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Access Atlanta > American Idol Buzz > Archives > 2008 > October > 04 > Entry
10/4: Catching up with Diana DeGarmo (with video!)
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I stopped by Underground Atlanta for the Go Arts Month celebration today to catch up with Diana DeGarmo, who did a panel on how to become a singing star, signed autographs and sang a couple of songs. Here’s her new song “Turn To Me,” which she said she has only performed live once before. (My first attempt at video! Tell me if it works or not…)
What do you think of her country turn? It has a Faith Hill feel to it, doesn’t it? She co-wrote the song with John Rich and Vicky McGehee (who has worked with Gretchen Wilson).
Snellville’s own and season three runner up started doing gigs at age 5 and said she had sung many times pre-‘Idol’ at Underground, sweating it out in Kenny’s Alley.
Diana has never been terribly warm toward me even though we’ve probably talked at least 7 or 8 times over four years. One of these days, I might have to just be real and bring it up to her why that is, but I’ve never felt comfortable doing so. At best, she’s been polite and she was in polite mode today, more so than she was at Turner Field in April when she sang the National Anthem.
If anything, she looks great. Believe it or not, she’s now 21 years old. I don’t recall her ever looking this slim before either.
She said she would have been doing previews for “Godspell” on Broadway but the investors pulled out with the economy going to pot. So when she was asked to do this Go Arts gig, she said yes.
She’s still living in Nashville, working on her songwriting and networking with country music business. “I really want to be respected here,” she said. “I don’t want to be known as a pop star who just came in as a flash in the pan.” I said, “Like Jessica Simpson?” She was too smart to take that bait. “I won’t say any names.”
So far, she said the country music folks have treated her really well. She has had to sell her story, that she has sung plenty of country growing up and knew singer/songwriter Steve Wariner when she was a kid. “He remembered me!” she said, when they met up again. She has also joined the Nashville Songwriters Association. Writing country vs. pop, she noted, is “more real. You can take on subjects you can’t in pop.”
Diana said she’s still in talks for a label for her first country album. Nothing has quite clicked yet. “I want a label that connects with me, has a real passion,” she said. She said she’s halfway through her album so far.
After her panel discussion, eight-year-old Chloe Gabriella McSwain poses with Diana. She was only four when Diana competed but remembers watching her.
“American Idol Rewind” has just started airing season three so on TV Guide Channel and the CW you’ll be able to catch the show. The Atlanta episode is airing this weekend at 6 p.m. on MyATL-TV and on TV Guide Channel Friday evening. I’ll do a recap if I remember to DVR it.
-Ruben Studdard is going to be in Atlanta tonight. Not sure if I’ll be able to go but he’s at Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church for a free concert to spread awareness about sickle cell disease. If I can get by, I’ll post another blog entry with photos and such. I’ll do a real sit down or lengthy phoner with Ruben later on for his “Ain’t Misbehavin’ ” tour, which hits the Fox Theatre in mid November.
Comments
By ruby
October 4, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the update, Rodney. I’ve heard a number of Diana’s country songs and they’re really very good. What other song did she sing? That’s probably not the most flattering outfit for people to believe how trim she is now, but from what I have seen she is.
By ruby
October 4, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the update, Rodney. I’ve heard a number of Diana’s country songs and they’re really very good. What other song did she sing? That’s probably not the most flattering outfit for people to believe how trim she is now, but from what I have seen she is. Here’s to hoping she finds a label that understands her, I really think she could have a decent career in country.
By ruby
October 4, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the update, Rodney. I’ve heard a number of Diana’s country songs and they’re really very good. What other song did she sing? That’s probably not the most flattering outfit for people to believe how trim she is now, but from what I have seen she is. Here’s to hoping she finds a label that understands her, I really think she could have a decent career in country.
By ryan
October 4, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
ruby here’s a recent picture of Diana http://a376.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/14/l_d7927187b92556030b0d940d9e72b4a7.jpg
By ruby
October 4, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
sorry for the 3 posts..
By C
October 4, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
Rodney maybe she’s “not warm” around you because you never, ever miss an opportunity to complain in your blog about HOW SHE ISN’T WARM TO YOU. Maybe if you just let it go, she’d feel like she can somewhat trust you.
By Deirdre
October 4, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this
ruby…3 posts is about par for the course for newbies on this antiquated blog. No problem.
ryan, thanks for the picture. Diana looks great!
C….a chicken/egg question for you…which came first, Diana being unfriendly toward Rodney or Rodney talking about it on his blog? Diana could easily stop Rodney’s confusion about her ‘coolness’ toward him by greeting him next time with a big hug. After all..he IS the Idol reporter here in her hometown area…and she could use the support of the press. She’s not exactly burning up the air at the moment with her hit recordings. Don’t start screaming at me, I think she has a great voice and a lot of potential.
I don’t know what Diana’s problem is with Rodney(and maybe the 2 of them should talk about it) but I DO know that Rodney tries to give her press every time she’s in town and he finds it difficult to get her engaged in any kind of interview. Seems to me that she’s only hurting herself that way.
By GAgirl
October 4, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this
I just don’t care for her.
By Amy
October 4, 2008 7:14 PM | Link to this
Diana is polite to Rodney. I wasn’t aware that she had to be his friend and give him hugs.
Based on his blog archives I’d say he was cold towards her during her time on Idol so I’m not sure why she’s supposed to buddy up to him now. He’s media and she treats him as such with politeness. She answers his questions. Beyond that there doesn’t seem to be much to talk about. It’s Rodney who seems bothered by it, not Diana.
By Deirdre
October 4, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this
OK…fans have to be logical about their favorites. We’re talking about Diana DeGarmo not Diana Ross.
If a reporter is making a genuine effort to get your name in the paper EVERY time you’re in town for some event, wouldn’t you, as a performer in hopes of continuing your career, want to make that reporter feel welcome? Forget hugs…how about a smile or a handshake..how about saying goodbye when the interview is over instead of walking away as if the reporter ceases to exist! How about having a conversation instead of giving one or two word answers. How about enlisting that reporter as a friend who is helping keep your name in the paper!
Diana DeGarmo is in NO position to be holding any kind of a grudge based on the same reporter’s opinion of her FOUR FRICKIN years ago. Rodney is probably the ONLY reporter who finds ways to mention Diana frequently. He is TRYING to support her still fledgling career and she keeps shooting herself in the foot by treating him like a bug under her shoe.
I don’t think Rodney is looking for friendship with Diana but it would be in her best interest to develop a cordial working relationship with a reporter who is interested in reporting what she’s doing with her career.
By Harmony
October 4, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this
Don’t pick on Rodney.
By Jada
October 4, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this
I’m not sure I get it. All I hear is that she’s polite to him. Is a polite smile and polite conversation now a bad thing?
She hasn’t cussed him out, she’s not refusing to answer his questions, she’s not badmouthing him to anybody…she’s just not, in Rodney’s eyes, warm enough. That seems like it’s Rodney’s subjective issue not Diana’s. I’m puzzled about what Rodney wants from her but I do think that if Rodney wants her to feel more comfortable around him he’d be wise to stop putting her on blast with his readers by bringing it up every time he posts about her.
And if it’s true that she has an issue with Rodney, then that’s her choice and it’s Rodney’s choice to decide if he’ll continue to post about her. Some people just don’t mix well.
So far I haven’t seen her do anything so far out of bounds with him that she should have to deal with his complaining every time he mentions her. She’s a professional and is being professional around him. He’s a professional and acts professional around her. That should be the end of the story if Rodney will move on.
By Jenna
October 4, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this
Seems to me we only have one side of the story and that’s Rodney’s and even he has said Diana is polite to him. If he doesn’t think that’s good enough then he would stop interviewing her. He hasn’t.
Considering she came to that event today on the heels of dealing with another horrible outburst of abuse and harassment by her Australian stalker on Friday and was still polite and engaging to all including Rodney, I’m hesitant to label her a bad guy in this situation. She’s never cussed him out, she’s never badmouthed him publicly and he’s only able to post updates about her here because she DOES talk to him. Again, I’m not sure what he wants from her. Baked goods perhaps? Birthday cards? LOL
By Jenna
October 4, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this
Seems to me we only have one side of the story and that’s Rodney’s and even he has said Diana is polite to him. If he doesn’t think that’s good enough then he would stop interviewing her. He hasn’t.
Considering she came to that event today on the heels of dealing with another horrible outburst of abuse and harassment online by her Australian stalker on Friday and was still polite and engaging to all including Rodney, I’m hesitant to label her a bad guy in this situation. She’s never cussed him out, she’s never badmouthed him publicly and he’s only able to post updates about her here because she DOES talk to him. Again, I’m not sure what he wants from her. Baked goods perhaps? Birthday cards? LOL
By Jenna
October 4, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this
Oh and thank you Rodney for posting the video. The song does remind me a bit of Faith Hill or maybe Martina McBride.
By Deirdre
October 4, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this
Rodney has done hundreds of interviews…he makes an effort to try to interview every past and present Idol contestant who comes to town. Diana always manages to make him feel uncomfortable and unwelcome…yet Rodney continues to support her by reporting on her activities and by making sure her name appears in print whenever she’s in town or doing something noteworthy.
I do not mean to speak for Rodney. I know that he wonders if he has done anything to offend her. He is accustomed to aspiring artists welcoming the chance to talk to a friendly and interested reporter about their future plans. No other reporter that I am aware of has taken as much of an interest in or reported as much about Diana.
Jada..you said
“I’m not sure I get it. All I hear is that she’s polite to him. Is a polite smile and polite conversation now a bad thing?”
According to Rodney…he isn’t even getting that. Yes she answers his questions…and while she is polite and warm to everyone else in the room , at the end of an interview she turns her back and leaves without saying goodbye or thank you or you’re welcome or even acknowledging that she has met him on numerous occasions before.
Maybe it’s just me but that doesn’t sound very polite.
By aah
October 4, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this
will the real rodney speaks up? According to deirdre she is not speaking for rodney and yet she is making assumptions about how and what rodney is feeling about diana. At this point instead of blowing it up by making wild speculation of who,what and why, leave it to them to sort it out if ever.
By Deirdre
October 4, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this
aah…no ‘assumptions’ are being made but I guess in my irritation I have said too much. If Rodney had wanted this info to be made public he would have said it himself. I apologize to Rodney for my indiscretion.
BTW…great video and I actually like the song.
By aah
October 4, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this
Is rodney saying that he wants more than a professional relationship i.e. like a “close friend” ? LOL If that is the case, then both of them got off on the wrong footing ? Press are to be “respected”. They are not usually your friend. They are there to sell a “story” whether that “story” is favorable to you or not. Press are taken with a grain of salt. People should be “wary” of press in my opinion. They have the power to turn your life upside down.
By me
October 4, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this
Why does Rodney even care about Diana? If she is rude and doesn’t say thank you at the end of interviews I think if Rodney feels like shes rude then I don’t think he should interview Diana ever again. Rodney, is the ONLY reporter who interviews Diana when she’s back in Atlanta. If he stops interviewing her, its true she will not get any attention in Atlanta. I’m wondering if Rodney can stop interviewing her? But he probably can’t because he CARES about her career.
Rodney should have your say here. Because from what everyone has said Diana is rude, and holds grudges against people from years ago. Maybe she might miss the attention? And if Diana is a “professional” she should treat everyone the same way. Not be rude or snob someone off. If I was Rodney, ill tell everyone how Diana really is, and then no one would interview her. No one wants to be uncomfortable around Diana or celebrities. Its not right.
I believe Southern girls are suppose to have manners. Where is her mom?
By me
October 4, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this
Why does Rodney even care about Diana? If she is rude and doesn’t say thank you at the end of interviews I think if Rodney feels like shes rude then I don’t think he should interview Diana ever again. Rodney, is the ONLY reporter who interviews Diana when she’s back in Atlanta. If he stops interviewing her, its true she will not get any attention in Atlanta. I’m wondering if Rodney can stop interviewing her? But he probably can’t because he CARES about her career.
Rodney should have your say here. Because from what everyone has said Diana is rude, and holds grudges against people from years ago. Maybe she might miss the attention? And if Diana is a “professional” she should treat everyone the same way. Not be rude or snob someone off. If I was Rodney, ill tell everyone how Diana really is, and then no one would interview her. No one wants to be uncomfortable around Diana or celebrities. Its not right.
I believe Southern girls are suppose to have manners. Where is her mom?
By me
October 4, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this
Why does Rodney even care about Diana? If she is rude and doesn’t say thank you at the end of interviews I think if Rodney feels like shes rude then I don’t think he should interview Diana ever again. Rodney, is the ONLY reporter who interviews Diana when she’s back in Atlanta. If he stops interviewing her, its true she will not get any attention in Atlanta. I’m wondering if Rodney can stop interviewing her? But he probably can’t because he CARES about her career.
Rodney should have your say here. Because from what everyone has said Diana is rude, and holds grudges against people from years ago. Maybe she might miss the attention? And if Diana is a “professional” she should treat everyone the same way. Not be rude or snob someone off. If I was Rodney, ill tell everyone how Diana really is, and then no one would interview her. No one wants to be uncomfortable around Diana or celebrities. Its not right.
I believe Southern girls are suppose to have manners. Where is her mom?
By me
October 4, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this
Why does Rodney even care about Diana? If she is rude and doesn’t say thank you at the end of interviews I think if Rodney feels like shes rude then I don’t think he should interview Diana ever again. Rodney, is the ONLY reporter who interviews Diana when she’s back in Atlanta. If he stops interviewing her, its true she will not get any attention in Atlanta. I’m wondering if Rodney can stop interviewing her? But he probably can’t because he CARES about her career.
Rodney should have your say here. Because from what everyone has said Diana is rude, and holds grudges against people from years ago. Maybe she might miss the attention? And if Diana is a “professional” she should treat everyone the same way. Not be rude or snob someone off. If I was Rodney, ill tell everyone how Diana really is, and then no one would interview her. No one wants to be uncomfortable around Diana or celebrities. Its not right.
I believe Southern girls are suppose to have manners. Where is her mom?
By not me
October 4, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this
why are you posting so many times ? Are you saying your opinion counts more than others? Will rodney be a man and “demands” the “respect” due to him in person ? Rodney covers diana because he “cares” about her or is it because it is his job! Want “respect” be a “professional” ? How do you know diana doesnt treat “reporters” the same way ? Are you rodney ? You sure demand a lot from someone you dont know ? Will rodney stand up and demand his pound of flesh in person ?
By me
October 4, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this
It came up with error so I refreshed the page and did again. Geeez. I didn’t know I had to have an explanation for my mistake.
By Deirdre
October 4, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this
aah…while I agree with you completely on being cautious with the press, especially regarding your private life,….I have never known Rodney to delve into the privacy of ANY of his interviewees. His job is to report and comment on their professional activities and conduct interviews with them, which he does regularly.
As I said before, it behooves an artist, especially a budding artist, to encourage a good working relationship between themselves and the press. I believe Rodney strives for that good working relationship with all the people he interviews. So why isn’t it working with Diana? It may be that Diana just doesn’t like Rodney for no other reason than bad chemistry.
However, Diana is not yet famous enough or powerful enough to pick and choose who will be getting her name in the news. It’s not like Rodney is the paparrazzi or working for the National Enquirer. And her name won’t just magically appear in the news without the help of a reporter. In Atlanta…Rodney is that reporter.
So maybe Rodney just has to get used to the fact that Diana isn’t going to be sweet and warm and friendly to him like she is to the other acquaintances around her. Maybe he should just report on her events and keep her name alive here in Atlanta without any thank you’s or any show of appreciation. It’s just interesting that other artists who are making their way through this difficult business manage to find time to appreciate the people who help them along the way…or at least not snub them.
By Deirdre
October 4, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this
For those of you who are not on this blog regularly…it is an antiquated format…it will post comments as many as 5-6 times even if you only hit the post button once.
Fortunately, the format will be changed to a much better one in the near future…then we can argue even faster! :-)
By aah
October 4, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this
Actually that is the crux of the problem. How can anyone “trust” the press ? They are not working for you. We only have your word about rodney ethics. How can anyone be “sure” about anything ? Even the closest of “friends” has skeleton in the closet. Do you have any friends selling “insurance” ? How is diana “treating” the press ? When you mean acquaintances, do you mean fans, peers, family and not specifically “reporters”. Looks like it is a matter of perception of how “friendly” one must be. Rodney is getting to be “feared” than “loved” by diana.
By Julie
October 4, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this
I’ve met Diana several times and there were a few times she didn’t seek me out to say goodbye. I didn’t find that rude at all, the girl was just busy and I’m not a personal acquaintance. She was very nice and polite. I didn’t realize until Rodney said something that there was actually something wrong with that, ha ha.
I don’t think Deirdre’s angle about Diana’s level of fame has anything to do with it. She doesn’t refuse to talk to him, she just doesn’t treat him like a fan or friend. He’s PRESS. I’m sure she would appreciate his “support” more if it didn’t come each and every time with this type of complaining.
In the above blog Rodney pretty much admits he tried to bait Diana into saying something bad about Jessica Simpson. That’s the kind of stuff that might cause her not to trust him.
But the bottom line to me is I’ve never heard her say one negative word about Rodney regardless of what she feels (and I have no clue about that because unlike Rodney she’s not making a big deal out of it). It’s pretty unfair to assume she treats Rodney badly because he says she doesn’t seek him out or has neglected on occasion to go say goodbye before she left.
There are two sides to every story and it’s really sad that Rodney is willing to throw Diana under the bus over and over again just because his expectations of her are not met. Most articles I read about Diana praise her for how nice she is so the fact that there is ONE person who seems to be taking issue with her makes me think Rodney is being a bit of a baby.
By Julie
October 4, 2008 11:24 PM | Link to this
Oh and on another note, if as Deidre says he does wonder if he’s offended or hurt her feelings in some way, then he should ask her and accept her answer WITHOUT turning it into a blog issue. I’d be uncomfortable around somebody I knew was going to blab about me on a blog too.
By RodneyLuvsDiana
October 5, 2008 12:26 AM | Link to this
I think my blog name says it all. This is a simple case of a crush that isn’t reciprocated.
Bring her some flowers next time Rodney.
By dianahatesrodney
October 5, 2008 12:40 AM | Link to this
I think my blog name says it all. Diana would reject him.
By Chris
October 5, 2008 12:42 AM | Link to this
This is what’s clear to me. This is an issue between Rodney and Diana, and no one else. Why it’s being posted about and more importantly, being argued about is absolutely ridiculous. For virtually anyone that has met Diana, they know of her as a nice, friendly person. If Rodney is not receiving the same treatment as others in the room, there could be a multitude of reasons. One might be that he blogs about it, but perhaps another is that simply it’s a personality thing. It might simply be that the way Rodney gets his interviews is maybe more aggressive than some others and that might not sit well with certain personality types. Or, like others have mentioned, maybe it’s simply a someone being busy and not at all meaning to hurt anyone’s feelings kind of thing. I recall Rodney doing a wonderful phone interview with Diana around the time of the Gone Country premiere; it didn’t seem like a non-warm situation then. Both parties are there to do an interview. Does it benefit Diana? Absolutely. Does it benefit Rodney? Probably as well because I bet her fanbase will gravitate towards his blog when they might not otherwise when he posts an interview with her and maybe stick around. I know I read fairly often, so perhaps, if Rodney himself feels that their interactions are counterproductive to doing an interview, he should bring it up next time. If it’s simply an ego thing then I guess it’s up to him again on how he wants to handle it.
By Chris
October 5, 2008 12:45 AM | Link to this
I also wanted to thank Rodney for the video, that’s a neat feature.
By Chris
October 5, 2008 12:48 AM | Link to this
Also, Rodney, thank you for the video. That’s a nice touch!
By Rodney Ho
October 5, 2008 1:02 AM | Link to this
I like Diana. I respect her. She’s truly a talented gal and I am hoping she can pull this country career off. I think there is still an interest in her as this thread has proven. I’ve interviewed literally thousands of people over the years. There is some strange vibe I get from her I can’t quite identify, a wall of caution that is perhaps fostered by my position as a journalist. And yes, we journalists can be hurtful, advertently or not. And we can be helpful, too.
I just don’t know what I’ve done specifically to create the level of caution she has around me. And yes, she was great when I did the phoner prior to “Gone Country.” That was the best interview I’ve ever had with her. She was more open, more relaxed, more everything at that moment.
Maybe it’s just an in person thing. It has just mystified me and I ponder about it every time on this blog because I know how warm she can be with virtually everybody else. I also met up Ruben Studdard again tonight and he is truly a teddy bear. (I’ll post the pictures and that interview in time for Monday).
I’m glad the Diana video turned out well. That was the first time I had ever really used the video function on my phone and uploaded it onto YouTube.
By JTesla
October 5, 2008 1:16 AM | Link to this
Great stuff, thanks Rodney. Popcorn anyone? Those fan clubs are getting fierce (and savy)
By JTesla
October 5, 2008 1:16 AM | Link to this
Great stuff, thanks Rodney. Popcorn anyone? Those fan clubs are getting fierce (and savy)
By CM
October 5, 2008 2:51 AM | Link to this
Rodney I really don’t think it’s personal. It is very possible she’s just reserved around journalists. Don’t forget this is the girl who took public hits at a young age for her weight and tons of other stuff that might have caused her to have more of a boundary with anybody from the press.
Regardless I don’t think pondering this “vibe” in your blog is necessarily fair to her and I hope you don’t bring it up again. I’m sure she sees what you write about her and it would probably be easier for her to warm up to you if she wasn’t wondering how you are going to pick apart her interactions with you once you blog about the meeting.
By Bye Bye
October 5, 2008 4:17 AM | Link to this
I bet the issue is all Rodney. Why does she have to be what he wants her to be? Is he looking for a date or an interview? As long as she’s professional—which even he admits—I don’t see why he’s obsessed about her not being overtly friendly. You can’t criticize people online and not expect consequences. Plus his Jessica trap shows why Diana is probably leery of the press and on guard. Someone trying to create a headline of Diana Bashes Jess isn’t going to engender warm feelings and trust.
By naive
October 5, 2008 4:48 AM | Link to this
Diana is probably the most media savvy of all the idols. Look at Jordin Sparks. She has setup a time bomb with her “promise ring”. She has called those without “promise ring” a s**. Maybe that was not her intention, but that was her mistake. And now people are waiting for a payback if she didnt keep her “promise”. When you fall in love, anything can happen. She could have played down her “promise” ring instead of parading it.
By Audrey
October 5, 2008 7:16 AM | Link to this
For the past 5 years Rodney Ho and Simon Cowell have been badmouthing Diana every opportunity they get for no reason whatsoever. Why on earth should she creep to him. You are all so ready to criticise one of the nicest young ladies ever, who has the best female voice in the Idol competition in any of the series and who probably was held back by the remarks.
I cannot wait for her future album as I have never liked any other female in Idol as much.
By Deirdre
October 5, 2008 7:43 AM | Link to this
Throw Diana under the bus????? Bad mouthing?????
Rodney said:
Diana has never been terribly warm toward me even though we’ve probably talked at least 7 or 8 times over four years. One of these days, I might have to just be real and bring it up to her why that is, but I’ve never felt comfortable doing so. At best, she’s been polite and she was in polite mode today, more so than she was at Turner Field in April when she sang the National Anthem.
You guys are WAY over-reacting. There is not an artist in the world who hasn’t had some negative publicity. Relax..the rest of the world doesn’t care about Rodney’s opinion of Diana…mostly folks, the rest of the world doesn’t even care much about Diana either.
By amrelax
October 5, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this
at least one person cares about people opinion of rodney who comes out swinging indignantly about the slight on rodney. clearly it shows only 2 on earth is needed to start a fight. Actually parties to the fight should never tell the other to shut up and relax.
By Deirdre
October 5, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this
Bad news for Misty and Maks fans on DWTS:
Olympic gold medalist Misty May-Treanor will leave “Dancing With the Stars” after suffering an injury, Access Hollywood has learned. A source close to the show revealed to Access that the volleyball star is out of the competition and will require surgery. Though the competition was just two weeks old, May-Treanor had already stepped out as a “Dancing” star on the rise.Dancing is rough…even seasoned athletes get hurt.
(Sorry guys…I’m up early and feeling chatty for some reason…probably cuz I missed y’all while I was busy with the yard sale)
By Deirdre
October 5, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this
amrelax…..Rodney and I have been friends for a number of years and I tend to defend my friends rather than come to the defense of someone I’ve never personally met…so sue me!
We get fan-atics on here all the time. It’s fun! Diana fans tend to be the most polite and ingratiating even though they are annoyed with Rodney whenever he blogs about his personal opinion of her. Just a warning…don’t cross a Clay fan…you could get in serious trouble! :-)
I guess I’m a Rodney fan so, like Diana fans, I come to his defense.
I like Diana…always have. She’s a talented singer. And we welcome all her fans onto this blog…..however, please understand that all the Idols, whether they’re our favorites or not, are going to get some negative comments. We love legitimate discussion and disagreement as well…as long as it doesn’t deteriorate into name-calling and outright rudeness.
After all..a blog is about opinions and not all opinions will match yours or mine.
By Jerry Silver
October 5, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this
Thanks for the update. I am big fan of Diana and will buy her album when it is released.
By Michael
October 5, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
Aww I like Diana. I hadn’t heard her new song so thanks for putting up the video. I like Rodney too but count me in the category of being mildly annoyed that he brought this up again. LOL
I’m sorry Rodney hasn’t gotten what he’s expected or wanted from her but I kind of suspect it has more to do with just a general caution around the press not something personal. He’s probably made it a certainty that she’ll be a nervous wreck or an ice princess around him permanently so I don’t think this is going to help his cause. I do get the impression he’d like to be her friend. Didn’t somebody upthread suggest flowers? LOL
By JTesla
October 5, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
I’m thankful that Rodney didn’t call Diana “vanilla.” Imagine the mess that would have made.
By JTesla
October 5, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this
I’m thankful that Rodney didn’t call Diana “vanilla.” Imagine the mess that would have made.
By Michael
October 5, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
Actually “vanilla” in reference to her probably would have gotten less of a reaction.LOL
I think what is fueling the frustration is the feeling that he wants something from her similar to what he gets from Pickler or Ruben. It’s great that Kellie and Ruben love Rodney and are extremely welcoming to him but each person has a different level of comfort with the press. It’s not like she’s pulling a Sean Penn and smashing his camera. LOL
Whether he realizes it or not, stuff like the attempt at a Jessica Simpson “gotcha” moment, which would have been plastered all over this blog if she’d fallen for it, probably hurt his cause.
By Deirdre
October 5, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this
I agree that Rodney just needs to talk to her about it. It’s pretty obvious that he’s not getting the same feeling from her that he gets from his other interviews. I mean, he’s experienced at this. It’s not like Diana is the ONLY interview he ever does. Let’s give him the benefit of the doubt on this subject.
Whether he realizes it or not, stuff like the attempt at a Jessica Simpson “gotcha” moment, which would have been plastered all over this blog if she’d fallen for it, probably hurt his cause.
I’ve never seen Rodney “plaster” anything all over his blog. He would have reported what she said… which he did. Any entertainment journalist worth his salt is looking for comments about competitors.
By michael
October 5, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
Quote: “I’ve never seen Rodney “plaster” anything all over his blog. He would have reported what she said… which he did. Any entertainment journalist worth his salt is looking for comments about competitors.”
Exactly, he’s a reporter looking for quotes whether they are good or bad for his subject. That in and of itself accounts for Diana’s different treatment of him: polite but cautious seems like something more people should practice around entertainment journalists.
Diana has probably dealt with many journalists and given that she’s always been very nice and accomodating to her fans I’m inclined to give HER the benefit of the doubt. Honest difference of opinion I guess.
By Deirdre
October 5, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this
What we’re talking about is “Why is Diana more ‘stand-offish’ with Rodney than any other celebrity he has interviewed?” It IS possible to be friendly and warm to someone without revealing too much or spouting famous celebrity gaffes. Lots of celebrities do it.
Many Idols interviewed by Rodney manage to be friendly AND get through the interview without ending up as tabloid fodder…I’m sure Diana is perfectly capable of being both friendly and discreet. So why isn’t she?
By jeff
October 5, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the video Rodney,and all i have to say about the whole Rodney.Diana treatment thing is.. (GIve respect and you get respect) Keep doing your thing Diana I cant wait for the cd.
By Michael
October 5, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
If he has the problem with how she is towards him then he needs to man up and talk to her PRIVATELY and off the record.
By Chris
October 5, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
Michael, I think that’s exact what should happen. All of this other talk is ridiculous. I am curious to hear Diana’s side of the story but since I don’t believe this is our place anyhow, Rodney should just talk to Diana off the record and on a personal level.
By JTesla
October 5, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
Is this really such a big deal that it needs to be talked about privately? He had an issue with her, he brought it up. Rodney brings up similar things about many prior contestants, both good and bad. It’s his style he writes what he feels and keeps a running commentary on it.
And for the record, Diana is vanilla, and I want two scoops.
By Candace
October 5, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
Ok, I met Diana four years ago. Like most fans, I was in awe of her talent. I have come to know her and her mom as personal friends. In watching her as a performer and being around her on a personal level, I have never, ever seen her be rude to anyone. She treats EVERYONE with respect. You may not see her name in every paper or magazine, but Diana stays quite busy with performing engagements. You don’t see Faith Hill’s or Rascal Flats’ name listed in the papers/magazines on a daily or weekly basis, but that doesn’t mean that they are not busy in their careers. Nor do they have to have that ‘paper’ recognition to be popular. Diana has been working on many new songs, which I have heard her perform in various places, and I think they are great. I have been a country music follower for 50 years and I believe Diana will have a career for a long time, just like many of the other top singers. Besides, Diana can perform any genre of music and is good at it. As far as Rodney Ho is concerned, Diana is polite to him. She doesn’t have to grant Ho an interview, but she does. Nor does his interviews with her, keep her career ‘going’. Diana is doing very well. And as one poster mentioned previously, you have heard only his side. On occassion, Ho has made uncalled for negative remarks about Diana. True, he is a reporter giving ‘HIS OPINION’. If you have been around Diana at all, you know that she is friendly to everyone, each and every time you see her. Not only is Diana a great singer; but also she is funny, supportive, giving and respectful to others. This world would be a greater place if we had more people like her.
By Rodney Ho
October 5, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
Michael—you’re right. I should have cleared the air with her ages ago off the record. I will do so next time I see her.
I’m glad she has such loyal and vehement fans who jump to her defense. That’s a good thing for anybody who needs a fan base. And Deirdre— thanks for the defense but it’s not all Diane. I’m at fault here, too, simply because I haven’t cleared the air myself. That is squarely something I need to do. I think I have placed Diana at a different level in some ways than others because she’s the hometown gal, ya know?
Anyway, the Ruben blog entry is up now.
By Becky
October 5, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this
She sounds great! Much stronger voice than Faith Hill, I think.
By Erk
October 5, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this
Diana is just processed cheese.
She should be performing on a cheap cruise ship to Haiti.
By Keri
October 5, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this
Thank you soooooooo much for the video, Diana sounds great.
By Richard
October 5, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this
Im not getting the whole Diana is so rude thing, what exactly did she do to Rodney that was so rude? did she not answer a question or what? and why is he blogging about it? in my opinion Rodney is still antagonizing diana as he did way back. regardless the video was nice so thank you for that. and yes im a newbie to this page as I got this link from another place that i frequent often, (so save the frequent posters comments for someone who cares) and I have met Diana several times and thought Rodneys perception of her was humorous and not fair to her at all.
By James
October 7, 2008 2:37 AM | Link to this
Great video of Diana DeGarmo performing “Turn to Me”. Her voice is in top form and this song will be a huge hit for Diana.
Rodney, there are many incorrect items in your blog. The song “Turn to Me” was not co-written by Diana. The song was written by John Rich, Gretchen Wilson and Vicky McGhee. In a recent interview with Atlanta Salon and Spa Magazine, Diana is quoted as saying that she has officially wrapped production on her country album and that she really enjoyed her collaboration on the album with John Rich.
Diana also would not be rude to anyone. At everyone event, I have seen her at, she is always polite and very gracious. She would never be rude to anyone. Many people in New York, Nashville, Georgia and all over the United States support Diana and her career.
By James
October 7, 2008 2:42 AM | Link to this
Great video of Diana DeGarmo performing “Turn to Me”. Her voice is in top form and this song will be a huge hit for Diana.
Rodney, there are many incorrect items in your blog. The song “Turn to Me” was not co-written by Diana. The song was written by John Rich, Gretchen Wilson and Vicky McGhee. In a recent interview with Atlanta Salon and Spa Magazine, Diana is quoted as saying that she has officially wrapped production on her country album and that she really enjoyed her collaboration on the album with John Rich.
Diana also would not be rude to anyone. At everyone event, I have seen her at, she is always polite and very gracious. She would never be rude to anyone. Many people in New York, Nashville, Georgia and all over the United States support Diana and her career.
By James
October 7, 2008 2:44 AM | Link to this
Great video of Diana DeGarmo performing “Turn to Me”. Her voice is in top form and this song will be a huge hit for Diana.
Rodney, there are many incorrect items in your blog. The song “Turn to Me” was not co-written by Diana. The song was written by John Rich, Gretchen Wilson and Vicky McGhee. In a recent interview with Atlanta Salon and Spa Magazine, Diana is quoted as saying that she has officially wrapped production on her country album and that she really enjoyed her collaboration on the album with John Rich.
Diana also would not be rude to anyone. At everyone event, I have seen her at, she is always polite and very gracious. She would never be rude to anyone. Many people in New York, Nashville, Georgia and all over the United States support Diana and her career.
By James
October 7, 2008 2:44 AM | Link to this
Great video of Diana DeGarmo performing “Turn to Me”. Her voice is in top form and this song will be a huge hit for Diana.
Rodney, there are many incorrect items in your blog. The song “Turn to Me” was not co-written by Diana. The song was written by John Rich, Gretchen Wilson and Vicky McGhee. In a recent interview with Atlanta Salon and Spa Magazine, Diana is quoted as saying that she has officially wrapped production on her country album and that she really enjoyed her collaboration on the album with John Rich.
Diana also would not be rude to anyone. At everyone event, I have seen her at, she is always polite and very gracious. She would never be rude to anyone. Many people in New York, Nashville, Georgia and all over the United States support Diana and her career.
By Chris
October 7, 2008 3:06 AM | Link to this
Rodney, great video of Diana DeGarmo performing Turn to Me. The song looks like it will be a big hit for Diana. Also, nice to see so many new pictures of Diana, she looks great.
Do disagree with you on the area of Diana not being friendly to you. She is always friendly to everyone.
Diana has been performing many of the great new songs that she has written at events in Nashville. Being on the CMT hit show Gone Country seems to really have gotten the ball rolling for Diana in country music. Everything seems to be clicking for Diana on this new country album.
By C
October 7, 2008 3:15 AM | Link to this
Diana has only wrapped production on her demo, James. She is NOT done with the full album and that is something she herself has told fans at her Nashville area concerts. She’s been performing acoustic shows several times per month there at clubs on Music Row.
She’s written and performed several songs but she didn’t write Turn to Me. It’s a beautiful ballad written by John Rich, Gretchen Wilson and Vicky Mcghee. John Rich offered it to her for her demo.
Thanks for the video Rodney!
By James
October 8, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this
Thanks C for the update. It is great to hear from someone who was actually at the Nashville shows. There is so much incorrect information that is out.
Everyone can agree this is a great video of Diana DeGarmo performing Turn to Me. Thank you Rodney for such a great video, pictures and article.
By James
October 8, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this
Thanks C for the update. It is great to hear from someone who was actually at the Nashville shows. There is so much incorrect information that is out.
Everyone can agree this is a great video of Diana DeGarmo performing Turn to Me. Thank you Rodney for such a great video, pictures and article.
By Michelle Dillon
October 15, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
Diana DeGarmo is the REAL DEAL. She’s incredibly talented and is a genuinely friendly person. I hope someday you can look inside and see who she really is. Thanks for the updates on her and please keep them coming.
By JTesla
October 15, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
EWWWWW that’s gross, I don’t want to look inside Diana DeGarmo!
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