Access Atlanta > American Idol Buzz > Archives > 2008 > September
September 2008
9/30: Michael Johns in Australia, Kellie Pickler’s CD is out today!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Here’s former Buckhead man Michael Johns promoting himself in his native land of Australia on Nova 96.9 by singing a bluesy tune “Fool’s Gold” likely to end up on the new album. He compares it to Van Morrison/Joe Cocker meets INXS. Good tune!
-Both Jennifer Hudson and Kellie Pickler have albums out today. Who will outsell who? It’s going to be close! I bet both will sell in the 50,000 range. Reviews for Kellie’s disc aren’t bad.
Detroit News:: Kellie Pickler’s second album is another solid step toward country stardom.
Here’s Canadian Press
With “Kellie Pickler,” her second CD, she improves at crafting songs that express her natural exuberance, and the emotional depth behind it.
USA Today: Kellie Pickler, “like Dolly Parton or Judy Holliday in Born Yesterday, loves to set up stereotypes only to confound them,” says an impressed Brian Mansfield.
LA Times (2.5 stars:) The standout is “Best Days of Your Life,” which she wrote with 18-year-old Taylor Swift, who sings harmonies too, taunting an ex about how he’ll regret leaving soon enough.
-Quick observations from “Dancing With the Stars.” Openly gay Lance Bass kisses Lacey Schwimmer, who dance to that ode to experimental lesbianism “I Kissed a Girl.” Rocco Dispirito needs to go back to cooking cos he wasn’t cooking on the dance floor. Toni Braxton is a comer. She could land top 4 easily. Kim Kardashian? Eye candy but her dance steps are robotic and simplistic. Pussycat DULL. Misty May-Treanor: Intensity squared! Could use more emotional expression on the face. Cloris Leachman gets applause for simply being upright but she definitely plays a character well. Susan Lucci knows how to smolder after all those years on a soap, and wow, what a bod! She’s a bit cautious but she’s safe.
And I prefer happy Warren Sapp over the serious “Matrix” version tonight but he wasn’t half bad.
My prediction: Rocco is a goner. Cloris had the lowest judges’ score but who cares? She’ll get the votes for now.
-You can now download David Cook’s “Light On” via iTunes. Lara told me she heard Q100 play “Light On.” It should get some fair amount of sampling from top 40 stations and give “Crush” a run for its money!
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9/29: Jennifer Hudson’s album finally out, LaKisha getting hitched
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I would have posted sooner but my laptop hard drive had a heart attack and died. Tech folks are trying to glean data out of it. I hope they do because even as it was grinding on Friday, I stupidly did not back up key files. I can only pray or a couple of stories I’m working on might be in jeopardy. I never learn!
Anyway, I’m on a temporary laptop for now and here’s the “Idol” news I can glean for now: (UPDATE: the tech folks replaced my hard drive and retrieved my data. Phew!)
Here are clips from newspapers that have interviewed Jennifer Hudson. No clue if they had preconditions but her personal life or talk about her cover are not referenced in any of the three stories below:
Despite her familiarity from the movies, television and prominent gigs like singing the national anthem last month at the Democratic National Convention in Denver (at the request of Senator Barack Obama) Ms. Hudson is still a risky proposition in the music industry. She’s on the brink of household-name status yet hasn’t scored a hit song of her own. She has a bold, powerful voice but not the centerfold physique of most of the women who top the pop charts. And that Oscar has created expectations difficult for any first-timer to meet.
From USA Today
More than four years ago, when the then-unknown singer finished seventh on Season 3 of American Idol, she delivered an “exit speech. I said, ‘I don’t know when or where or how, but God has something in store for me.’ I think the judges or producers kind of laughed.”
Hudson, 27, laughs herself at the memory, and with good reason. Not long after making that prediction, she landed a key role in the star-studded screen adaptation of Dreamgirls, and wound up winning an Academy Award.
Heck, even the Wall Street Journal talked to her.
Ms. Hudson: I have a great sense of who I am and I’ve never been one to duplicate or imitate. What was challenging was that because of the award for “Dreamgirls” and the attention from the film, it added pressure on me — not in the acting, but in the music. I’ve been singing music from other artists that came from a different time and I’m always compared to them. So it’s been challenging to be me and be current, while still connecting to everything I’ve portrayed so far. It would make me nervous when I’d walk the streets. It’s all different kinds of people approaching me, and I’d think, “What am I offering all of them?”
And here’s a great blog entry from the Los Angeles Times’ brilliant writer Ann Powers about why we connect with Jennifer Hudson and David Cook.:
When these singers really let go, their voices smash through the limits imposed by their bodies and personalities, making them golden. That’s what we once wanted from great singers — fat or scrawny, pimpled or aging, they could blow away our prejudices. Imperfection is highly discouraged in corporate pop now, but for Hudson and Cook, it helps; more glamor would dampen the wonder of their performances. That’s why it’s sad to encounter so much airbrushing in the new musical products meant to secure their places as pop stars.
And then she gets into the critique of her album:
Hudson’s self-titled debut album, to be released next week, has been so long in coming that it’s no surprise how focus-grouped it feels. Ten producers over 13 tracks does not make for a strong artistic identity. If this were Hudson’s fifth or even third album, the variety might have worked: Hudson’s helmsmen would have had a strong persona to embrace or oppose. As it is, she’s the one bending to adapt, pleasing everyone but receding at the same time.
-Here is her appearance (at the 35 minute point) on Jay Leno’s “The Tonight Show.”
She addresses her fiance David Otunga, noting he’s an attorney and Harvard grad. She conveniently omits the fact he was “Punk” on the reality show “I Love New York 2.” She told Jay that he proposed to her by blindfolding her on a beach, have her dig up a bunch of messages, then giving her the ring. And she sings “Spotlight.”
-Kristy Lee Cook with “Why Wait” opened with just 9,552 in sales and #49 on the Top 200. That’s far below Kellie Pickler and Bucky Covington, both which opened around 60,000 to 70,000 and not even as good as Phil Stacey, which opened at 13,000 earlier this year. So her 15 minutes are indeed… up, eh?
-LaKisha Jones is getting married Sunday to a guy named Larry Davis in Beverly Hills. Gina Glocksen and Melinda Doolittle are set to attend, according to Idol Chatter in USA Today.
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9/28: Clay Aiken joke of the day
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Clay Aiken joke of the day:
“You can’t call it coming out of the closet when the door was wide open… Clay Aiken said he came out because he didn’t want to lie to his infant son. Dude: even the baby knew you were gay! I can’t wait til next week’s issue of People magazine: a bear with the headline: ‘Yes, I ** in the woods!’ ” — Bill Maher, during his weekly “rules” bit on HBO’s “Real Time With Bill Maher,” September 26, 2008
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9/26: David Archuleta now has his own corn maze, more Clay Aiken coverage
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
CREDIT: Craig Dilger/Daily Herald.
MJ found this. I also heard about this on the radio. A corn maze in the image of David Archuleta in Utah not far from Brigham Young University! Not even Clay Aiken fans were able to conjure this up!
-Speaking of Aiken, remember that uncomfortable interview he had earlier this year with Newsweek, where he got testy when the reporter brought up the Kelly Ripa incident and compared Newsweek to the National Enquirer? Well, here’s that reporter’s take on Aiken’s deceptions over the years.
The denials only made Aiken a bigger target in interviews, and it was mostly his own fault. He told New York magazine that he’d never had a relationship, prompting ABC News to run a story called: “Could Clay Aiken Be Asexual?” When I brought up his sexuality, his face turned into a mask of scorn, but I could tell it was a performance he’d given before. By the time I reached my last question, about “American Idol,” he seemed friendly again, though clearly uncomfortable, talking fast about nothing, in an effort to prevent any more questions about his personal life. The next week, my interview went viral, landing on a number of blogs, including Perez Hilton. The Associated Press and Entertainment Tonight even picked it up. When Aiken himself appeared on the show, he alleged that he’d been misquoted in NEWSWEEK, though misquoted over what he didn’t exactly say.
-This story on eonline notes that others who have come out have seen their career paths improve . Clay’s music career, his successful stint on “Spamalot” notwithstanding, has been sliding since the first CD, which sold 2.8 million. His xmas album moved another 1.4 million. His covers album sold just 520,000 copies. His current album? Fewer than 200,000.
-In somewhat related news, David Hernandez has a gig at the Barcelona night club three nights a week in Scottsdale, Ariz. {More info here.](http://www.thedirty.com/?p=48822). He’ll be singing, not stripping.
-Plenty of “Idol” singers in the top 40 and country charts. Here’s a summary of each sons.
-Jordin Sparks sees her single “One Step at a Time” move up to No. 4 on the top 40 charts, a spot higher than “Tattoo.” It has a shot at No. 3 (the top 3 right now are “Disturbia,” “Closer” and a slipping “Forever”). But Pink’s “So What” and Leona Lewis’ “Better in Time” are in position to hit the top 2 very soon and leapfrot Sparks.
-David Archuleta continues to gain airplay, up from 20 to 15 with “Crush.” Top 10 is a certainty.
-Daughtry has his fifth straight top 20 hit with “What About Now,” an extraordinary run for any album, much less a debut one.
-David Cook sees “Time of My Life” slip from 33 to 36 after peaking in the mid 20s. I’m looking forward to seeing how high up ‘Light On” does.
-Carrie Underwood edges up to No. 7 with “Just a Dream” from No. 8 on the country chart.
-Bucky Covington sees his third top 20 hit “I’ll Walk” move up to No. 17 from 18.
-Kellie PIckler is struggling a bit with “Don’t You Know You’re Beautiful,” which gains slightly in airplay but slips from 26 to 27.
-Kristy Lee Cook regains growth in airplay of “15 Minutes of Shame” but traction is slow: it’s up to 43 from 46.
-Josh Gracin is barely there with “Unbelievable (Ann Marie),” which slips from 53 to 54.
-Jennifer Hudson is up to No. 10 on the urban chart, moving a notch from 11.
-David Letterman’s top ten Wednesday:
Top Ten Questions People Are Asking the John McCain Campaign
“I just contributed to your campaign — how do I get a refund?”
“It’s Sarah Palin — does this mean I’m pars’dent?”
“Can’t you solve this by selling some of your homes?”
7. “Hi, this is Clay Aiken. Is McCain single?”
“Do you still think the fundamentals of our economy are strong, genius?”
“Are you doing all this just to get out of going on Letterman?”
“What would Matlock do?”
“Hillary here — my schedule is free Friday night”
“Is this just an excuse to catch up on napping?”
“This is President Bush — what’s all this trouble with the economy?”
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9/25: Kellie Pickler at North Georgia State Fair, Jennifer Hudson’s new album
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I may be on the verge of stalking Kellie Pickler. Not counting the “Idol” tour, I’ve now seen her four times — at a Douglasville mall in spring 2007, opening for Rascal Flatts a year ago, the Etowah High School text messaging contest four months ago and now at the North Georgia State Fair tonight in Marietta. That’s not excessive, is it?
Here are some photos I took at the packed concert, which was included in the $5 entry fee, a good deal! I got there just as it was starting and I could only get about 40 feet away at the start, 30 feet by the end.
At least 4,000 people were there with a lot of families. She sang five new songs from her upcoming album, including her current single “Don’t You Know You’re Beautiful” plus a cool bluesy tune I really enjoyed called “Lucky Girl” and that song she co-wrote with Taylor Swift “Best Days of Your Life.” And she played her three hits off her first album, with “Red High Heels” as the encore, as well as “Small Town Girl” and “My Angel” in honor of her grandmother.
Over her hour-long set, she played only one cover song in honor of her idol Dolly Parton: a very spirited “9 to 5.”
She didn’t show off her cleavage this time around, wearing a shockingly demure T-shirt saying “My boyfriend is a super hero.” (Yes, she has a boyfriend now and it’s not me.) But those jeans are impressively tight! And get this: no red high heels! She said she was sick of them in the interview I had with her in late July. So she wore what looked like clogs instead.
She usually is serious when she introduces “I Wonder,” her song about her estranged mom. But this time, she actually joked. “If you get hurt, at least you get paid for it,” she said, by singing the song every night. “It’s the child support she never paid!”
So I’ve seen Pickler four times now. In comparison, among the winners, I’ve seen Kelly Clarkson, Taylor Hicks and Fantasia twice each in concert solo and Ruben Studdard, Carrie Underwood and Jordin Sparks once each. And I’ve caught Jennifer Hudson, Daughtry and Clay Aiken once each, too.
-Joke from Conan O’Brien Wednesday night: “Former American Idol star Clay Aiken admitted in a recent interview that he is gay. He said he is gay in the latest issue of ‘Duh!’ magazine.”
-Check out Jennifer Hudson’s new album here.
Bloggers are highlighting “If This Isn’t Love” as the breakout hit. It certainly has more crossover top 40 appeal and feels more current than “Spotlight.” I can hear it comfortably mixed with cuts from Chris Brown, Rihanna and Ne Yo on the radio.
What do you think of the album? I didn’t have time to listen to the whole thing but it certainly showcases Hudson’s intense personality.
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9/24: Clay Aiken finally comes out of the closet, new David Cook single “Light On” out now
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
People magazine has broken the story: Clay Aiken has come out of the closet.
“It was the first decision I made as a father,” Aiken, 29, tells the upcoming issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday. “I cannot raise a child to lie or to hide things. I wasn’t raised that way, and I’m not going to raise a child to do that.”
Aiken made almost an apology to his fans, as if they didn’t know.
He hopes his fans “know that I’ve never intended to lie to anybody at all. … But if they leave, I don’t want them to leave hating me.”
We’ve all known for years he’s gay but for reasons but he had refused to acknowledge it until now. I always figured it was a combination of guilt and upbringing as a born-again Christian that held him back. Deirdre, a regular blogger, argues that this is his private decision to announce his sexuality and that’s true. But there was so much unnecessary speculation and jokes, all that would have disappeared if he had simply said so in the first place. Just sayin’.
He’s only the third “American Idol” contestant that I can recall to openly acknowledge he’s gay. The others are season one contestants Jim Verraros, who has starred in a couple of gay films and former Cumming resident R.J. Helton. Nobody has ever done so during the show (though Danny Noriega didn’t need to.)
The season two runner up recently had a child with a friend of his through artificial insemination, Jaymes Foster.
Extra got a sarcastic comment from Simon Cowell in reaction to this revelation:
“Wow. That’s a shock. It’s like being told Santa Clause isn’t real. Unbelievable.”
—David Cook has released his first single on www.popeater.com.
The single has a ’70s rock vibe in the first verse but has a melodic modern chorus. It sounds more upbeat than most of the Daughtry songs and a more optimistic feel than most Nickelback songs. Based on one listen, I can see this being an instant top 10 song on top 40 radio. Among a very selective group of people on a poll posted on the page, 78% love it, 12% like it, 10% hate it. I’m not sure how long it’s been up today but at 9:30 a.m., it already has 60,000 votes! (By the way, we’ll be switching to wordpress before the start of season eight, which should be better for all of us.)
More info at David’s web site.](http://www.davidcookofficial.com/news/“light-on”-is-released-to-radio-this-week-and-will-premiere-exclusively-on-aol-music-on-wednesd).
“Light On” was co-written by one of rock music’s most influential innovators, Chris Cornell, lead singer and songwriter for Soundgarden and Audioslave, and acclaimed producer / songwriter Brian Howes, who has worked with superstar rock bands such as Hinder and Puddle of Mudd. Cook has been busy in the studio with Cavallo, co-writing many of the upcoming album’s tracks alongside some of music’s hottest rock songwriters.
-I’ll be at the Kellie Pickler concert tonight at the North Georgia State Fair. I have backstage passes if anybody wants to meet me at will call at 7:45 p.m.
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9/23: “Dancing With the Stars” first impressions, Brittenum twins on “Maury,”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I know some of you watch “Dancing With the Stars.” I usually catch the first week or two, usually to see the comic relief (e.g. Jerry Springer, Adam Corolla) and catch it on occasion afterwards. Then I get bored. Tonight was actually fairly entertaining. This is a fun crew.
Here are my initial impressions from the 13 couples tonight, from best to worst in terms of judge’s scores. Surprises: Warren Sapp was nible on his feet and Cloris Leachman held her own. Jeffrey Ross is almost certain to go home with Rocco Dispirito needing a great performance tomorrow to save himself.
—Hot model and former “Rock Star” hostess Brooke Burke has four kids. Who would have thunk it? She has memory problems, she noted in the pre-dance interview. It wasn’t a terribly complex routine but she’s hot and did a perfectly fine job. Judges were really into it and gave her a solid 23.
-‘N Sync singer Lance Bass hooks up with Lacey Schwimmer, who was a competitor on rival network Fox’s “So You Think You Can Dance.” Figures ABC doesn’t bother mentioning that in the mini-bio on the show. Bass’s group mate Joey Fatone came in second a couple seasons back. Can Bass do as well? I think he acquitted himself well for a first shot. Very clean, very energetic. Traditionalist Len didn’t like the cha-cha choreography while Carrie Ann said, “Hot! Hot! Hot!” Score: 22 (Len’s 6 dragged his score down.)
—Former Atlantan Toni Braxton does a song and dance routine at the Flamingo in Vegas so she has the skills. The judges knew it, giving her a solid first-week total of 22. She’s going to be around at least halfway through, I’d fathom.
-Volleyball Olympic medal winner Misty May-Treanor harped on her muscles and lack of “girly-ness” but she shone on the dance floor. She got a well deserved 21.
-Proving yet again that NFL stars can dance, Tampa Bay Buccaneer Warren Sapp lit up the stage with charisma and style and got a 21, too.
-Bootylicious reality TV star Kim Kardashian will probably last awhile simply because she’s Kim Kardashian. Why that matters we’re still trying to figure out but she is a pretty gal. She did better than I expected. “There was no chemistry between you two,” Len said. Bruno said she has to sell herself better. She gets a respectable 19.
—“Hannah Montana” star Cody Linley, the youngest competitor, was paired with country star and two-time DWTS winner Julianne Hough. He has energy and a great smile and got a decent 18. He could last awhile.
—Olympic track star Maurice Green was passable, great stage presence. Judges didn’t like the fact the “fox trot” part was stiff. He got an 18, which is a good, not great, score. He’s not terribly well known so that might hurt him in the voting.
-TV star Ted McGinley (“Love Boat,” “Married… With Children”) was a bit spotty but had his moments. He gets the average score of the night of 18. He’ll be around awhile.
-Holy moly! Oscar/Emmy winner Cloris Leachman is by far the oldest contestant to compete and we hope she doesn’t break anything. She looks great. While she’s not moving very quickly, she’s very elegant. You know she’ll be around awhile because how can you not root for her? (And vote for her!) She gives Bruno some leg, then stands right in front of Len, who is so distracted, he says, “Mind your cleavage!” Yes, that’s 82-year-old cleavage! “I always wanted to be a boy toy,” he joked. Cloris then sat on Carrie Ann’s lap. Hilarious! She only got a 16 and she cursed, which was bleeped. Even more hilarious! Keep her around, America!
-Soap star Susan Lucci looked graceful but was a bit cautious in the performance. The judges pinged her with a 15.
—Chef Rocco Dispirito was a bit stiff and off beat but not bad. Len gave him only a 4 and the other two gave him 5’s so he only had a 14. There’s definitely room for improvement if he sticks around but it’s unknown if the public in general will flood the phone lines with votes for him.
-Standup comic Jeffrey Ross was picked to be the comic relief, obviously. Let’s hope he lasts at least two weeks. But face it: he’s a horrible dancer. It was a fairly amusing routine. I’m sure the scratched cornea he suffered earlier in the day didn’t help. He got a deserved 12. He’s a goner.
I caught the Brittenum twins at the Atlanta auditions at the Georgia Dome for season seven in August 2007.
Remember Atlanta’s Brittenum twins? I liked those guys during season five in early 2006. They were nixed during the Hollywood round after media reports they had stolen a car via ID theft and had ended up in jail. If you want to revisit the details, check this smoking gun story.
They are appearing today on “Maury” on WATL-TV in a special episode featuring talented twins. Winner in the voting gets $10,000. So vote at http://talented.mauryshow.com/ and give the twins some love. You can watch their performance (taped last month) here of “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg.”
I spoke with Derrell last week. They have been struggling to make a living as singers but are seeking regular jobs to pay the bills. He hopes they can eventually move to Los Angeles and try their hand at a career there.
I caught them last year outside the Georgia Dome competing for season seven. They made it past the first round but before Hollywood, they were told they were too old. Derrell said they knew they were too old but tried to bend the rules. That didn’t work. I wondered what happened to them and that makes sense.
-CMT spoke with Kellie Pickler more recently than I did.
She confirmed co-hosting “DIck Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve with Ryan Seacrest. She also has a boyfriend, a songwriter named Kyle Jacobs:
“He’s really a great guy, but no sound of wedding bells.” she laughed. “We wrote two songs for my self-titled album coming out Sept. 30. I co-wrote five of the songs. This album is so me. I was involved totally — start to finish. My first album was done in such a hurry after American Idol, but we took time with this one.” Her new producer is Chris Lindsey.
-I checked a couple of Kelly Clarkson fan sites and there’s no real solid info on the upcoming album, which is due out in November. It’s been really oddly quiet. She’s currently touring, but no dates in Atlanta. (Closest is Birmingham November 14.)
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9/22: “Idol” loses the Emmy to “Amazing Race” as usual; Ryan Seacrest loses to Jeff Probst
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“American Idol” loses to “The Amazing Race” in the Emmy race for the sixth year in a row. What else is new?
Seriously, it’s hard for “Idol” to beat “Race” from a production standpoint because “Race” has logistical issues no other show does. And the producers pull off an amazing show year in and year out, for sure. Bravo to “Amazing Race.” Sorry, “Idol.” You have the ratings, the buzz and this blog. Isn’t that enough?
And Ryan Seacrest loses, too. Jeff Probst takes the honors in the first competition for best reality show program host. The horrors!
-Sure, “So You Think You Can Dance” and “Dancing With the Stars” get all the attention. But I love MTV’s “America’s Best Dance Crew,” which shook up the Atlanta Civic Center Saturday night.
Five of the show’s most notable groups (all of who come from the Prince school of spelling) reprised favorite routines from the show and showcased a few new ones, too It was an impressive, high energy display of street dance, choreographed acrobatics and breakdancing that kept the young crowd on its feet the entire two hours.
Season one winners JabbaWockeeZ, in Kabuki-style masks that evoke Blue Man Group, Insane Clown Posse and “Phantom of the Opera,” embodied kinetic precision and grace. They could headline their own Vegas act now.
Season two winners Super Cr3w showed off hip-hop stylings with a vengeance, Break Sk8 proved that old-fashioned roller skates can actually be cool and A.S.I.I.D gave us the heartwarming story of Joey Antonio, the chipper near deaf dancer. But Buzz’s favorite was Fanny Pak, a Los Angeles crew who brought a wicked sense of humor, especially during a “Carrie”-like prom scene where one dancer poisons the rest.
Georgia got plenty of musical love during the show. The groups danced to Ne-Yo, Akon and James Brown, and got the entire audience to do the Soulja Boy dance. They also did a lovely tribute to part-time Atlantan Janet Jackson and her bro Michael. The finale featured a frenetic dance-off with 30 dancers wowing the crowd on a relatively cramped stage.
“Idol” blogger Lara (the big Bo Bice fan) joined me. Thanks for the company!
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9/20: Daughtry tries acting on “CSI: NY”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
People.com reports that Daughtry will try his hand at acting as a musician on “CSI: NY.”.
He joins Tamyra Gray, Ace Young and a few other “Idols” who have tried their hand at TV acting, though the numbers are relatively modest.
-David Cook has a single forthcoming but a date has not been set. Various “Idol” Web site pins the name as “Light On.”
-Kristen’s final compilation of all the Mavid dances are here. She did amazing work here:
-Oh, Mikalah Gordon. Remember her from season four? She’s on “Gone Country.” In the penultimate episode, she creates a country song called “You’re Ugly When You’re Drunk.” She does it in front of John Rich. His comment? “I can’t understand what you’re saying.” Ah… enunciation. Her bugaboo! “I’ve been told a few times that I don’t enunciate my words appropriately. When I get nervous, I close in a little bit.”
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9/19: Can “Idol” finally beat “Amazing Race” for Emmy? Daughtry sued
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
On Sunday, “American Idol” is up against “The Amazing Race” for best reality program Emmy for the sixth year in a row. Every year, “The Amazing Race” has won.
The Emmy voters base their votes in part on the episode that is submitted. “Idol” gave the finale, which was pretty good. There was the battle between the two Davids and solid performances featuring ZZ Top, Donna Summer, the Jonas Brothers and Carrie Underwood. The LA Times notes that the one problem was a lengthy, painful promo for the summer film “The Love Guru,” which bombed soon after.
“Amazing Race” used the episode where the two Goth kids are eliminated. Honestly, the show is an incredible feat in terms of editing, pacing and logistics. I enjoy it every year (except when they did a family edition and stayed mostly stateside.) I can’t blame the Emmy voters for voting it year in and year out.
I’ll be blogging Sunday night for the TV/radio blog and may include a notation about this competition as well.
-The band Asphalt has sued Daughtry, claiming his song “Feels Like Tonight” sounds suspiciously like the act’s song “Tonight.” You can hear Asphalt’s song here on its MySpace page..
Want to hear the Daughtry song to refresh your memory? It’s here.
Personally, I don’t see much resemblance. The opening riff has some vague similarities. The chorus? There’s a slight echo effect there, but the fact of the matter is, a lot of pop songs sound similar. Is it close enough for Asphalt to win? I don’t know. I’m not a legal expert.
What do you think?
The most famous one that lost was George Harrison with “My Sweet Lord” sounding a lot like “He’s So Fine.” Harrison actually lost. Here’s a summary of that case.
-Ryan Seacrest won a prestigious radio award called the Marconi for best major market personality, heard on KIIS-FM and now syndicated.
-You gotta love David Archuleta and his MySpace blogs ha ha:
Hey guys! It’s me yet again. I got a chance to go back to utah for a few days to record and had such a great time being home! The whole family was finally able to all hang out and spend time together, and went out to eat haha. I didn’t really have time to hang out with anyone else since we did a lot of music with some cool people based in Utah, but I’m glad there was time for family. Family’s first so that was important to get in haha. Anyway I’m in Detroit right in the dressing room for a Ford executive event that Cook and I are performing at, and it should be fun. I need to get going now but just wanted to check in while I had a chance. Take care.
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9/18: Kellie PIckler co-hosting New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, David Archuleta’s “Crush” top “Idol” song on download chart
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Kellie Pickler is going to co host “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” with Ryan Seacrest in December. She’s really good at hosting, based on what I saw on the CMA Music Festival special. She’ll do fine on Dec. 31. By the way, she’ll be at the North Georgia State Fair Sept. 24 at 8 p.m. If anyone wants to join me there, email me at rho@ajc.com. Her next album is out Sept. 30. More info here at people.com.
-David Archuleta won the “Idol” download battle last week, with 51,000 copies for “Crush” and 405K total. (I’d embed the new video but the label wants you to buy it iTunes so it keeps getting taken off YouTube.) The single also hits No. 20 on the Radio & Records top 40 cahrt.
Jordin Sparks with “One Step at a Time” sold 51,000 (or 119 fewer in hard figures), with 653K total. “No Air” is now up to 2.46 million.
“What About Now” by Daughtry is a big jumper from 113 to 75, with 18K sold and 338K total and moves up to No. 23 on the top 40 chart.
Kellie Pickler returns at No. 196 with 7K sold of “Don’t You Know You’re Beautiful,” which moves from 29 to 26 on the country chart.
Carrie Underwood’s “Just a Dream” is her eighth top 10 hit on the country chart, now at No. 8.
Bucky Covington edges up to No. 18 from 20 on the country chart with “I’ll Walk.”
Kristy Lee Cook slips to No. 46 from No. 45 with “15 Minutes of Shame.”
Josh Gracin’s “Unbelievable (Ann Marie) is at No. 53.
Jennfer Hudson and “Spotlight” is now at No. 11, up from No. 17, on the urban chart.
-On the album chart, Daughtry is up to 36 from 79 thanks to the deluxe edition out, which equals 13K for the week and 4.22 million overall. Carrie Underwood dropped to 45 from 41 with 10K sold and 2.33 mil total with “Carnival Ride.” Jordin fell off the top 100 (101) and drops to 6K and 910K total. Oddly, the single “One Step at a Time” is still moving up the top 40 chart but it’s not helping sales of her album. On the top 40, the single hits No. 5, matching “Tattoo.”
-Here’s that “Stand Up For Cancer” video featuring Carrie Underwood along with some of the biggest female stars of today such as Rihanna, Atlanta’s Keyshia Cole, Mariah Carey, Miley Cyrus, Beyonce and Leona Lewis.
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9/16: Blake Lewis cuts short tour with no Atlanta date, Taylor Hicks does national “Grease” tour
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
So much for seeing Blake Lewis in a 300-person venue for $10. He isn’t coming to Atlanta. In fact, he’s cutting short his tour with no explanation of any real sort. He’s doing just 10 dates and the Vinyl date on October 20 is gone.
I have a friend who actually bought tickets to that concert. Get a refund, Jim!
Blake’s life sounds like it’s in flux, based on his MySpace bulletin.
My tour has been cut short. As of now. Me and the boys are touring from the 5th to the 16th. My frustration has been at an all time high because of this. I am terribly sorry to all of you who wanted to come out and have boughten tickets. I really want to make it out to every state, but this time around its not happening.
I’m in the process of finding new management/record label and I’m hoping to do it right this time.
I love you all and thank you for being so great to me and my band.
-I’m late on this one but Taylor Hicks is doing the national tour of “Grease” now that he’s done with his Broadway gig.
The tour is not coming to Atlanta but starts Dec. 2 in Providence and ends May 30, 2009 in Seattle.
-David Archuleta’s “Crush” is now available on iTunes.
-You know a label is supportive of an act when they re-do a video for another country. Jordin Sparks gets a U.K. makeover for her video “Tattoo.” The beach scene, merry go round and Blake Lewis from the U.S. version are gone, replaced by a more literal version with lots of gals with tattoos. They also glammed up Jordin.
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9/15: Jennifer Hudson engaged, Idols Live tour ends. Who will we hear from again?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jennifer Hudson, who didn’t want to talk about her personal life to me a few weeks ago (as well as that pesky album cover), had her rep confirm to people.com that she is engaged to a fellow reality show contestant.
From People.com:
Jennifer Hudson and boyfriend, David Otunga, have gotten engaged after less than a year dating, her rep tells PEOPLE exclusively.
“I can confirm that Jennifer got engaged to her boyfriend David on Friday night in L.A.” says the rep.
Otunga, who is known as “Punk” from the reality show I Love New York 2, popped the question with a Neil Lane diamond ring on the Dreamgirls Oscar winner’s 27th birthday.
Both are from Chicago. Hudson’s album finally hits stores Sept. 30. I’ll see if I can wrangle an advance copy. Probably not.
-The “Idols Live” tour wrapped up Saturday in Tulsa. Here’s the very last (sniff) Mavid dance for the ages, courtesy of rickey.org. Two items: panties and silly string. MIchael Johns is in high ham mode (or is that bacon?):
Now comes the interesting debate. Who will disappear? Who will last?
We can go backwards:
10- Chikezie. With a name like that, who can truly forget him? He might get a few gigs in national touring plays, might work well in a package tour with other ‘Idols.” Not sure if he has as future as the next Luther Vandross, though. Odds we’ll care in five years: 10-1
9- Ramiele. Who? Oh, yah. Well, she might get some gigs in Hawaii and the Phillipines teaming up with season three third place finisher Jasmine Trias. On the mainland? Not so much. Odds we’ll care in five years: 10,000-1
8-Michael Johns. We have to root for our former Buckhead boy, hope he can find the right mix of music, get some radio airplay a la Elliott Yamin. You never know. He’ll get work in some capacity. Odds we’ll care in five years: 7-1
7-Kristy Lee Cook. As noted, she’s already got an album “Why Wait” coming out Tuesday. Look on the bright side: the sooner she arrives, the quicker she’ll disappear. Odds we’ll care in five years: 50-1
6-Carly Smithson. A true wild card. She might just find herself some theater work, may be able to get a solo album or two out there. Maybe she’ll front a band. I have no clue! Odds we’ll care in five years: 10-1
5-Brooke White. She’s guaranteed to get some album deal. She’s likable and is just distinctive and interesting enough, she might make it okay in the woolly nasty music biz world. We’ll see how savvy she really is in picking the right music, discerning tastes and surrounding herself with good people. Odds we’ll care in five years: 4-1
4-Jason Castro. He is actually a bright guy who has this Spicoli act. Will it work long term? I’m not sure but he has a dedicated fan base that should get him flying, um, high. He’ll get a record deal for sure. Odds we’ll care in five years: 3-1
3-Syesha Mercado. No matter how much she protests, she’s Broadway bound. That’s where she belongs. Not sure if she has much of a chance being the next Alicia Keys. Odds we’ll care in five years: 8-1
2-David Archuleta. His fans will keep him afloat for awhile. “Crush” looks to be a solid hit, a way to fashion him as a Donny Osmond of our generation. He’s emotive, sweet and cute and all that. How will he mature? It’ll be fascinating, for sure but I’m sure I’ll be mentioning him as often as possible in this blog! Odds we’ll care in five years: 75%
1-David Cook. He’ll carve out a solid career as a solo rock artist. I can’t imagine another path for him. If he falls short, I’ll be personally surprised. Of course, he has Daughtry to follow and that is tough. But I think he can do it. Tentative release date for his album: November 18. More info here. Odds we’ll care in five years: 85%
-Ryan Seacrest will be profiled in a pre-Emmy special at 7 p.m. on ABC Sunday along with several other celebs with Jimmy Kimmel, sort of a TV versin of the Barbara Walters special before the Oscars.
Seacrest here talks to a couple of Emmy cohosts including Tom Bergeron and Jeff Probst.
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9/12: Kristy Lee Cook’s album out on Tuesday, Sanjaya ad, Ryan Seacrest working w/ Paris Hilton
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I spent the day visiting a friend in New York City but have a couple of hours to spare so here I am at the same Starbucks I met Tamyra Gray a year ago on 42nd St. This year, I could potentially track down Ace Young (playing Kinecke down the street at “Grease’). In fact, I could probably go see the place if I were that ambitious. But no, I’m going to see a cousin for dinner instead. Family and friends come first, even ahead of “Idol” for me. I know— where are my priorities?
-Even faster than Kellie Pickler’s release a couple years ago, Kristy Lee Cook breaks all “Idol” records by releasing a full album literally days after the “Idol” tour is over. “Why Wait” is set for for a drop date of Tuesday Sept. 16. I guess the title is tongue in cheek. Or merely shorthand for: “Why Wait Until Everyone Forgets Who Kristy Lee Cook Is?”
Her single “15 Minutes of Shame” is floundering on the country charts, not even able to make the top 40. Fellow blogger MJ has listened to the album and isn’t totally hating on it. I don’t have the time (or wherewithal at the moment) to sample it just yet. I anticipate it won’t sell much at all.
If you have the patience or curiosity, check a stream of the 10 cuts here at cmt.com
-Sanjaya Malakar’s new Nationwide ad is out. There’s a Web site, too. He mocks his own existential state and his hair, of course. It’s mildly amusing. Not quite as funny as the Kevin Federline ad a couple years back when he is in a rap video, then is caught “daydreaming” at a fast-food place he’s working.
-I’m not sure what this says about Ryan Seacrest except he knows people have a strange fascination with Paris Hilton so his production company is hooking up with hers. (Yes, she has a production company!). Anyway, let E! News report it from a press release I got today:
E! NEWS’ Ryan Seacrest talks exclusively about joining forces with socialite Paris Hilton to become Hollywood’s newest producing-power couple.
The two stars and their respective production companies, Ryan Seacrest Productions and Paris Hilton Entertainment, are teaming up to develop a new scripted TV series.
“Paris knows exactly how to have fun with herself. She works hard but doesn’t take herself too seriously,” Seacrest said. The deal comes in the wake of Hilton’s hugely popular online response to Senator John McCain’s campaign ad featuring the heiress. Seacrest, Hilton and her manager, Jason Moore, will produce.
The series concept is still being worked out, but Seacrest did offer one clue, “This show will be loud.”
Feel free to insert your own stupid joke here.
-I read somewhere this week (and I wish I could recall) that Kara DioGuardi is going to sit after Randy but before Paula. I’m not sure how that will work but if she’s saltier than Paula, it might cause Paula to be more defensive because oftentimes, she’ll just parrot whatever praise Randy heaps on the contestant. Naturally, Simon goes last cos that’s where he should be.
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9/11: Kellie Pickler & Josh Gracin at North Georgia State Fair, Diana DeGarmo at Go Arts Month event at Underground 10/4
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Season three runner-up Diana DeGarmo is going to be at the Georgia Open Arts Month kickoff party from 11 to 5 p.m. at Underground Atlanta. She will be at a “So You Want to Be a Performer” panel from about 11:15 a.m. until almost 1 p.m. Location TBD. Afterwards, she’d going to sing, too, and do a meet and greet autograph session. Better yet, it’s all free. More info at www.goartsmonth.org.
I think she’s still working on her country album in Nashville. I haven’t heard a distribution avenue or release date yet. I guess I’ll ask her on that day. She loves hanging out with me, right?
Her dianad fan forum also notes that she’s judging a food contest at the 20th anniversary of Roy’s, the Hawaiian restaurant off Lenox Road and Piedmont on Sept. 23. Roy Yamaguchi will be there.
-Kellie Pickler is performing at 8 p.m. Wed. Sept. 24 at the North Georgia State Fair at Jim Miller Park five miles west of I-75 off Windy Hill. Josh Gracin performs Saturday Sept. 27 with Lady Antebellum. Concerts are free with admission to the park. Adult admission is a mere $5.. Would anybody like to join me for Pickler? Email me at rho@ajc.com.
-David Archuleta “Crush” is now up to No. 22 and showing strong growth on the top 40 chart, according to Radio and Records.. Daughtry’s “What About Now” edges up to No. 25. David Cook has peaked in the mid-20s and has fallen to No. 34.
Jennifer Hudson’s “Spotlight” has shown some life, entering the top 20 on the urban charts, up to No. 17 with a bullet, up from 21.
Carrie Underwood’s “Just a Dream” is knocking on the door for her eighth straight top 10 country hit. It’s now at No. 11.
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9/10: Carrie Underwood gets two CMA noms, Kellie Pickler up for new artist
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Carrie Underwood’s “Carnival Ride” is up for album of the year, the learn gal vs. Brooks & Dunn, Alan Jackson, Kenny Chesney and George Strait.
She is also up for female vocalist of the year for the third year in a row, after winning it twice before. She’s up against Alison Kraus, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride and Taylor Swift.
Kellie Pickler is up for new artist vs. Georgian Jason Aldean, Rodney Atkins, Lady Antebellum (which includes a couple of locals) and James Otto.
By the way, Atlanta’s Sugarland got “entertainer of the year” nom as well as vocal duo, plus noms for event of the year, single of the year and song of the year.
-Jordin Sparks has no regrets over her off-script comments at the MTV VMA about promise rings and the fact not everybody wants to be a “slut.”
“It’s something I feel strongly about,” she tells EW.com. “I wish I would’ve worded it differently — that somebody who doesn’t wear a promise ring isn’t necessarily a slut — but I can’t take it back now. It was a split-second thing, and it came out kind of wrong. Still, I don’t regret it.
There is some backlash to the “slut” line in the feminist community such as this:
[H]aving sex before marriage DOES NOT make you a slut! You are in no way, shape, or form a creature of contempt just because you choose to exchange favors before exchanging rings. And it’s really, really, really time that society - and yes, even its American Idol-quotient - stop cramming this degrading label down our collective throats and accept that, maybe if we’re respecting their decisions, they better damn well start respecting ours.
Do you agree, not agree?
-David Cook is singing the National Anthem with his brother Andrew at the Chiefs-Raiders opener.
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9/10: Bo Bice joining Robert Redford fundraiser Saturday at Tabernacle
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Robert Redford is hosting a big fundraiser at the Tabernacle this Saturday to support the Georgia Transplant Foundation and James Redford Institute for Transplant Awareness.
Bo Bice will join Redford, James Denton and Dana Delany of “Desperate Housewives,” and singer Deana Carter.
Here’s from the press release:
Since JRI first launched the event in 2003, “Share the Beat” has raised awareness and funds in cities all over the United States, including: Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Sundance, Omaha and now Atlanta.
“Our goal is to use the power of media to inspire people to think about organ donation on a deeper level,” said James Redford, Founder of JRI. “Organ donation is the most generous act someone can do for another. The way to create more organ donors is to inspire people to embrace it. When you have this message linked to music and images it opens your heart and mind to how amazing transplant can be.”
Do you want tickets? Go here for $150 VIP seats.. You can go here for more economical $75 tickets for the balcony area..
I’d go but I’ll be in New York. If any of you make it, certainly send me your take on it. Lara?
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9/9: Blake Lewis coming to Atlanta October 20, my favorite interview subjects
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This has been around awhile but as you can tell, I was in no rush to report this because really, not many people care: Blake Lewis from season six is launching his first tour.
In Atlanta, he’s going to be at a venue that fits a whopping 300 people called Vinyl in Midtown on October 20 at 8 p.m. And the price of tickets? $10. Yes. $10.
If you want to buy them, here ya go.. I might go, though. I’m that dedicated to y’all. I have never interviewed the guy before one on one. He does seem like a good guy even if he is not a star by any stretch.
-And since I said Kellie Pickler was one of my top 5 “Idol” subjects, now I actually have to come up with a top 5, eh? I have never done a one on one with the big four: Daughtry, Kelly Clarkson or Carrie Underwood and Jennifer Hudson (well, you know I almost did). But I’ve talked to most everyone else of note. Of the 82 “Idol” alums, I’ve interviewed about 36 of them one on one in a meaningful way.
In terms of ease and pure friendliness, the ones that come to mind besides Pickler include George Huff (yes, the man who hugged me as if we were old friends), Chris Sligh (the only one who says he actually reads this blog on a regular basis), Ruben Studdard (he’s like a teddy bear indeed) and Clay Aiken (since I did avoid asking anything, um, personal).
-Oh, and here’s the video of Jordin Sparks defending the promise rings the Jonas Brothers wore after Russell Brand, the VMA host, mocked them. I don’t know why there was that much backdraft to his comments, which I thought were silly, but not offensive.
-Josh Gracin is making a return visit to Cowboys in Kennesaw November 7. I’m on the Cowboys Web site and can’t figure out how to buy tickets yet because nothing is available on Ticketmaster.
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9/8: Kellie Pickler interview in advance of CMA Music Festival on ABC
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I hope you all had a great weekend. I enjoyed mine, hitting both a Sean Hannity/Neal Boortz event and Kathy Griffin the same evening. Talk about polar political opposites.
Anyway, I interviewed Kellie Pickler in late July in advance of Monday night’s airing of “CMA Music Festival Country’s Night to Rock” at 8 p.m. She co hosts with Julianne Hough and Taylor Shift. She also sings her current single “Don’t You Know You’re Beautiful.”
Since I didn’t feel I got anything that would entail “breaking news,” I decided to wait until today to actually post it. But she’s always entertaining. She’s so conversational and sweet and even when she doesn’t want to answer a question (say, about her boyfriend), she’s nothing but gracious and never defensive. She’s in my top 5 of “Idol” folks to interview. You can tell she’s far sharper than her “blonde” act she does sometimes. She speaks in full sentences and has real opinions. She’s not an empty vessel. As I’ve noted before, she may not know the longest running British monarch but she’s people savvy and knows how to manage her career.
Where are you now?
I’m in Idaho. I’ve been about everywhere. I never really get to see anything. I kind of like come in and sing and get the hell out of here and go on to the next show. It’s a bummer. I go to some great places and don’t have a chance to see them! I’ve been on the road for three years straight!
You’re a new artist. That’s what you have to do, right?
Country music is like that. You see Kenny Chensey touring all year long, every year. It never changes. I’ve looked at pop schedules. They don’t usually tour all year long. They might do 20 or 30 dates. We do like 200 dates a year.
So how’s your second album looking?
I think it turned out real well. This is album is 10 times better than the first one. I’ve been able to spend time with it and really love everything.
[The album is self titled and set to come out September 30.]
What’s the music mix going to be?
They’ll be fun uptempo girl anthems as well as ballads. I think my songwriting has improved a lot. I’ve grown a lot more as an artist. A lot has happened in the last few years since my first record. I have a lot to say!
You’ve worked with Taylor Swift on a song, right?
We did “Best Days of Your Lives.” I think it’s going to be a great record. I feel like I know what I’m doing now. I didn’t the first time around. It was kind of thrown on me. I had to rush to get it done as fast as possible. I didn’t fall in love with every song.
Why do you think Taylor is so hot now?
I think it’s the young demographic. I describe Taylor as the country Hannah Montana. She really appeals to the same crowd and she works really hard. She deserves the success she’s getting.
I hear you’re going to be touring with Atlanta’s Sugarland starting in September.
I just love Jennifer [Nettles] and Kristian [Bush.] We’ve done one show together before. I see them in Nashville when we’re both there. We’ll have a lot of fun. It will be good to spend some quality time to get to know them out on the road. They seem so sweet, so humbled by everything. I’m a big fan.
What’s been the strangest concert date you’ve done so far?
I think some of the festivals get a little crazy, the ones that last all day like Country Thunder [in Twin Lakes in July]. People get here at 9 or 10 in the morning and get their lawn chairs out. By the time I get on late in the evening, they’re all wasted! You get people toted off in handcuffs for hitting somebody’s wife. It’s never a dull moment. I try to look away or I’ll start laughing.
Have you ever really lost it during a song?
I have laughed in the middle of an uptempo song. It’s easier to hold it together during a ballad. People will throw stuff on stage. I’ve had people throw bras! I’m not Kid Rock! I’ve seen people dressed up like pickles with a face and arms. And red heels. People will do the craziest things to get recognized. That’s part of the show.
Are you sick of the whole red high heels thing?
A lot of times girls will throw their red shoes on stage. Anytime people throw anything on stage, they want you to sign it. I’ll sign and throw it back. I have to be careful though. They can lose an eye!
Do you feel obligated to wear red high heels all the time?
People give them to me all the time. I don’t want them. I’m so sick of having red shoes now. I’m just burned out on them. I’ll be at Wal-Mart or a restaurant and people will ask why I’m not wearing red heels. I’m going to have to do a song now about diamonds or a Mercedes!
This doesn’t mean you’re giving up on heels in general?
I actually look better in heels. I walk better. I stand up better. They have never bothered me. I have a big arch in my foot anyway. I did gymnastics for a long time.
Tell me about the CMA hosting?
Julianne [Hough] and I cohosted. We had so much fun! Hopefully they’ll ask me to do more.
What’s the rumor of you doing “Dancing With the Stars” one day?
It’s so funny. I did one interview. They asked me about the future and what I’d like to do. I said Julianne Hough thought it’d be fun if I did “Dancing With the Stars.” I don’t think I have the time now. It’d be fun. But I’d rather sing. Music is more important to me than dancing.
**You just shot your video for “Don’t You Know You’re Beautiful” earlier this week. How did it go? You can watch it here. She looks great. Like her hair! The embedding mechanism is disabled. Sorry!
Here’s the “behind the scenes” video at least:
Anyway, here’s her answer to my question: It was a lot of fun. I love the video because it’s so positive. Everytime I see it, I smile. I shot over two days. First, Vanderbilt’s Children’s Hospital. And we do a scene at a roller rink.
Are you dating somebody?
I’m seeing someone but I don’t talk about him.
Fair enough. How about your favorite TV shows?
I don’t watch TV at all. I have a short attention span. It has to be a good show. One of my friends sent me the DVD box set of “24.” I had never heard of it. I had never seen one episode. But I gave this a try. It’s like a movie where I don’t have to watch commercials [since it’s on DVD.] I’ve watched all of season three and have one more hour of season four. I love “24”!
I know you tend to have trouble keeping your iPod around but do you have any favorite songs?
I have iPods but they’re at home with no songs on it. I actually have 10 iPods. If you want one, just stop by the house! You can have two or three! I actually buy CDs. I’m not a big downloading person. Plus, I want people to buy my records. I buy other people’s records. We work so hard putting in packaging and spending so much money on these photo shoots. It costs more to make CDs. I know that now. I know the expense and time that goes into making an album. I’m going to buy another person’s album before I download it. I want to read what the artist has written in their packaging. I want to see the pictures. I like things to be tangible. I want to see the CD and put it in my car.
How about movies?
I am a movie fanatic. Just in the past week, I saw three movies in the theatre. I saw “Dark Knight.” I thought it was great. I thought everyone did a great job. That was the best I saw this week. I also saw “Wanted” with Angeline Jolie. Really gory! There’s a lot of slow-motion killing. You see the blood coming out. It was a little harsh on the stomach. I don’t recommend eating and seeing it. But Angeline is so beautiful. I can just sit and stare at her. I also watched “Journey to the Center of the Earth” in 3D last night. It gave me a headache! I couldn’t focus. It was blurry and weird.
-Jordin Sparks was up for best new artist on the MTV VMAs Sunday night. Tokyo Hotel won in a surprise victory over the likes of Katy Perry and Miley Cyrus. I have no clue who Tokyo Hotel is, which tells you I’m not quite attuned to the MTV demo anymore. Video of her appearance will probably be up on one of the other Idol blogs in a matter of seconds but I’m posting this Sunday night first. I’ll include it on the next blog entry I’ll put up either Monday night or Tuesday morning.
She also appeared on the “Support the Troops” special on ABC but I didn’t catch it. I’m sure the video on YouTube will be up soon enough.
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9/5: It’s video day with Ace Young, Jordin Sparks & David Cook
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Not much in the way of news so here are some random videos I scrounged up online:
-Ace Young inexplicably ran the Nasdaq opening bell Thursday morning. He joins “Grease” as Kenickie next week. When can I ring the opening bell???? And honestly, in this day and age, who actually needs an opening bell?
-MTV did a story in advance of this Sunday’s VMAs, interviewing the director for the VMA nominated video for “No Air” with Chris Brown and Jordin Sparks.
Chris Robinson, the video’s director, revealed that Sparks’ sheer determination made her a pleasure to work with.
“She’s focused and a worker,” he told MTV News. “She sang her heart out on every take for 18 hours. I told her to ‘take it easy, this is going to be a long day,’ but I think she only knows how to give everything her all. It’s refreshing to see that.”
I remember interviewing Jordin in February right before she went to shoot this video in New York City. The song was already showing signs of becoming a hit and ultimately hit No. 1.
The video on YouTube has been viewed a whopping 42.77 million times.
-This video is from the taping of “Oprah.” You can hear David Cook’s “Time of My Life” but the person was way too far back for you to tell much of anything going on otherwise.
-The Grand Rapids Pressd gave Ramiele Malubay one of the few raves I’ve ever seen. Perhaps the only one. I mean, who paid off this writer?
Teeny Malubay did impress with her outsized pipes though; without the nerves of competition her true talent shone through.