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Access Atlanta > American Idol Buzz > Archives > 2005 > April
April 2005
April 30: polls, going back in time
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s pretty clear from polls that Bo & Carrie are now the clearcut favorites to be in the final two now that Constantine has been ousted.
The AOL polling had Constantine in third place and Scott at the bottom earlier this week. Constantine’s departure appears to have fed Bo’s votes.
Bo 49%, Carrie 39%, Anthony 5%, Vonzell 5%, Scott 1%
Here are the latest odds from Readabet.com Carrie 1/1, Bo 9/5, Vonzell 4/1, Scott 12/1, Anthony 16/1
On msbc.com, Carrie is just ahead of Bo. Carrie 42%, Bo 39%, Vonzell 12%, Scott 3%, Anthony 3%
Ahh… the memories. Let’s go back in time!
Back on March 17, just as the final 12 were about to perform, I posted the AOL subscribers top 12 poll. Things really changed over time. Anwar was an early favorite to win but was already losing momentum while Vonzell was scraping near the bottom. From this list, there was no way to tell who would be in the final five, since only two (Bo and Carrie) on this list actually made it into the final five.
From AOL subscribers: 24% Anwar (as of March 17, trending way down) 18% Bo (trending up) 16% Carrie (steady) 11% Nadia (up) 9% Constantine (up) 6% Anthony (down) 4% Jessica (down) 3% Scott (up) 3% Nikko (steady) 3% Mikalah (steady) 2% Vonzell (up) 1% Lindsey (gone)
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April 29: Bo Bice cocaine possession in 2001, charges dropped
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
So does the news below really matter and is it any worse than the revelations about Scott a couple weeks ago?
Report: ‘Idol’ Finalist Faced Drug Charges
LOS ANGELES â€â€? “American Idol” finalist Bo Bice was arrested twice in the past four years on drug charges, a Web site reported Thursday â€â€? but Fox TV is standing by the long-haired rocker.
“From the beginning, Bo was honest and forthcoming in revealing his previous indiscretions and their outcome,” the network said in response to the report on thesmokinggun.com.
His participation with the show will be unaffected, Fox said Thursday.
The hit talent contest, among TV’s top-rated programs, has been roiled this season by tabloid allegations about one judge’s behavior and by ABC News’ vow to examine “explosive” claims in a special next week.
Several past contestants were booted for failing to disclose arrests, but those who have been forthcoming haven’t been penalized.
Scott Savol, who with Bice is among the top five finalists, told the series’ producers and Fox he had been arrested on a domestic violence charge and pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count.
Thesmokinggun.com, citing court documents, said Bice, 29, of Helena, Ala., was arrested in 2001 on a felony cocaine possession charge.
That charge, as well as a marijuana possession charge stemming from a 2003 arrest, were both dismissed after Bice completed a program for first-time offenders, the Web site reported..
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April 28: “Idol” notes—Constantine talks, “Idol” tour hits Atlanta July 16 at Gwinnett Arena
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mark your calendars: the “Idol 4” tour (with the top 10 contestants minus Lindsey Cardinale and Mikalah Gordon) will arrive in Atlanta on July 16 at the Arena at Gwinnett. Tix go on sale around May 20. The past three years, they held it at Philips. Last year, it drew about 8,000 people, down from the first two. I bet this year, the tour will be more popular.
Anyway, Constantine did a phone conference with print and Web journalists this morning and was nothing but sweetness and light. The guy is a genuinely positive person — or if it’s not genuine, his acting is superb.
He, of course, thanks the show profusely for the opportunities and used the word “awesome” several times to describe the experience. Asked if he was shocked by his departure, he said.
“You can’t be too confident in this competition. I prepare myself every week to go home. It was a bit shocking, yes. I’m sad to go. But I’m just so grateful for this amazing opportunity. They put me in front of the world’s biggest stage and let me do my thing for months and months.”
Another typical comment: “People are so touched by the show. They cling on to it. It’s just great how it affects people and moves them. You can see by the audience reaction last night. It’s a wonderful wonderful thing.”
His favorite song to sing was “Bohemian Rhapsody.” And he said Nickelback’s “How You Remind Me” was not his first choice of song. He wouldn’t say what song didn’t get cleared. When asked what he thought his weakest performance was, he said it had to have been this week because he got voted off. “What a weird era to pick a song from,” he mused. “For me, at least. I did my best. I tried to bring it. I wish I could have done better. I thought i did it better last night [after he got voted off].” Later, he added: “I was psyched by the Nickelback song. That was a huge hit. It was not the most rangy song. I don’t think I needed to hit high c’s every time. I wanted to be me and bring back the rock thing.”
He was unvarnished in his view that this was an opportunity he had to jump on, given the limited alternatives. “The music busines is weird. There aren’t as many opportunities for artists. You’ve got to go on a show to show what you got sometimes… I’d love to pursue more acting, film, television, try to do it all.”
It was the type of call where you press star-1 and wait for the moderator to announce your name. Then you have one question to ask. So I decided to go offbeat and ask him why he chose to wear a shirt with a Justin Guarini photo on it a few weeks back. He laughed and said, “I wanted to do well from an aritist standpoint and have fun while I’m doing it. Just be me. That’s part of my persona. I like to have a sense of humor about things. It was funny.”
He then burbled about how great Paula Abdul was in response to a New York Post reporter question. (The “Idol” publicist cut the reporter off when he tried to ask about other Abdul-related issues.)
“She’s just a wonderful woman. She has so much support and love in her. She’s been amazing through this whole thing. We can’t forget that she’s a rock star with no. 1s after no. 1s. She has so much to offer and teach us. We just need to shut up and listen. She’s the bomb.”
And my favorite line from Constantine came near the end of the 20 minute phone conference when talking about the Ford commercials: “That was great. It’s a good time. I’ve been on sets before but just to be able to work with great professionals and learn about how it goes down on a set like that… Cheese is cool man. Cheese is the new cool. We love cheese and if you’re going to audition for ‘American Idol,’ you have to jump in with both feet.”
Amen.
April 27: Constantine ousted! Paula Abdul blubbers!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
While most “Idol” watchers — including me — placed Constantine in the bottom three after his lousy performance of Nickelback’s “How You Remind Me” Tuesday night, few expected him to be ousted ahead of Scott Savol, who did even worse with Luther Vandross’ “Dance With My Father.”
But there was Constantine, singing Nickelback again, after the vote came in and the supposed rocker was ousted. Cameras honed in on a shocked Paula Abdul, who was unable to blubber a coherent sentence to explain his departure. She was later seen consoling Constantine’s mom. Constantine himself repeated the Nickelback song with slightly less cheese, ending behind the judge’s stage and hugging his mom. “Idol,” for once, left enough time for the departing finalist to sing the entire song on camera and show the moments after the song was over. Even Carrie looked (relatively) emotional about it.
So what happened? Clearly, the Nickelback song did him no favors, proving he didn’t have the rock chops. But perhaps Scott fans were so enraged by Simon Cowell’s comments (“Pack your bags tonight”) that they saved him. And where did Constantine’s fans go? Very odd. In polls, he’s generally been in third place ahead of Vonzell, Scott and Anthony.
Indeed, this is the first genuine shocker, more so than Anwar and Nadia leaving. Sure, Constantine sometimes acted like this whole competition was a goof (recall him wearing that Justin Guarini t-shirt?). He sometimes over-emoted and over-acted on stage. (Those kicks into the cameras Tuesday night were a bit much). He had too much makeup on last week. But ultimately, he was a Broadway star (who has done “Rent” already), not a pop star.
As for my predictive powers, I’ve been consistently pathetic. For the sixth week in a row, I guessed the wrong person to be out. I thought Scott was certainly a goner but he wasn’t even in the bottom three! On the bright side, for the sixth week in a row, I did get two out of the three bottom dwellers correct. I correctly selected Constantine and Vonzell in the bottom three but missed Anthony, who actually didn’t deserve to be there for once.
So Constantine fans and foes, how are you feeling? My wife is crushed.
April 26: Recent songs, so-so results
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Clay Aiken shows up! Given how he cut himself off from 19 Entertainment and the show last year, I’m surprised. Ryan tries a lame joke about him coming in second. And Heather Locklear looks hot, as always.
Oh, wait, there were performances, too. Bo rocked, Constantine didn’t. Vonzell went for another triple lutz, almost made it. Scott faced off against Luther Vandross and lost. Carrie went back to country. And wow, Anthony showed heart and his best singing yet.
Here’s my rankings:
1) Bo. “I Don’t Want to Be” Bo outdid Gavin DeGraw by adding some grit and edge to a song that comes off fairly toothless in its DeGraw version. He has his energy and confidence back. He’s a lock to stay out of the bottom three.
2) Anthony. “I Surrender.” Celine Dion??? Somehow, Anthony not only pulls it off but really feels it. He loves this song and I thought this was easily his best vocal and emotional performance to date. Good time for him to do it, too. And as Simon said, he is playing to his audience perfectly. Plus, Clay was in the audience; the camera folks showed Heather Locklear afterwards but didn’t show Clay’s reaction. Hmmm…
3) Carrie. “When God Fearin’ Women Get the Blues.” Carrie goes after Martina McBride and is comfortable, it not exactly vocally brilliant. She played to her fans, as Simon said, and will be around another week.
4) Vonzell. “I Turn to You” She is fearless taking on the extremely difficult songs. This was always a boring tune to me and I thought Vonzell had trouble at certain points. She has always had vocal control problems and it was clearly evident here. Again, I agree with Simon—it probably sounded better live than on TV.
5) Constantine. “How You Remind Me.” I’ve heard Nickelback do this live and of course, heard the single 10,000 times back in 2002. While Bo improved upon Gavin DeGraw, Constantine wasn’t even in the ballpark with Chad Kroeger. His effort to go back to rock just screamed cheesy and insincere. And those leg kicks into the cameras didn’t help. He was missing notes all over the place. Bleh… This might land him for the first time in the bottom three.
6) Scott. “Dance With My Father.” This incredibly sentimental, heartfelt song Richard Marx wrote for Luther Vandross somehow translated poorly with Scott, whose father is obviously still alive. He could have made up for a few bad notes by touching his emotional core the way Anthony surprisingly did. But he was just same ol’ same ol’. I wasn’t feeling it and I don’t think Scott was either.
The bottom three will probably be Vonzell, Scott and Constantine. I think Anthony saved himself and even if he lands in the bottom three, he’ll survive. Scott is toast. Of course, I’ve been wrong five weeks in a row. So we might have an upset, which I would see being Vonzell. And folks would be suitably outraged if that happened.
Your thoughts friends? (By the way, “Idol” last week had its weakest ratings this season to date—24.1 mil Tues and 22.7 mil for Wed.)
April 26: Drudge says Fox nervous about upcoming ABC “Idol” expose?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
XXXXX DRUDGE REPORT XXXXX TUE APRIL 26, 2005 10:25:52 ET XXXXX
FOX LEGAL THREAT OVER ABCNEWS ‘AMERICAN IDOL’ EXPOSÉ
Exclusive
ABC has been warned in writing it could face legal fallout for airing its scathing behind-the-scenes look at FOX’s AMERICAN IDOL, the DRUDGE REPORT has learned.
FOX owner Rupert Murdoch has informed executives that it appears ABC is attempting to maliciously “destroy” the nation’s most-watched series as it heads into the final weeks.
FOX believes ABC has interviewed a half a dozen losing contestants — contestants who will claim AMERICAN IDOL producers and judges somehow manipulate the show’s outcome!
ABCNEWS is planning to air the PRIMETIME LIVE exposé next Wednesday.
“We got all these ridiculous questions yesterday from an ABC producer,” a top IDOL source tells the DRUDGE REPORT. “ABC can not beat us with programming, so they are attempting to bring us down with lies and false charges.”
At the center of the questions, the IDOL source claims, is the actions of show judge Paula Abdul.
“[ABC] is trying to say Paula somehow cheats and picks favorite singers to nurture, in violation of some sort of network standards,” the IDOL source, who demanded anonymity, explains.
Here’s the Washington Post take on the special, plus poor ratings for Seacrest’s Sunday special:
‘Primetime’ Indulges Its ‘Idol’ Curiosity
By Lisa de Moraes
Tuesday, April 26, 2005; Page C07
ABC News has discovered “startling” things about Fox’s singing competition series “American Idol” — just in time for the May sweeps!
In a news release more breathless than even an NBC promo for “ER” (you know, the ones that scream “a bomb goes off in the ER, Thursday at 10!!” only the “bomb” turns out to be some character having a nervous breakdown during his/her shift), ABC News announced yesterday that a special hour-long “Primetime Live” report “will explore explosive claims about behind-the-scenes activities at ‘American Idol,’ the hit television show that became a cultural phenomenon.”
Corey Clark was booted off “American Idol.” (By J. Viles — Fox)
And, in a bit of understatement befitting a network news division, the special edition of “Primetime Live” has been titled “Fallen Idol.”
ABC News had not contacted anyone at Fox with questions about “explosive claims” on “American Idol” as of presstime, according to a Fox rep. (However, ABC News has contacted public relations firm BWR, which represents the show, asking to interview the “American Idol” judges and the producers, the agency confirmed.)
The news release was unusually short and coy for a broadcast network news division, giving no indication of what these “explosive claims” are.
There have been lots of news reports lately about a book proposal from Corey Clark — an “American Idol” contestant from a couple of editions back who was booted after the Web site the Smoking Gun posted a report saying he was due in court that month for allegedly assaulting his teenage sister and resisting arrest.
Clark claims in his book proposal that he had an affair with show judge Paula Abdul, and that she promised to help him pick tunes to sing during the competition and to spend millions promoting his career.
Oh, and Clark is preparing to release his first album.
In its report this week, the Globe, which seems to have the most dope on Clark’s book proposal, quotes TV critic Marc Berman saying, “If the charges are true, then this is a huge scandal that could kill ‘American Idol.’ If a judge and a contestant have an affair, the future of the entire show is in jeopardy.”
A call placed late yesterday to Abdul’s publicist had not been returned at press time.
At the end of its posting on the Globe report on Clark’s book proposal, the Web site Mediabistro yesterday cleverly added the words “Twenty One,” “Charles Van Doren” and “Quiz Show,” in order, it said, to make sure the story shows up “on the Google search about to be conducted by every lazy cultural commentator in the country.”
Now we have, too.
“Fallen Idol” is scheduled to air at 10 p.m. on Wednesday, May 4. “Primetime Live” normally airs on Thursday. But, of course, Wednesday is results night on “American Idol.”
Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame notwithstanding, America is just not that into Ryan Seacrest.
A measly 4 million viewers tuned in to watch the Seacrest-hosted and executive-produced “American Top 40 Live” from 8 to 10 p.m. Sunday on Fox.
The special was based on Premiere Radio Networks’ nationally syndicated “American Top 40” radio countdown show, which, in one of those incredible coincidences, is also hosted and executive-produced by Ryan Seacrest.
The live special, in which Ciara, J-Kwon, Black Eyed Peas and Avril Lavigne made special appearances to discuss how the “American Top 40” countdown show has propelled them to stardom, got trounced by a CBS movie about bionic locusts and a “Desperate Housewives” clip job called “Desperate Housewives: Sorting Out the Dirty Laundry.”
“American Top 40 Live” had aired just four days after Fox devoted a good chunk of its “American Idol” results show to fawning over that show’s host, who in yet another of those incredible coincidences just happens to be Ryan Seacrest, for getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Which, in another of those incredible coincidences, had happened that same day.
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April 25: ‘Idol’ notes — Constantine’s band gets a deal w/ William Hung’s label
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Constantine’s band signs record deal
Pray for the Soul of Betty to release first album on May 10
The Associated Press NMW YORK - The band of “American Idol” finalist Constantine Maroulis will release their first CD on May 10, recorded before the singer’s fame skyrocketed on the TV talent show.
Koch Records, the label that signed “Idol” failure William Hung, has announced a deal with Pray for the Soul of Betty, the New York band Maroulis fronted before auditioning for the Fox reality program.
Maroulis signed over the rights to his bandmates before joining “Idol,” so the self-titled album isn’t owned by the show, a publicist for “American Idol” confirmed Friday.
The long-haired rocker is one of six remaining in the contest, where he has emerged as a heartthrob candidate for young girls. Earlier in the season, the show documented Maroulis informing the band of his “Idol” intentions. Though some members then seemed upset about the more mainstream direction, they are now quite happy for the publicity.
“The reason why he’s doing ‘American Idol’ is for the band, not for anything else,” drummer Hamboussi told The Associated Press Friday, adding that Maroulis and the band remain tight.
“(On ‘American Idol’) he doesn’t get the bass drum or the guitar hitting him in the back of the head,” Hamboussi said.
Giovanna Melchiorre, a spokeswoman for Koch, said that while Maroulis won’t be able to tour with the band, “Legally, I think we’re OK.”
The record company said Pray for the Soul of Betty draws influences from Led Zeppelin, Soundgarden and Queens of the Stone Age, and “sounds distinctively like a New York City band should sound: intense, raw and powerful.”
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April 24: bstv.tv
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
On an unrelated reality show note, I wanted to recommend this site [www.bstv.tv](www.bstv.tv.], which is an upcoming VH1 show in which folks audition for fake reality shows such as “Billionaire Bride,” in which a woman gets to marry a 99 year old billionaire; “Come Fry With Me,” in which you get to pull the trigger on a Texas death-row inmate and “First Time,” in which you get to deflower a virgin on TV. The video clips are hilarious.
Jessica, Nikko & Jennifer Hudson (AI3) in town this weekend
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Simon malls and Coca Cola are sponsoring an “Idol” tour around th country with three finalists. The more hype, the merrier, I guess is the “Idol” mantra. But here I am, Mr. American Idol geezazoid, driving out to Mall of Georgia for the second of two appearances by Jessica Sierra (AI4, 10th), Nikko Smith (AI4, 9th) and Jennifer Hudson (AI3, 7th).
I met the three of them briefly upstairs in a side room upstairs from a Hummer showroom. Since I figure they’ve all been asked the same ol’ same ol questions, I opted to simply ask each what songs they wanted to sing that “Idol” couldn’t get clearance from the song owners. (Note that songs by the likes of the Beatles, Nirvana and Mariah Carey have never been heard on “Idol.”)
Nikko, believe it or not, wanted to sing “Faithfully” by Journey and “Hotel California” by the Eagles. Given Nikko’s R&B predilections, those were interesting picks. But neither Journey nor the Eagles would give clearance. Jessica said she wanted to do “Piano Man” by Billy Joel at one point but no go despite the fact there was an entire Billy Joel themed night two years ago. Maybe Mr. Alcohol Rehab didn’t want to be reminded of the fact the “microphone smells like a beer.” Jennifer, who is still unsigned but has a personal assistant, couldn’t recall if anything she wanted couldn’t get cleared.
Jessica went shopping in the mall to buy a jacket (“I’m a shopaholic,” she told the crowd) since it was so nippy outside in the pavilion. A solid 600-plus people gathered and probably a good 1,000 over the 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. time period. Not bad. The publicist said a similar crowd showed up at Town Center in Cobb Friday night.
The show started with a talent contest. The trio were judges (all Paula Abdul friendly no matter how bad the singers were, using the popular “You did your thing” line repeatedly) as Star 94 plucked seven kids out of the crowd to sing. Most of the kids weren’t half bad but then they stacked the deck by bringing on Dakota, who appeared to be about six years old, to sing an old tune called “Big Time.” Cuteness ruled and a $50 Simon gift certificate and an “Idol” director’s chair that could probably be sold on eBay for more than $50.
Later, Jennifer sang a few songs to a karaoke backing track, including her farewell tune from last year’s show “A Weekend in New England” by Barry Manilow. She still has the chops. For some reason, no current AI contestant is allowed to sing full tunes in situations like this though if someone asks them to do something a capella off the cuff, they can. But Jessica sang a bit of “Broken Wing” and “Total Eclipse of the Heart.” (My friend Robin Eve, who subbed here a couple weeks ago when my VCR broke, requested it but refused to sign the “turn around” portion of the song so Jessica did both.) Among facts I recall her uttering, Jessica said her best friend on the show was Mikalah but she roomed with Vonzell & Nadia. Nadia got her own room — I guess she had seniority. Or maybe she needed the extra space for her hair. :)
Anyway, I had to leave before Nikko’s Q & A. By then, the sun was sinking and it was getting seriously chilly. Still, a couple of hundred folks had stuck it out. For all “Idol” addicts, it was good, harmless fun.
April 23: rival ABC investigating “Idol” relationships between contestants and judges
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
STAR STRUCK
By MICHAEL STARR, The New York Post
ABC is preparing a bombshell exposé on “American Idol,” reportedly exploring the relationship between the “Idol” judges and the show’s contestants.
The report will air on “Primetime Live,” most likely next month, and has been in the works “for several months,” according to Variety.
ABC officials had no comment yesterday.
“Idol,” now in its fourth season, continues to garner huge ratings for Fox, with its twice-weekly airings drawing more than 20 million viewers every Tuesday and Wednesday night.
ABC is not only taking on a rival network with the “Idol” piece, but could air its report on a Wednesday â€â€? perhaps even following the “Idol” finale May 25.
“Idol” has had its share of controversy over the years. Several past contestants were tossed off the show, and this season the wrong call-in number â€â€? used by viewers to vote for their favorites â€â€? was flashed on-screen, necessitating an unprecedented “do-over” show.
Another contestant this season, fan favorite Mario Vazquez, walked off the show unexpectedly amid rumors he’d signed a record deal.
And “Idol” judge Paula Abdul â€â€? who’s raised eyebrows this season with her on-camera demeanor â€â€? is featured on the cover of People’s May 2 issue.
In the article, she denies that she’s “addicted to pills of any kind” and says she’s clean and sober.
Fox officials had no comment yesterday.
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April 22: Updated polls & notes — Bo, Carrie, Constantine at top; Vonzell gaines, Anthony, Scott lag// Gossip about Paula Abdul
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Globe magazine reports that Corey Clark, a contestant from Idol 2, had an affair with Paula Abudl, according to a book proposal he’s trying to sell. Clark didn’t tell “Idol” about an assault charge and was booted when media discovered it.
And Abdul denies being addicted to pain pills:
from Associated Press:
Don’t mistake Paula Abdul’s “American Idol” niceties or silliness for drug addiction. Despite a neuropathic disorder and 12 operations, Abdul says she’s “not addicted to pills of any kind.”
“If people only knew what I’ve gone through with pain and pills,” Abdul, 42, tells the May 2 issue of People magazine. “I’m dancing for joy at the fact that not even a year ago I was in so much pain I could barely get up.”
Last November, the “Idol” judge was diagnosed with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, a chronic neurological disorder that causes severe pain.
“I get a shot (of an anti-inflammatory drug) once a week,” she said. ” give it to myself.”
Readabet.com’s odds are not surprising:
Carrie 6/5, Bo 11/4, Constantine 11/4, Vonzell 6/1, Scott 20/1, Anthony 25/1
Over at AOL American Idol central, Bo builds his lead over Carrie while everyone else lags
Bo 45%, Carrie 30%, Constantine 9%, Vonzell 6%, Scott 5% Anthony 4%
And at msnbc.com, Carrie is the leader:
Carrie 41%, Bo 29%, Constantine 15%, Vonzell 10%, Scott 2%, Anthony 2%
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April 20: Anwar Robinson ousted
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In what wouldn’t be considered a major surprise at this stage, Anwar Robinson was the latest finalist to go on “Idol” tonight.
The sweet-faced, Steve Wonder-ish singer was considered a favorite during the semi-finals, like now-ousted Nadia Turner. But as the finals moved forward, he lost momentum. He would often start his songs slowly, with warbly moments, and try to make up for it with big end notes.
But it got predictable and his cheery personality didn’t grow on viewers. He fell out of the top tier by the time Jessica Sierra was gone three weeks ago. This week’s performance of “September” wasn’t half bad but still lacked a certain something.
Folks — my prognostication skills are still lousy! For the fifth week in a row, I was wrong choosing Anthony. And for the fifth week in a row, I did pick two of the bottom three correctly (I’ve got to make myself feel better somehow). I chose Carrie in the bottom and was wrong. Instead, Scott took the slot, along with Anthony and Anwar. (So far, only Carrie and Constantine have escaped the bottom three.)
For once, none of the considered “favorites” that given week was in the bottom.
The “Idol” producers decided to do the “split them in two groups” shenanigans. But unlike last year, when the “three divas” were in the bottom three at this stage and confused poor George Huff, it was obvious that Vonzell, Constantine and Carrie were safe. So Bo Bice, already dubbed safe by Ryan “somebody was nice enough to buy me a Hollywood Walk of Fame star” Seacrest, chose smartly not to pick either side because he was surely told of the George move a year ago.
What did everyone think of Carrie strumming a guitar during the dreaded group sing? She looked like Jewel. The whole setup smacked of the Partridge Family, with Anwar on keyboards. They should have had the four not playing instruments with triangles and tambourines.
The top 6 now in order of being voted off in my opinion: 1) Constantine 2) Carrie 3) Vonzell 4) Bo 5) Scott 6) Anthony
Thoughts?
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April 19: ’70s Dance Hits for $1,000, Alex
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Alex Trebek of all people showed up to watch Disco Night. Okay, okay, they avoided the dreaded “disco” word this year (remember Idol 2 and Ricky Smith’s wig?) and called it ’70s “dance hits,” allowing Bo Bice to sing a non-disco song. And I wonder what Nadia would have sung if she were still around (sniff…)
Here’s the rundown this week, top to bottom:
Bo Bice — “Vehicle” - Ides of March. Wow. He shook off the lethargy and drove this one hard. This was his most heartfelt performance since “Whipping Post.” I thought he was a goner after last week’s “I don’t care if I win” stance. But this might just keep him in it. And I don’t think I even know this song from 1970, a year after I was born.
Vonzell — “I’m Every Woman” - Chaka Khan. She gets smoother every week and tackles songs with triple lutz difficulty levels. She succeeds again. Why she isn’t getting more support on the on-line polls surprises me. This should keep her in another week.
Scott — “Everlasting Love” - Carl Carlton. I’m writing this more than hour after watching it (I had to catch “Amazing Race.”) so at this stage, it’s what felt best in retrospect. I gotta say: Scott impressed me this week after a few shakier ones. His vocals were solid throughout and this was heartfelt. He’s hungry and he even decided to be nice to Simon though Ryan saw right through it.
Constantine - “Nights on Broadway” - Bee Gees. At this point, if I like a song, I’ll tend to be more sympathetic and I was with Constantine. It was jarring to hear a non-falsetto version of this but he did okay. The eyeliner, though, was a bit much. And were those highlights in his hair? Huh?
Anwar - “September” - Earth, Wind & Fire. He showed some energy but this sort of bored for some reason. He didn’t light my fire for some reason and this song lacked that “money” note he likes to end his tunes with. He really does appear to enjoy the genre.
Carrie - “MacArthur Park” - Donna Summer. What the…? This is definitely one of the songs that goes down as “most absurd lyrics” in the rock era for a big hit. She hit those final notes well but geez, I could almost see her falling in the bottom three with this oddity. And her ’80s teased hair with that shiny dress didn’t do her any justice.
Anthony - “Don’t Take Away the Music” Tavares. White boy doing disco alert: I’m not familiar at all with this song, which doesn’t help him. But he did sing it cleanly and danced with enthusiasm, if not particular dexterity. I agreed with Simon that this was pleasant enough but didn’t do anything for me in retrospect.
Honestly, this was a solid night. There was no utterly atrocious performance. The final seven are by far the strongest final seven to date overall.
So who will be in the bottom three? Anthony has to join in this time around after escaping the past two. Anwar is due for a return trip to the bottom three, too. And I’m going to stick my neck out and have Carrie make her first appearance down here. She’s due. But who will go home? I’ve been wrong four weeks in a row but I’m saying Anthony.
Your thoughts?
Permalink | Comments (80) | Categories: Analysis
April 19: Jessica Sierra, Nikko Smith, Jennifer Hudson doing a mall tour Friday & Saturday locally
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Here’s the press release from Simon malls:
COCA-COLA PRESENTS PAST AMERICAN IDOL FINALISTS AT TOWN CENTER AT COBB, MALL OF GEORGIA APRIL 22-23
Coca-Cola and Simon Property Group Bring TV’s Red-Hot Show to Atlanta with a Multifaceted, Interactive Experience
ATLANTA - Reality TV gets even more “realâ€? in Atlanta this April, as Simon Brand Ventures (the business-to-consumer arm of Simon Property Group, Inc.) and Coca-Cola launch a multi-mall exclusive event featuring FOX’s past American Idol finalists at Town Center at Cobb and Mall of Georgia on April 22 and 23, respectively.
The free events deliver the excitement of the pop culture phenomenon from the TV to each mall and bring Atlanta fans face-to-face with their favorite top finalists from the show’s 2004 and 2005 seasons. Fans can watch live performances from 2004 American Idol favorite Jennifer Hudson and participate in Q&A sessions with 2005 American Idol finalists Jessica Sierra and Nikko Smith, who also will judge the live singing and dance contests between audience members. The event also will feature an American Idol trivia contest, and prizes for the contests range from Simon Visa Giftcards to American Idol T-shirts.
WHAT: Coca-Cola Presents Past American Idol Finalists at Simon Malls, featuring 2004 finalist Jennifer Hudson and 2005 finalists Jessica Sierra and Nikko Smith Q&A sessions with the performers and audience trivia, karaoke and dance contests
WHEN AND April 22 from 5-9 p.m. - Town Center at Cobb, Center Court WHERE: 400 Barrett Pkwy., Kennesaw 30144 / 770-424-9486
April 23 from 4-8 p.m. - Mall of Georgia, Village Pavilion 3333 Buford Dr., Buford 30519 / 678-482-8788
COST: Free
ONLINE: Visit www.simon.com, www.towncenteratcobb.com or www.mallofgeorgia.com
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April 19: Clay Aiken on Dr. Phil today//Nadia talks to TVGuide.com, shoots down “Scott/Nadia” rumor
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
‘American Idol’ star discusses bullying on Dr. Phil
NEW YORK - “American Idol” runner up Clay Aiken is all smiles today, but it wasn’t always so. He talks about his experiences with bullying this week on “Dr. Phil.”
Aiken tells Dr. Phil he endured being bullied through elementary and junior high school.
The singer has said in previous interviews he was teased for the way he dressed, his coke-bottle glasses, and his hairstyle
Dr. Phil is on locally on WXIA-TV, NBC affiliate at 5 p.m.
Is American Idol’s Nadia Dating Scott? by Daniel R. Coleridge www.tvguide.com
To most American Idol fans, the tabloid tattling of romance between Nadia Turner and Scott Savol sounds ludicrous. Could last week’s fabulous castoff and the creepy crooner with the violent past really have a thang going on?
“It’s not true in any way, shape or form,” Turner tells TVGuide.com, adding, “That’s definitely a rumor.
“It’s funny. I [asked Scott to] come shopping with me. We had a bodyguard with us. This [paparazzo] comes out of nowhere, just flashing bulbs. Scott was totally just trying to veer me away from it and he put his arm around me, just to say, ‘Let’s get into this cab and get out of here.’ If you look at the picture, they cropped the bodyguard out â€â€? and me and Scott just look like we’re on a soiree [sic]. It’s hilarious. We’re definitely good friends.”
Now that we’ve got that mess out of the way, let’s turn to the travesty of Turner’s premature exit. As our loyal Insider readers will recall, this reporter wrote an Idol Insider for TV Guide naming Turner and Mario Vazquez our early favorites. “You know what? I bought at least seven issues of that,” she laughs. “I read it and it made me so happy. I was like, ‘Ah, someone who sees the art. He sees the art!’”
You’re welcome, Nadia. We hardly need ask how it felt for the love child of Gladys Knight and Tina Turner to vamoose so soon, just because she opted to sing an obscure Crystal Gayle song instead of something more familiar.
“It definitely is hard,” Turner sighs. “On the real, at the end of the day, it does hurt. [I] started out really strong, and [I felt] like people get the artsy-fartsy in me and they see the eccentric and they appreciate it. Something went wrong somewhere.
“I did anticipate that I was gonna be there longer,” she continues. “Everything happens for a reason. I’m not gonna see this as ‘Woe is me.’ I’ve been seen by 40 million people. This can only catapult my career to all the things I want to do, whether it’s singing, acting, modeling or whatever it is. I feel like I’ve got more options that I didn’t have before.”
Like working with her American idol, the aforementioned Tina Turner? “I hope Tina Turner’s watching [this show],” she enthuses. “If I met her, I’d just be floored. If I ever have the opportunity to work with Tina Turner, it is on.”
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Update on Diana DeGarmo: off to the prom and graduation
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
AJC reporter Jennifer Brett, who covered Diana DeGarmo for our Gwinnett section last year, was kind enough to give us an update. She quietly didn’t mention how poorly Diana’s album “Blue Skies” has done—about on par with original Idol runner-up Justin Guarini. (She has sold around 140,000 copies compared to more than 1 million for winner Fantasia.) Guarini was quickly dumped by RCA. I haven’t heard likewise for Diana. In fact, I’ll have to check…
On the bright side, Diana has lost weight and looks great, better than when she was on the show. And it’s right up her alley to not even offer a favorite for this year’s Idol, saying something nice about every single finalist still in the running.
DeGarmo going ‘all out’ for prom after missing last year’s
By JENNIFER BRETT The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Published on: 04/17/05
As devoted “American Idol” viewers no doubt recall, Snellville’s Diana DeGarmo had to miss last year’s prom. Instead of dancing the night away in Gwinnett County she was a coast away, singing her heart out for the “Idol” viewers and judges.
She’s making up for it this prom season.
“This year I’m going all out,” she said Sunday afternoon, the day after attending South Gwinnett High School’s prom with a friend. She got her dress for the event — a black velvet number, crystals and tulle overlay on the nude-colored bodice — at Cinderella’s Closet on Beaver Ruin Road in Lilburn, the high-end formal wear shop that has kept her in the glitz for years. The sartorial home of many beauty queens and performers, Cinderella’s (www.cinderellasgowns.com) caters to clients by setting out lemonade and cookies for girls trying on dresses — and for their hopelessly bored little brothers.
DeGarmo’s CD, “Blue Skies,” was playing Sunday afternoon as the young star walked in for another glamorous gown. She talked about life as an “Idol” alum and what lies ahead as she waited to try on a custom-designed dress laden with orange, bronze, gold and silver beads.
“This is definitely a red-carpet dress,” said Cinderella’s owner Tammy Ussery-Bakhtiari, who designed the gown.
Shiloh High School, where DeGarmo is a senior, holds its prom next month; she also plans to attend Centennial High School’s prom next month. She said she’s attending both with guys who are just friends, explaining, “I don’t have time for a boyfriend.”
But she makes time for her friends. Her post-“Idol” schedule has been crammed with talk show appearances, attendance at the Grammy awards and performances at venues from a Nordstrom in California to a military base in Germany. But she declined the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards — it conflicted with spring break. She and some friends went to Destin and “vegetated for a week.”
Coming up, DeGarmo’s schedule includes the May 21 “Rockin’ at the Ridge” concert at Peachtree Ridge High School in Suwanee. She’s also appearing at a festival in High Point, N.C. (Fantasia country, as “Idol” worshippers know) and a leukemia fund-raiser in Las Vegas. She also plans to work on a second full-length album.
All while being as normal a teen as she can be. When she has free time and the weather’s nice, she sometimes goes fishing in a pond on property owned by a friend’s family.
“I am such a dork,” she laughed.
She keeps up with schoolwork on the road, but reports to Shiloh when she is in town.
“I file in where I should,” she said. “I’m totally a regular student.”
She’s taking the SAT in a few weeks and is applying to about a half-dozen colleges, including Auburn, Georgia State and the University of Georgia.
“I’m a hard worker,” she said, contemplating a juggling act of touring, recording and college courses. “The cool thing about college is you can take a semester off.”
So who does she like in this year’s “Idol” hunt? Everyone, of course.
“It’s fun to watch,” she said. “Bo [Bice] and Constantine [Maroulis] have that rocker thing, which hasn’t really been done with ‘American Idol.’ Anthony [Fedorov] is sort of the Clay [Aiken] this year. Carrie [Underwood] is so sweet. I met her, she’s really nice.”
And she loves Scott Savol’s voice, Vonzell Solomon’s bubbly personality, Anwar Robinson’s gentle sweetness and the unique presence of Nadia Turner, who was recently voted off.
As she got ready to leave the dress shop Sunday, DeGarmo signed some photos for the shop and posed for a cellphone photo at the request of another shopper. She enjoys meeting fans but cherishes a little down time every now and then. At Shiloh’s commencement, for example, she’s going to sit with her friends and march across the stage, just one more newly minted senior.
“I’m not singing,” she said. “I’m just going to graduate.”
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April 15: Polls show Bo slipping, Carrie, Constantine contending, other four lagging way behind
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Idol Tuesday ratings have slipped recently to 25 million while Wed. remained steady at 24 million despite the hour-long stretch. (Fox gets twice as many ads for the same high rate)
The AOL poll last week showed Bo way in the lead yet he ended up near the bottom this time around. Despite his comments Wednesday about not caring whether he wins or loses, AOL voters are still supporting him:
Bo 35% (trending down)
Carrie 34% (trending up)
Constantine 18% (trending up)
Vonzell 4%
Anthony 4%
Anwar 4%
Scott 2% (trending down)
Over at msnbc’s poll, it’s still all about Carrie while Bo has lost steam:
Carrie 44%
Constantine 23%
Bo 16%
Vonzell 7%
Anwar 6%
Scott 2%
Anthony 2%
Readabet.com has the following odds on who will win, with Anwar ahead of Vonzell and Bo still ahead of Constantine:
Carrie: 8/11, Bo: 5/2, Constantine: 7/2, Anwar: 15/2, Vonzell 20/1, Scott 25/1, Anthony 66/1
USA Today’s poll this week didn’t predict Nadia’s demise but showed Bo slippage and the rise of Constantine & Vonzell.
Carrie Underwood 1366
Constantine Maroulis 1130
Vonzell Solomon 767
Bo Bice 450
Nadia Turner 234
Anwar Robinson 229
Anthony Fedorov 143
Scott Savol 93
Total 4412
Permalink | |
April 13: Nadia Turner is the latest to go
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sniff. My favorite Nadia Turner is the fifth to leave among the top 12. Her quirky song selection was her undoing. She didn’t regret it and I respect her but man, that Crystal Gayle song “When I Dream” just died and she could do nothing to revive it. For once, Simon’s harsh predictions did not rouse enough of her supporters to push for her on the phones. She was a class act and cried touchingly, so much so that Ryan gave her his tie to mop up the tears. I expect Nadia will have a quirky career, too, one that we probably can’t even predict.
In the meantime, Scott’s supporters kept him alive despite his defensive response to Simon’s critique Tuesday. He in fact got more votes than Bo Bice. (Who are his supporters?)
As usual, for the fourth week in a row, I failed to predict the right person who got booted but I again got two out of the bottom three correct: Nadia and Scott. I almost placed Bo there instead of Nadia and my feeling that his lethargic take on “Free Bird” would cause a lot of fans to lay back was correct.
Anthony is showing far more support than I expected at this stage. His best performance since the semi-finals helped him stay alive apparently. How much more time he has is a big question mark.
I agree with Achin4Aiken below: she noted that Bo’s confidence (or desire) is on the wane. Maybe he isn’t liking the grind? His “whatever happens happens” comments will hurt him because it’s true: fans want desire, not a “ne’re do well” attitude. Bo has dropped out of my top 3 as well. My seven now, from likeliest winner to likeliest to get the boot are 1) Constantine 2) Carrie 3) Vonzell 4) Bo 5) Anwar 6) Scott 7) Anthony.
Okay, let me hear from the pro and anti Nadia fans now. Sniff.
By the way, the Ford ad had a nice setup but no kick at the end. The hour-long drag was, as Ryan predicted, stretched like Kirstey Alley’s bike pants. A painful group sing led into a mildly interesting “behind the scenes” look at a typical “Idol” week. We got a glimpse of what was presumably Bo and Connie’s shared apartment, which looked no more glamorous than your standard Hampton Inn. No big mansion this time!
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April 12 performance show: Scott talks back, Constantine channels Freddie Mercury, Carrie tries to channel Pat Benatar
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Theme night was the year the contestants were born so we got lots of cute baby photos. Bo was probably the cutest of them all among the baby shots.
As for the songs, a mixed bag. My feelings definitely are shaped by how much I liked the respective songs.
Here are my rankings:
1) Constantine. “Bohemian Rhapsody.” This song was made for Constantine, Mr. Theatrical. Sure, he didn’t get every note but man, he just put on a wonderful performance that made me wish he could do the entire song, beginning to end. It was by far the best of the night and he is extraordinarily safe.
2) Anwar “I’ll Never Love This Way Again.” Sweet song which fit Anwar’s sweet lyrical tones perfectly. He did Dionne Warwick proud. There was a bit of predictability to his whisper to a scream approach but I really enjoyed it. This was his best performance since the semi-finals.
3) Vonzell. “Let’s Hear it for the Boy.” This was one of her sloppiest vocal performances in weeks. But man, her cheerleader-type energy carried the day. As soon as I saw her picking this old “Footloose” song by Deniece Williams, I figured, “Perfect!” It’s such a chipper tune, it fit Vonzell like a snug shoe. This should keep her out of the bottom three this week.
4) Scott Savol. “She’s Gone.” He did have a rough time at the bottom register but he soared on the chorus. And true, he did this in front of Hall & Oates. But talking back to Simon is a major no no. Justin Guarini will tell him that. You could tell through the weeks that Scott held his tongue time and time again but he couldn’t help himself this time. I’ve never seen him this energized and he was even applauding himself, he was so hepped up afterwards. The talking back might land him back at the bottom though.
5) Anthony. “Every Time You Go Away.” I love this song and Paul Young’s soulful white boy version in 1985. Anthony just paled in comparison. It was spirited and fairly in tune but Anthony resonates “ordinary” to me. I was surprised Simon was so nice to him but I think that alone will hurt Anthony since his fans won’t feel compelled to vote extra to ward off those Simon demons (as happened last week after Simon dubbed his performance “hideous.”) He’s in big trouble.
6) Bo. “Freebird.” Maybe I’m just not into this song. (Yes, I’m a Yankee. I admit it!). But this was just okay. He didn’t light the stage on fire. Who knows? Maybe his fans will get complacent and land him in the bottom three. Of the favorites, I’d say he is the likeliest “surprise” to land there.
7) Carrie. “Love is a Battlefield.” She has no chance of falling in the bottom three but her efforts to truly “rock out,” to show some personality, didn’t work for me. It was like she was trying too hard. Pat Benatar had far more real grit to her, despite her operatic background. I spent too much time listening to this and comparing it (not favorably) to Benatar. Not good.
8) Nadia. “When I Dream.” I love Nadia and it pains me to put her at the bottom but man, that Crystal Gayle song was dead on arrival. Even Nadia couldn’t fix that despite her best efforts.
Likely bottom three in reality? Anthony, Scott & Nadia, I fathom. And Anthony leaves. Then again, Nadia’s fans might keep her alive after Simon’s ultra-negative remarks, leaving an opening for perhaps, Bo? As you can see I’m hedging here big time. But I have to take a stand: I’ll stick with those three and leave Bo out.
Your thoughts?
April 12: “Idol” fashion sense more mature this year/comments from USA Today music critic
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
There hasn’t been an amazing “Summertime”-type performance yet this year — here is USA Today critic Edna Gunderson’s take on Idol from her Monday chart:
Edna Gundersen: I’m beginning to wonder if this will be the first season that genuinely stiffs. There hasn’t been a single standout performance, and while a couple of contestants have improved, more of them have deteriorated. I think getting stuck with a bland singer like Carrie, whom Simon seems to be rooting for, could be disastrous, unless AI has a personality transplant lab in its empire. And if one of the rockers win, it will be laughable. They’re such phonies and so weak and inauthentic compared to the real thing that anyone can dial up on radio or MTV. It’s getting dicey…
Next topic: So do y’all think the fashion sense of the contestants is better this year? I’m no fashion maven (just ask my wife) but it seems like most of the contestants are dressing pretty well…
‘Idol’ style makes itself heard
By Karen Thomas, USA TODAY
When it comes to style, American Idol (Tuesday on Fox, 8 ET/PT) contestants have come a long way. In four seasons, they’ve gone from blue-jeans-wearing, down-home crooners to fashion-forward hipsters.
This season, the stage has sparkled with trendy square glasses and sexy hats on the fellas and daring hairstyles, metallic tops and designer shoes on the gals.
“No matter what they put on, it looks right,” Idol judge Randy Jackson says. “They’ve got more style than any group we’ve ever had.”
Many came into the competition looking good. But that doesn’t mean they can escape getting pointers from the show’s stylists â€â€? some more than others.
Nadia Turner, Jackson says, is this season’s strongest example of a style maven who needs little help. She has worn one-shoulder tops, ultra miniskirts and, for one memorable performance, an 8-inch-high mohawk.
Bo Bice and Constantine Maroulis have their own fashion sense. The long hair, ’60s-style jeans, duster jackets and boots are “appropriate” for their rock ‘n’ roll style, and they won’t get much tweaking, says head stylist Miles Siggins, who steps in at the finalist stage.
The show “could do a whole Bon Jovi makeover on them, but how would the public take that?” asks Hollywood stylist and Idol fan Brian Primeaux. This season’s contestants are so polished, “you could sign a deal without any restyling.”
Besides rehearsing for each week’s performance, contestants have seven days to shop for killer clothes. Each performer gets enough money to buy “one great outfit,” and Siggins recommends that the Idol wannabes spend their budget on Tuesday’s performance costume.
If the current crop seems a bit more style-savvy, it could be because the age limit was bumped up from 26 to 28, bringing in slightly older, more sophisticated pop-star rivals. Of the eight finalists set to perform tonight, four are over 26.
“Most of them this year seem a lot more mature than years in the past, in part because they increased the age range,” says Siggins, who has styled final contestants for three seasons.
Post-Idol, fashion and the right look can be even more important. Former Idol champ Kelly Clarkson, for example, continues to hone her sense of style.
“She’s so above and beyond stylistically (compared with her Idol days),” Primeaux says. “Image is part of the music biz.”
American Idol stylist Miles Siggins shares his thoughts on the fashion sense of four of this season’s finalists.
Bo Bice
The rocker knows the look he wants, and the show’s stylists “don’t want to go far from those roots,” Siggins says.
Carrie Underwood
“She’s a really pretty girl, and sweet, and she comes from a small town and has not been exposed to much in the way of fashion,” Siggins says. “She’s not used to wearing designer clothes, so getting her out of her jeans has been a challenge. I’d like to see her in more dresses.”
Scott Savol
He recognized early on that his image needed help and went for “the whole overhaul,” Siggins says. Savol traded baggy jeans and button-down shirts for trendy glasses, a hip pencil-thin beard and designer threads.
Permalink | | Categories: Analysis
April 11: Whatever happened to Ryan’s AI 1 cohost Brian Dunkleman? Not much…//Rumor mill: Scott/Nadia an item???
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Star magazine’s April 11 issue, page 14: Nadia and Scott were snapped looking comfy-cozy over lunch at Johnny Rockets in LA on March 24. But it’s pure speculation based on a photo in which Scott has his hand around Nadia’s waist and whatever else the papparazzi got. That certainly would make an odd couple if true!
Brian’s sour-puss snarkiness during AI 1 lacked the humor and bite of Simon Cowell. He basically faded into the woodwork and looked like he couldn’t wait to get off the show. So he did. And now look at him:
Daniel Bubbeo; JERRY ZEZIMA; DIANE WERTS Newsday
April 10, 2005
His post-’Idol’ idyll hasn’t been a slam dunk
He had his 15 minutes of fame appearing onstage in “American Idol.” He even brought an occasional smile to Simon Cowell. And then, faster than you can say “for personal reasons,” he was gone.
No, this isn’t the latest installment in Mario Vazquez’s “Idol” vanishing act, but the answer to the 3-year-old mystery of whatever happened to Brian Dunkleman? “The Dunk,” in case you’ve forgotten, was Ryan Seacrest’s goofy, spiky-haired sidekick during “Idol’s” fledgling run in summer 2002, when his role was primarily to trade juvenile comments with Seacrest, offer a shoulder for contestants to cry on after being skewered by Cowell and get in as many plugs for Vanilla Coke as possible.
Dunkleman told Variety after season one that he opted not to return to “AI” to “pursue other opportunities in the world of TV and feature films,” like his idol, Greg Kinnear. But so far, it’s been a small world. Since “Idol,” “The Dunk” has mostly been giving them the stand-up routine in L.A., which landed him a spot as a guest comic on the Game Show Network’s short-lived and laugh-free “National Lampoon’s Funny Money” in 2003.
As for acting, his post-“Idol” credits include voicing one of the characters on MTV’s defunct toon, “3-South,” and a guest spot in “Miss Match,” the Alicia Silverstone matchmaking series that NBC dumped after one season. His best role was, not surprisingly, that of a stand-up comic suspected of murder in a March 2004 episode of “NYPD Blue.”
Up next for Dunkleman, according to the Internet Movie Database, is his first feature film, something called “Comedy Hell,” with Eric Roberts and Michael DeLuise (“21 Jump Street”).
Hey, even Kinnear had to start somewhere.
-Daniel Bubbeo
Permalink | | Categories: News
April 9: “Idol” charity single
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
‘Idol’ Finalists Ready Charity Single
The dozen competitors who made it to the finalist rounds of the latest season of “American Idol” will release a single to raise funds for the American Red Cross. The group’s cover of Diana Ross’ “When You Tell Me That You Love Me” will be issued April 19 by RCA.
The song was chosen by fans of the Fox show via a vote on the “American Idol” Web site. The other two songs in contention — renditions of Ray Stevens’ “Everything Is Beautiful” and the Bobby Scott/Bobby Russell-written “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” — will appear as B-sides, because “response to the poll was so overwhelming,” according to the ‘Idol’ site.
— Barry A. Jeckell, N.
I wonder: does anybody actually like the group sings? The “He Ain’t Heavy…” was tolerable. “Everything is Beautiful” was Up With People hokey. I don’t even rememember “When You Tell Me That You Love Me” anymore.
Permalink | |
April 8: Polling updates— Bo, Carrie, Constantine still on top; Anthony, Scott on bottom
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This week’s results gave Bo a boost in AOL polling Carrie lost ground while Connie remains a solid third. Everyone else is clustered near the bottom with Scott clearly the weakling and most in trouble next week.
Bo: 30%
Carrie: 21%
Constantine 16%
Nadia 5%
Vonzell 5%
Anwar: 5%
Anthony 5%
Scott: 3%
Here’s how USA Today voting went, which was one vote, one email address.
‘American Idol’ finalists round four Contestant Number of votes
Carrie Underwood 647
Constantine Maroulis 331
Bo Bice 262
Nadia Turner 199
Vonzell Solomon 126
Anwar Robinson 120
Nikko Smith 66
Anthony Fedorov 48
Scott Savol 40
Total 1839
Gamblers? Readabet.com has the latest odds with Carrie still on top. We of course don’t condone gambling. Noooo…
Carrie 11/10, Bo 11/4, Constantine 11/2, Anwar 13/2, Nadia 14/1
Vonzell 16/1, Scott 40/1, Anthony 66/1
April 6: Results show surprise— Nikko is out, Scott survives. Vonzell in bottom 3, too
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Anthony Fedorov was probably happy when Simon dubbed his performance “hideous.” His fans probably dialed overtime to keep him in because he didn’t even finish in the bottom three. And I was shocked that Anthony admitted to the world that he thought he sucked, too. Bo was also inordinately hard on himself on what I thought was a decent version of “Corner of the Sky” but was in really no danger of being voted off.
Instead, Nikko Smith got the surprise boot. I did pick him and Scott Savol in the bottom three. So for the third week in a row, I picked two of the bottom three correctly but failed to pick the actual person with the least votes. (Hey, I gotta take my victories where I can.)
Nikko didn’t do a great job Tuesday night but wasn’t horrible either. That middling performance often is what will get you kicked off, not the really bad one. And that happened again this time.
Vonzell was this week’s unexpected bottom three dweller. She didn’t deserve it any more than Nadia the past two weeks. While “People” wasn’t as strong as her past three performances, it was decent and not a real slide back to her semifinal days. Her vocals are 1,000 percent better and her stage presence is maturing by the week.
Ryan and co. chose not to reference the 2001 domestic dispute but Scott did get a lot of time to blather as if he were about to be a goner In fact, he took up so much time, we only got to see about 15 seconds of Nikko’s farewell. Nikko handled it with class.
What do y’all think? Fair or not fair?
As a postscript to my VCR snafu, I actually got a tape from an “Idol” bud this evening and watched most of it tonight before the 9 p.m. results show. (I decided to catch up with “Amazing Race” instead of finishing it.) I’ll post my thoughts later this week on the performances, belatedly.
Misc. thoughts: The Ford Focus ad was actually entertaining and didn’t frighten the little kiddies like last week… My wife noticed that Fantasia has added a dress size and was out of breath by the end of the song… And Ruben still looks huuuuge during the blatantly desperate promo for the middling “Life on a Stick,” which loses 60% of the “Idol” audience at 9:30.
April 5: Musicals & Rodney’s VCR malfunction
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
From what I read online tonight from mediafiends.com, this was not a night for folks who hate musicals — like Simon.
Unfortunately, since I take classes on Tuesday nights, I tape “Idol” and watch it when I get home. But through my own error, I didn’t have the tape in the machine so it didn’t record. (Time to get TiVo!) So I missed it. At 10:55 p.m., in desperation, I had a friend in Phoenix stick the phone to the TV so I could hear the recap but his cordless created mostly crackling noises. Oh, well.
My “Idol” friend Robin Eve of Lawrenceville threw in a quick guest commentary for me this morning — and I respect her opinion:
Vonzell (“People”) did an amazing job. She improves every week. I am moving her into my top 4! Funny Girl is such a classic musical and she did Barbra S. justice!
Constantine (“My Funny Valentine”) also did a great job. I don’t think even the biddies that don’t care for him could have disagreed.
Carrie (“Hello Young Lovers”) was Carrie. She sang beautifully, but her robotics were turned on high. No emotion!
Bo (“Corner of the Sky”) did a decent job with the song he “picked”. It was from Pippin. He literally stuck his finger on the page and what he landed on, was what he sang.
Scott (“The Impossible Dream”) bombed…again.
Nikko (“One Hand, One Heart”) was “aw ‘ight”. Too much R & B for a musical.
Nadia (“As Long as He Needs Me”) came back…a little. She still has found her rocker edge. I bet it is in her hair! hahaha!
Anthony (“Climb Every Mountain”) was PAINFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG! He MUST go!
Anwar (“If Ever I Would Leave You”) finally did something I ENJOYED listening to.
Thank you Robin. So it looks like Anthony and Scott are in trouble again and will likely fall in the bottom three with, possibly, Nikko. It might be time for guy to go for the first time.
April 5: Is older better?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Last year, the top 2 Idol folks were teens Diana at 16, Fantasia at 19. This year, the younger folks are getting booted quickly. Has raising the age been a good thing? If they hadn’t we wouldn’t have Scott, Bo and Constantine. So in the end, I think so far, so good. Here is a story from mtv.com:
While Bo Bice spent the ’90s touring with his band, probably performing the same songs he’s been singing on “American Idol,” many of his competitors were still in grade school, maybe doing the solo at their yearly choir concert.
With “Idol” producers raising the age limit this season, there are 12 years between some of the finalists, an age difference some feel is unfair. And with three of the four youngest finalists being the first to be eliminated, there just might be proof that Aaliyah was wrong when she sang “Age Ain’t Nothin’ But a Number.”
“It is hard when you’re 17 working against 28- and 29-year-olds,” Mikalah Gordon said after she was eliminated two weeks ago. “Bo knows exactly what he’s doing onstage, and Nadia knows exactly what to sing onstage. They’re experienced. They know what’s going on and they’re really comfortable with who they are, too. I mean, the thing that I wish people would remember is that even though I’m 17 and I’m really confident, that’s also a critical age where you’re still trying to find yourself.”
Gordon was the youngest singer in the final 12, followed by 19-year-olds Jessica Sierra and Anthony Fedorov and 20-year-old Lindsey Cardinale. Sierra and Cardinale have also been eliminated, and Federov has been to the bottom three. On the other end, Bice and Constantine Maroulis are 29 (they were 28 when they auditioned), Nadia Turner and Scott Savol are 28 and Anwar Robinson is 25. Bice, Maroulis and Savol have never been to the bottom three.
Paula Abdul, who was 26 when her career took off in 1988, agrees with Gordon that older singers are at an advantage for a couple of reasons, the biggest being that someone in their mid- to late-20s can relate to a lot more songs. “Expecting a 16-year-old to sing about heartaches and sing it with emotions and have that gratifying feeling of hearing that, it’s a stretch, because at 16 years old, you don’t really know what heartache is about,” Abdul said. “28 years old, these people have already experienced several rounds of heartaches.”
Older singers not only have more wisdom, but more desire as well, Abdul added. “At 28 years old, I really believe that it’s that magical age when you are at that crossroads where, if you haven’t made it in your music career by then, you’re pushing the limit,” she explained. “That feeling of desperation and pulling out all the stops … that’s exactly what’s going through their minds.”
Interestingly, that desire is exactly why “American Idol” co-executive producers Ken Warwick and Nigel Lythgoe raised the age limit from 24 to 28
“We kinda felt bad that there were a lot of kids who had the talent, they certainly weren’t old, and they were a little bit more passionate in that they had been around the block, they knew how difficult it really was and they were prepared to go that extra mile with everything,” Warwick said. “We thought it was unfair we were closing the door on them.”
Warwick admits that 27- and 28-year-olds have “a bigger reservoir of knowledge,” but considers talk of them having an advantage on “American Idol” rubbish.
If all of the 16-, 17- and 18-year-olds suffered and we had a show that was completely 26- to 28-year-olds, that might be right, but that isn’t the case,” he said. “The age is as diverse across the final 12 as it’s ever been. In the final 12, there are a couple of youngsters and a couple of 28-year-olds and the rest are in the middle.”
Jessica Sierra, the 19-year-old who was eliminated last week, agrees. “[The older contestants] have been doing it for longer and stuff, but we all have equal opportunity, and we made it this far because we’re all talented,” she said.
Warwick, who still refers to the contestants as “the kids,” said the only time he is reminded that some of the singers are significantly older than others is during the interview segments, not the performances. “We generally find that the older ones have more to say and are a bit more entertaining, although you had someone like Mikalah, who was the youngest of the lot, but also the most entertaining,” he said.
None of the singers, including Bice and Maroulis, are as knowledgeable about music as they should be, Warwick contends.
“I’m absolutely flabbergasted at the huge, huge hole of musical knowledge in the kids in America,” the British producer said. “I just had a kid who wanted to sing ‘Climb Every Mountain.’ I said, hold on a second, you know that was sung by Mother Superior [in “The Sound of Music”]? He said, ‘No, I only heard the song for the first time last night.’ … Last season, Fantasia had never heard ‘Summertime.’ So I like to think we are educating all the kids a bit with the show.”
Warwick said “Idol” can expect the age limit to be the same next season. “We look at these things afterwards, we do a debrief and ask, ‘Did this work? Did that work?’ And I have to say, this is working,” he said.
Regardless, Gordon believes she had an extra challenge being 17, especially since she was the only singer required to spend a part of each day in schooling.
“I had to work really hard,” she said. “I had to leave [rehearsals] earlier than everyone else just because I had to get my three hours [of schooling] in. And they thought they were really funny. ‘Did you have a nice day at school?’ And I was like, ‘Thank you. All jokesters here.’ “
— Corey Moss
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April 4: updated polls. Carrie still in lead, Anthony, Scott, Nikko at bottom
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Ratings for March 30 show? Almost 25 million, pretty standard for a Wednesday “Idol” this year, which is up 8% over last year, an amazing feat for a show in its fourth season. The Tuesday shows rank No. 1 and the Wed. shows rank No. 3 behind CSI but ahead of No. 4 “Desperate Housewives.”
The USA Today voting proved correct in that Jessica landed at the bottom:
Carrie Underwood 1583
Bo Bice 578
Constantine Maroulis 406
Nadia Turner 325
Vonzell Solomon 277
Anwar Robinson 142
Nikko Smith 130
Scott Savol 123
Anthony Fedorov 97
Jessica Sierra 59
Totals 3720
As of 4/5, AOL polling shows Carrie did not benefit from Jessica’s departure. Constantine’s stock rose while a Bo campaign lifted him above Carrie for the first time in a couple of weeks. Anthony has made a minor comeback while Anwar is at his lowest point. Nikko is dragging despite a good performance Tuesday. He’s going to have to really kick it up a notch to survive next week.
Bo: 31%
Constantine: 21%
Carrie: 21%
Anthony: 6%
Nadia: 5%
Vonzell 5%
Anwar 5%
Scott: 4%
Nikko: 4%
Readabet.com’s odds on who will be off this week; Scott Savol 1/1 ÂÂ
Anthony Fedorov 7/2 ÂÂ
Nikko Smith 7/2 ÂÂ
Nadia Turner 8/1 ÂÂ
Vonzell Solomon 10/1 ÂÂ
Anwar Robinson 14/1 ÂÂ
Constantine Maroulis 25/1 ÂÂ
Bo Bice 40/1 ÂÂ
Carrie Underwood 66/1 ÂÂ
I have been tracking the msnbc.com poll but it’s ultimately useless because it’s a cumulative and not started anew each week like the AOL poll. MTV.com asks the question — who should be voted off next — which is useless as well since “Idol” voters are voting for who they want to win, not to lose.   ÂÂ
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Six-song assessments of each “Idol” finalist remaining
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Each of the remaining nine contestants have sung six songs under competition now, enough for us to get a feel for each. Here’s q uick assessment of each:
Carrie: Three ballads, three mid-tempo songs. Amazingly, only her most recent song, Martina McBride’s “Independence Day” could be considered a true country song but on most of them, she put that country lilt in there. Four of her six performances were solid— “Could’ve Been” (my favorite), “Because You Loved Me,” “Alone” and “Independence Day.” Her renditions of faster-tempoed “Piece of My Heart” and “When Will I Be Loved” were a bit subpar, like she wasn’t comfortable in either case. She’s still a ballad girl in my mind but an incredibly good one.
Bo: He hasn’t had a really bad performance yet, probably the most consistent of the nine. Just a solid singer and stage presence across the board. His highlight was “Whipping Post” early on. He also pulled off that slow-paced Jim Croce “Time in a Bottle” and salvaged a lousy song in “Remedy.”
Constantine: Looking back, four of six performances were so so at best. But his two best have happened since the top 12 started, including a surprisingly nuanced “I Can’t Make You Love Me” and the best one yet, “You’ve Made Me So Very Happy.” His worst? Probably “Hard to Handle.” “I Think I Love You” was pure cheese.
Nadia: I really love Nadia, respect her independence and willingness to take chances. I even tolerated “Time After Time” and the Mohawk, as well as her unusual take on “My Love.” She still hasn’t had that “Summertime” type performance that can bring her back up to the top. I know she’s got it in her. But it’s pretty clear her unwillingness to pander will mean she has zero chance of winning.
Anwar: Two amazing performances just stand out in my mind: “Moon River” and “What a Wonderful World.” But those were semi-final performances. I haven’t been happy with his last three; it seems like he’s getting worse each week, not better. Least improved, to say the least.
Anthony Federev: I only really liked one of his performances so far: “I Want to Know What Love Is” early on. He hasn’t done anything terribly atrocious but is fading into the woodwork.
Nikko Smith: I like him a lot and enjoyed four of his six performances, especially “Let’s Get It On” and “Can We Talk.” And I enjoyed his “Georgia on My Mind.” His biggest snafu was “Part Time Lover” early on. Overall, he seems to be improving but isn’t gaining much in popularity.
Scott Savol: Overall, I’ve liked five of six performances. His only really bad one was last week with “One Last Cry.” He still lacks a certain charisma. He will need to rebound this week.
Vonzell Solomon: Easily, she is the most improved. Her first three performances were subpar but her past three have been impressive. She’s starting to make a real impression and that smile of hers is genuine. She could finish final five.
Here’s my current take on the top 9 in order of getting voted off: 1) Carrie 2) Bo 3) Constantine 4) Vonzell 5)Anwar 6) Nadia 7) Scott 8)Nikko 9) Anthony
Feed me your top 9 in order and who you think is most improved and most deteriorated.
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April 2: Exit cliches
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’ve started noticing in the “exit” interviews of ousted “American Idol” contestants, they do end up saying a lot of the same things. Then again, there are only a finite number of optimistic cliches one can utter in a situaton like that:
I talked to local gal Janay Castine and she had said, “This is only the beginning.”
And culled from MTV.com…
Mario Vazquez: “This won’t be the last time you see me”
Lindsey Cardinale: “This is my dream and it definitely does not end here.”
Mikalah Gordon: “But it’s not the end, don’t worry.”
Jessica Sierra “You’ve not seen the last of me.”
Amanda Avila: “I’m not giving it up yet”
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April 1: Smoking Gun Web site has papers about Scott Savol in modest domestic dispute in 2001 (mug shot included)
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
American Idol Finalist’s Violence Rap Cops: Scott Savol roughed up ex-girlfriend during domestic dispute
MARCH 31—An “American Idol” finalist was once arrested for felony domestic violence after roughing up his infant son’s mother during a Valentine’s Day fracas, The Smoking Gun has learned.
According to police, 28-year-old Scott Savol, one of the remaining nine “Idol” contestants, was busted following a February 2001 confrontation with Michele Martin at the woman’s Ohio home. A Shaker Heights Police Department report notes that the unmarried couple had decided to “split up their living arrangement,” with Savol scheduled to move his belongings out of Martin’s mother’s home, where the duo lived with their three-week-old son Brandon. But when Savol and his brother arrived at Martin’s home, an argument ensued, with Savol calling Martin “several vulgar names.”
He then grabbed the woman’s hand and pulled an engagement ring off her finger and “stated he was also going to take their son,” cops reported. When Savol “grabbed the baby,” Martin “stopped him from taking the child by telling [Savol] that she was going to call 911.” At that point, according to the police report, Savol shoved Martin, pulled a phone from her hand, and then threw it at Martin, striking her in the chest. “This caused the phone to break,” the report notes.
Savol and his brother then left the residence. When officers arrived at her home, Martin told them that Savol had “made verbal threats to her in the past by telling her to ‘watch her back.’” Martin, then 21, initially said she did not want Savol to be prosecuted, but rather sought a “restraining order on him.” The following day, however, she signed a warrant for his arrest.
Savol eventually took a plea to a reduced misdemeanor disorderly conduct rap and was fined $500, placed on a year’s probation, ordered to complete a domestic violence or anger management program, and sentenced to a suspended 20-day jail term. At a July 2001 sentencing hearing, Municipal Court Judge K.J. Montgomery also extended a temporary protective order (issued at Martin’s request for her and the baby) through July 2002. Savol’s rap sheet also includes a “no contest” plea to a 1995 misdemeanor trespass charge. He was arrested for entering Shaker Heights High School after being “warned both verbally and by letter” to stay out of the building.
In a Q&A on the official “Idol” web site, Savol stated that his son’s birth was the proudest moment of his life and that a personal goal was “to make sure my son doesn’t have to struggle in life as I did.” As for a “most embarrassing moment,” Savol answered, “I don’t have any.” Police report
April 1: The Business of “Idol”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This story from earlier this week is way too long to run in blog form so here’s the link to a very good USA Today breakdown of “Idol” as a business:
The most interesting fact is how 19 Entertainment lobbied Fox to trim the padded Wednesday show to 30 minutes from an hour.
Here’s an excerpt:
Last year, Fox objected when 19 and Fremantle lobbied to cut this season’s run by 51/2 hours, trimming the Wednesday shows.
“We did quite a bit of research with our viewers last year, and the reaction to the padded (Wednesday) results shows was quite poor,” says Fremantle’s Cecile Frot-Coutaz, one of Idol’s four executive producers. They pushed for just half an hour on Wednesdays because, “Ultimately, it’s our show. For (Fox), it’s like heroin.”
Berman says Fox has “the right contractually to do a certain number of hours, and we compromised.”
Also, Simon Cowell makes $8 million a year through 2006, more than Randy or Paula, which makes sense.
And here’s a tidbit about the 2004 group tour pulled in half the ticket sales per concert over the 2003 Ruben-Clay led tour:
Ticket buyers spent more than $28 million last year to see Idol performers, according to Billboard magazine. About 40% came from a 49-show tour by the 2004 finalists. Another 40% came from 30 performances of an Aiken-Clarkson double bill.
The group-show sales were relatively disappointing: an average 5,277 tickets per show vs. 10,025 for a similar 2003 tour. But they remained impressive results for such relative newcomers. “That’s unheard of,” says Billboard senior touring writer Ray Waddell. “It’s revolutionary.”
What’s more, all the concerts are profitable. Because the singers use one band, the shows are relatively cheap to stage.
