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A.”
Neither the Trib nor the St. Louis Post Dispatch from the night before was that impressed with David Cook. This from the Post Dispatch:
David Cook seemed to be a bit of a one-trick pony in his live performance, taking well-known hits such as Lionel Ritchie’s “Hello” and Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” and giving them a veneer of brooding alt-rock. Cook’s version of his single, “The Time of My Life,” was forgettable in comparison.
-USA Today’s Idol Chatter noted the recent dearth of action, Idol wise on the charts. Only Jordin, Carrie and Daughtry remain in the top 200 in sales. “Carnival Ride” is up to 2.23 million, Jordin’s is up to 850K and Daughtry as hit 4.15 million.
Jordin’s “No Air” remains the top “Idol” download at 35, selling 34K, totaling 2.24 million. But her new single “One Step at a Time” is gaining momentum, hitting 39, up from 58, with 30K for the week and 206K total. It has also entered the top 40 chart, her third top 40 single. David C’s “Time of My LIfe” is now up to 640K in sales and is top 10 in both the Hot AC and AC charts. Kellie’s new single”Don’t You Know You’re Beautiful” has yet to grab hold on country radio (it’s now at No. 35 on Radio & Records, just behind Bucky Covington’s “I’ll Walk” at 33) and fell off the top 200 downloads chart. Carrie Underwood’s latest single is “Just a Dream,” her fourth off the second album and it just debuted at No. 45.
Josh Gracin’s “We Weren’t Crazy,” which has been on the chart for more than 9 months is knocking on the door of the top 10.
I expect Ace Young will debut this week, though probably not terribly high. He has gotten decent reviews. (I saw 2.5 stars in the People magazine I flipped through at Wal-Mart over the weekend.)
Comments
By JTesla
July 21, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
Thanks for all the info.
By Menana
July 21, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this
Pretty good stats on the idols. Kellie is releasing her 2nd CD September 30. I heard that this morning on 101.5 on my way to work. No matter what Carrie sings, it is going to be a hit.
Thanks RH for the information.
By woodpappy
July 21, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
1st……Can’t believe it.
By Deirdre
July 21, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
“Austin Powers Fembot” LOL!!!!!!!!
By JTesla
July 21, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this
FAIL
By flats
July 21, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
MR SPPARTANBURG ANOTHER TOP 10!!!!!!!!JT,I BET U CANT WAIT FOR COLLEGE BALLS TO START?
By woodpappy
July 21, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
Oh well, knew it was too good to be true.
By JTesla
July 21, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this
Sorry Woodpappy, there is always next time.
Flats, we have to get through the Olympics first.
By flats
July 21, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
Woodpappy….You nailed a solid 3rd!!!I’m very proud of you.Jt,yes to your question on the other post.I ALWAYS WIN!!!!
By Deirdre
July 21, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
Did anyone see the Dark Knight this weekend? If the answer is no…I think we may be the only people on the planet who didn’t!
By mvt
July 21, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this
the Dark Knight is indeed very dark!!
By woodpappy
July 21, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this
Deirdre you are not alone, I didn’t see it either.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 21, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
me either D
By Longtime AI watcher
July 21, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this
Good Morning.
Count me with those that did not see Dark Knight. I did read that Heath Ledger’s performance was awesome and even heard Oscar mentioned for it.
By Deirdre
July 21, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this
My older son saw it this weekend and loved it. Called Ledger’s performance “flawless and terrifying”. I’m hoping to see it soon.
mvt…apparently you are the only truly pop culture maven among us! :-)
By Anna
July 21, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this
That picture of Jordin is way cheezy. Did a 4 year old draw on it? I saw the Dark Knight and it was awesome. Heath Ledger’s performance was Deirdre like your son son said. I didn’t want it to end.
By Anna
July 21, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this
That picture of Jordin is way cheezy. Did a 4 year old draw on it? I saw the Dark Knight and it was awesome. Heath Ledger’s performance was Deirdre like your son son said. I didn’t want it to end.
By flats
July 21, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this
Hey Longtime..It was a juicy performance from the Brokeback kid!!!!How are u doing today?
By flats
July 21, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this
D…”FLAWLESS AND TERRIFYING”THAT SOUNDS LIKE IT CAME FROM “MR HOLLYWOOD”?
By Deirdre
July 21, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this
Anna…I read a review that said if Heath Ledger had lived, he would have been the next Great American Actor along with the likes of Marlon Brando.
By flats
July 21, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this
wHY WOULD ANYONE GO SEE JORDIN SPARKS IN CONCERT…oh wait….justin would!!!lol!!!!!
By Menana
July 21, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this
I didn’t see it, but I heard that it was awesome. There have been rumors floating around that Heath could be up for an oscar.
Did anyone see Mamma Mia? That is the one I’m wanting to see.
By Anna
July 21, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this
Deirdre I would have to agree with that. He was fantastic and I highly recommend seeing it.
By Deirdre
July 21, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this
Of course, the reviewer failed to recognize the Ledger is Australian! :-)
By texas toast
July 21, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
Ace Young’s CD is all kinds of awesome!! Billboard magazine gave it a good review.
Everyone should check it out. There’s something on it for everyone.
By texas toast
July 21, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this
Ace Young’s CD is all kinds of awesome!! Billboard magazine gave it a good review.
Everyone should check it out. There’s something on it for everyone.
By JTesla
July 21, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the info on your CD Ace.
By harrietth
July 21, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this
Hi, everyone. I saw The Dark Knight and was really very impressed. Following Dierdre’s advice, I watched Batman Begins first, so that really gave it context for me. Also got me used to the new actor playing Batman. I was completely in awe of Heath Ledger’s Joker. A real tour-de-force performance if there ever was one. I cannot say enough about it. He was magnificent and the little mannerisms contributed so much to the character. Unbelievable! And I never gush over movies like this.
By flats
July 21, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
JT…Do you thanks Ace has held a few?
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 21, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
I noticed that all the batman movies are on cable channels or premium channels this month; makes it a little easier to go back and sort of review the film history — and contrast and compare! I’m looking forward to seeing DK soon, if i can drag hubby out sunday next we may do that. i know at LEAST one of our sons will want to go!
I want to see Mamma Mia — just because I like Meryl Streep, LOL. But NO way hubby will consent to go to that kind of “chick flick”, nor will the kids, so it may be something i have to do alone.
By Deirdre
July 21, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
I like that they started from the beginning with Batman Begins. It helped establish who Bruce Wayne is and why being Batman is a burden as well as a gift. And I love Michael Caine as Alfred!
Very much looking forward to seeing The Dark Knight. Hope we’ll be able to see in in the next couple of weeks.
By Deirdre
July 21, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
I’ll probably go to see Mamma Mia alone as well….the burden of living with men! But it got pretty bad reviews.
By flats
July 21, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
The DUO exchanged e-mails…doing a good job sista’s!!!
By Anna
July 21, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
I didn’t think anyone could out-do Jack Nicholson as the Joker but I do believe Heath did the job and did it well.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 21, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
Not surprised it got bad reviews, frankly, D. Look at what people expect in movies these days! It’s an old-fashioned musical piece of frippery! Heaven forBID we should want to watch something that’s just fun and bright and musical and not necessarily laden with “green” messages!!!
By harrietth
July 21, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
Yes, D, that was sooooo helpful to me—watching Batman Begins. Thanks for the suggestion! It humanized him in a way that has not been done before. I loved that. And, I totally agree with you about Michael Caine. He was even better in DK, if that is possible. But Heath Ledger—WOW.
I, too, want to see Mamma Mia, even though the reviews I read were not good. They said the acting and the movements of the cast were pretty lame. No matter. Sometimes you just want to see a movie in spite of bad reviews. Don’t always agree, anyway.
By harrietth
July 21, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
Flats. Huh?
By flats
July 21, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
H……..40 days til college football.Dont worry about the other.
By Deirdre
July 21, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
That “green” stuff is about to drive me insane!
Anna…I think the feel of these versions of Batman is much different…more real…less comic book.
Michael Keaton was the best Batman(imho)and probably always will be to me but…Christian Bale’s version is almost as dark as the evil he’s trying to eliminate. The question is always in the background…how far can he go before he becomes evil, too.
So the villians like the Joker, have to step it up. Nicholson played a bad guy in a serio-comic way. Ledger leaves out the comic part and goes for the gut.
By Deirdre
July 21, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
Other Batmans: Val Kilmer…sorta like the sensitive version of Batman. He was ok but…not Batman.
George Clooney(and don’t get me wrong, I could look at that man all day long and never get bored) was a joke!
By harrietth
July 21, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
D, there was plenty to laugh at with Ledger’s Joker, even though the humor was dark. You laughed at the ridiculous stuff he did, and there is a scene after he leaves this hospital that is priceless. You will know what I mean when you see it. Hilarious, even though the surrounding material is serious.
And, there is lots of conflict with Batman in DK about how far he can go and not be just as evil as the villains. He is constantly trying to figure out a way not to be constantly cast as the hero. I can’t wait for you and others here to see it.
Flats, I am counting the days, too!
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 21, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
Nods nods nods. while i am ALL for conservation of energy (both environmental and personal, LOL) i THINK i am intelligent enough to figure out what i need to be doing; in fact, we were organic-farming and carpooling LONG before the current band of liberal greenies were even gleams in their dear-ol’-dads’ collective eyes. It would all be more … i dunno … i guess relevant is the word i’m looking for if these same groups weren’t screaming about global cooling just a decade or so ago. But please, someone kick me OFF the soapbox BEFORE i get started, LOL.
Oh, and Anna to answer your question about Jordin and the picture of her — the lettering may very WELL have been done by children — the 10k race is for the benefit of CHILDREN — so they probably used children to help design the posters! The race is called the “10K race for children in need” and benefits the World Children’s Center or something like that (i didn’t memorize it, but if you click on Rodney’s link, you can get more info on the race). So while it may seem cheezy to you, it’s actually very appropriate for the event! Just thought i’d let you know :-)
By Menana
July 21, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
IMO the best Batman was played by Adam West on the TV series. Talk about looks and sex appeal, oh my! He could put his shoes under my bed anytime.
As far as Mamma Mia goes, our society has gotten to a point that unless a movie has four letter words in it, it is considered a failure. A good old fashion musical is good once in awhile. I for one, enjoy them. We ladies should get together and go see it and let the hubbies do their thing.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 21, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
LOL there ya go, Menana!
About Heath Ledger — you all are aware that he had another movie in production when he died right? His part wasn’t complete, and Johnny Depp, Colin Ferrell and Jude Law all stepped in and apparently completed his part — rumor is that they did it as a tribute to Ledger, and did not particularly want recognition for their portions (as in, they tried to portray the character as Ledger would have NOT as they themselves might have) — the Movie is “The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus” and is, as they say on the left coast “in post-production”. It might be interesting to check THAT one out next year!
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 21, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
another note about the Parnassus movie: it’s directed by Terry Gilliam, who also did such movies as Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) • Jabberwocky (1977) • Time Bandits (1981) • Brazil (1985) • The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988) • The Fisher King (1991) • Twelve Monkeys (1995) • Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998) • The Brothers Grimm (2005) • Tideland (2005)
just fyi, if interested, and if not…. so sue me! ~¿@
By Deirdre
July 21, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
Just got back from a brief run to Kroger…
I had heard about that film, linny. Should be interesting to see what they’ve done with it.
harrietth, thanks for the update on the current Joker’s humor. Makes me want to see the movie even more!
By Justin
July 21, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
Not sure why everyone is so worried about it [LOL] but #14 on my list meant that the producers on top 3 night should let the contestants sing anything they want (Syesha wanted to sing “Listen” but she couldn’t get it cleared…most likely because they knew she’d do so well that she could break the david-david cycle, but the real rumor was because of simon’s diss toward beyonce.
By harrietth
July 21, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
I was not such a Heath Ledger fan, even after the accolades he got for Brokeback Mt. However, seeing the way he disappeared into this character of The Joker, well, I have new eyes where his acting is concerned. Michael Caine said he believes Ledger deserves an Oscar, and so do I. I just loved this meanie to pieces!
By Deirdre
July 21, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
Justin…clearance comes from the people who own the song…not the American Idol producers. They didn’t get clearance to use Lennon-McCartney songs until this year.
It wasn’t the producers of the show who kept Syesha from singing “Listen” It was the people who own that song.
By Lara
July 21, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
I did not get to see The Dark Knight this weekend - but I really want to. I also want to see Hellboy and Journey to the Center of the Earth.
In theory, I would like to see Mamma Mia, as i enjoyed the Broadway play. However, they cast ACTORS into roles that really needed PERFORMERS (singers/ dancers/ actors). And I have heard nothing but the negative on it.
By robin
July 21, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
Dark Knight was weird and MUCH TOO LONG!!!!!!!!!!
By harrietth
July 21, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this
LOL, Lara. Yes, they said Pierce Brosnan’s “singing” was tough to take.
Bye all. Enjoyed the conversation today. Nashville Star tonight. Go Melissa!
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 21, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
Lara, people have been trying, apparently, for ages, to get Meryl Streep to do a musical, because … from what i heard anyway, she actually sings quite well. The rest i dunno about — i mean, isn’t piers brosnan in it? does he sing? blink blink so you may be quite right. i dunno. if i can find just one gal friend to go with me, i’ll probably go, otherwise i guess not. i’m so freaking old-fashioned, i have a really HARD time going out “all by myself”.
‘bout time to close up shop here, see you guys tomorrow … NS and The Closer and In Plain Sight tonight, i reckon.
By RK
July 21, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
Huh? Too much Brooke on the brain?
The Chicago Tribune felt Michael Johns, Jason Castro and Brooke White took advantage of their time on stage while Brooke White and Ramiele Malubay didn’t.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 21, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
RK if you go read the actual article, Rodney just slipped up and put Brooke a second time when it SHOULD have been KLC. I’m actually surprised it took anyone this long to catch it; i e-mailed Rodney when he first posted it, but i figure he’s been away from the keyboard all day or he’d have fixed it by now, LOL!!!
By Deirdre
July 21, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
Nice catch, RK…I didn’t notice that.
By flats
July 21, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
GOOD NIGHT!!!!!!!
By AI Fan
July 21, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this
Cool article Rodney but my God! Is Linny ==”’^^==”’(whatever) on your payroll? Must be nice to have someone point out to you and to all the posters here all the mistakes that are made. Geez! I saw the Dark Knight too and Ledger should get the Oscar nod and prize for that performance. Top Notch
By Tara
July 21, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this
Rodney…according to Playbill.com, a Broadway site, Diana DeGarmo is confirmed to be in the revival of Godspell starting in September.
By JTesla
July 21, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this
Linny on the payroll… insult FAIL.
By run a car on water
July 22, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this
Jordin Sparks is one hot girl. She is bringing back the feeling that a girl with some meat on her bones can be sexy.
run a car on water
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