American Idols Live! 2008 – Newark, NJ

The latest Mavidance, complete with sunglasses. Might be Blues Brothers influenced, I’m sure someone else would know better than me.
It just keeps getting better and better, I laughed all through that. Goofs.

Oh, and Cookie taking the glasses off so dramatically was really icing on the cake. LOL!

That was fantastic! Loved it. Looked like Blues Brothers coolness all right.

OMG! ROTFDL I love them! This is my favorite yet!
This is such a good way to start off the day before getting ready for work!
Who needs coffee?!?

does anybody know why Chikezie skipped the final performance? did he do his set?

I wonder if he is sick because I keep reading about how he leaves the after parties really fast.

Does anyone know why Rickey was kicked out of Newark’s After Party? I heard Jason’s mom even hooked Rickey up with the passes.

David’s reaction to the Word Nerd book

Hmm, Cook looks like he went to Mardi gras. What is a word nerd book BTW?

BTW, Livehead has a bunch of Newark vids up on her page

The biggest two mysteries last night seem to be what happened to Chikezie and why Rickey got escorted out of the afterparty by security.

I’m particularly curious about Rickey. He was talking to the Idols and nobody seemed upset to see him. Jason got him the passes. Carly emails him all the time. He was chatting with MJ when he was escorted out, so what gives? Rickey is far less dangerous than most of the fangirls. Stupid security.

I’m sure there’s an explanation, reasonable or not.

Too bad Rickey got escorted out but…it happened. If anything, he’s probably relishing in how well-known he is. :laugh_tb:

What is a word nerd book BTW?

548 pages of well-wishes, letters, sentiments, etc., from throughout the season.

Too bad Rickey got escorted out butà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦it happened. If anything, heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s probably relishing in how well-known he is.

That cracked my shit up!!

Regarding Rickey, I am curious to know why. The only really annoying thing has been their trying to get attention by asking the idols to say “puppy johns” on camera, I think that’s what he wanted them to say. Anyway, that isn’t a very fan-like thing to do, but mainly something to draw attention to his website and him. It’s disruptive to the flow of things. Also, I think one of his people arranged for the panty throw (not sure). His pet name for DA of “Love Nugget” was odd/weird too. Then there are the cellcerts he does, maybe they don’t like that. Who knows, but it would be interesting to know why he was escorted out. He seems like a very nice guy himself. Having two security guards come on each side of you and say “Come with us. Now.” had to shake him up a bit. His main problem, as I see it, is being overzealous. Being that way as the head of a website could cause his bloggers to do things somewhat inappropriate. Action/reaction needs to be thought through a bit more before proceeding with some of their ideas imo, lol.

I wonder about the Rickey thing too, surely if security doesn’t want him inside the after party they can at least provide some reason? It’s very insulting to be dragged out of somewhere simply because of who you are with no further explanation.
The speculation over on his blog is running rampant, though. What did he ever do to Syesha anyway? I really haven’t been keeping track.

If I had to guess, though, I’d say arranging cellcerts from each and every show is not exactly something the Idol production would take kindly to… That very well might be the reason.

Also, I think one of his people arranged for the panty throw (not sure).

JudyOhio, the DC panty throw? I thought it was a wordnerd. Or was there another?

The latest Mavidance, complete with sunglasses

Thanks Jolene! These guys are great at staying original! And thanks arca/livehead. Great vids!

cookcricket,

I read his blog and that’s where I saw it. Maybe I missread, but I thought it came from there. I’m going to take a relook and see where I got that. If I’m wrong, please all, accept my apology in advance.

Thanks :smile1_tb:

If I had to guess, though, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d say arranging cellcerts from each and every show is not exactly something the Idol production would take kindly tooà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ That very well might be the reason.

Idol security nearly had me thrown out of the Manchester venue last year for videoing performances. I know they were watching me the entire time. It was venue security who made me erase my card, but they were taking their marching orders from the Idol people.

But then afterward, I attended the Idol after party and had no problems what so ever. More than likely though, they probably didn’t know that I ran a blog. There are advantages to keeping a low profile lol.

At the very least, Rickey was owed an explanation, I think.

Jolene there are other people who do cellcerts as well, another person on the blogtv thing. But I dont think she has a huge idol blog/fan site, least not that I know of.. maybe she does lol

Who knows why… *shrugs*

Btw I hear chikeze wasnt at the afterparty either. but I found this at the AI boards, since a few of us questioned his no show.

Dont know if this is actually whats going on but just what a few people may be saying. At least 2 recaps I read said that Michael didnt seem to be feeling well either.

“After doing some more reading on a different site – it was reported (don’t know if it’s true so I don’t want to post mis-information) that there has been a stomach virus going around and that he was dealing with that. Someone also said Michael Johns said he wasn’t feeling well, so I hope they can get it under control before all of them end up with it. They all have to be worn down at this point!!!”

SuzyCastroFan has Jason vids up on her page

If Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m wrong, please all, accept my apology in advance.

You may very well be right. I just thought I saw a post from a wordnerd saying it was her friend that did it and made assumptions from there.

BTW, I’m from Ohio too!

frogcooke, I hope the top ten are ok. Is there another concert in Newark tonight?

cookcricket – Here’s where I read it, so it was a wordnerd. It was on the cellcert when it happened it seems, and I thought at the time I read it that it was one of Rickey’s peeps….appears that is not so, or it is so and she is a wordnerd who also is known by the Rickey site…it is hard to follow from this (see link)….Apparently, a Jess did it, whoever that is, lol. Anyway, once again, sorry for not getting it exactly right.

http://www.rickey.org/?p=8501

MJ – Yes, Rickey is definitely owed an explanation. When/if he gets one, I hope he will share it with us.

Cricket there is another NJ one tonight, then ny and then another one in NJ.

Yes I agree too. Rickey definitely deserves an explanation..
I don’t think it has anything to do with the idols themselves, Carly and Syesha said they loved him and is their friend and Michael talked to him last night and told him to “Keep up the good work!”..
So….

I dunno maybe it has to do with the live cellcerts Rickey does every night? I am just speculating. Who knows? TPTB?

I just hope Rickey finds out why and everything is cleared up.

Loved the Mavid sunglasses edition! That was too cool.

here is apologize, from livehead… and I just have to say, even being an Archie fan.. the intensity in this performanace caught me off guard…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhXkEBVjlV8

Kicking Rickey out without explanation is nuts. Rickey is a fanboy through and through when it comes down to this show, and this show’s contestants. He deserves an explanation. Pure and simple.

I was at the after party last night and Michael Johns told us that Chikezie has a virus and that’s why he didn’t come out. He has been feeling bad for a while.
Jason seemed like he was sleep walking, the poor kid was so tired. Cook is hoarse and said he wouldn’t have a day off until sometime in the middle of August. There kids are getting beat up by the schedule and they are not even half done.

Cook is hoarse and said he wouldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have a day off until sometime in the middle of August.

And yet they sent him straight from that after party to the recording studio. How insane is that? What are they expecting to get out of him in the middle of the night after he just finished a show?
I’m not old enough to be his mum, but that crazy schedule sure brings out my over-protective side.

OK finally watched the entire performance of PDSTM, instead of just up to the Mavid Dance! The Davids are still just ah-door-able together. Awwwwww. DC and MJ…what hams! I’m glad they are having fun. Nice move, Swivelhips. New name now instead of Sugarfoot? hah. Goofballs. Gawd, I love them both! And Archie. And Jason. OK, most of them! Love you MOST, David HAF Cook!

Thank you all for the vids. I didn’t realize taking video was such a big deal at the show! What do I know though? Are photos totally allowed? And yeah, it would’ve been nice if Rickey had been given a clue so he could know what to do or not do next time. I would expect that much for anyone escorted OUT, regardless of whether he runs a blog or not or what. Couldn’t Security tell him why he was being asked (forced) to leave? Hmmmmmmmm.

I sure hope he wasn’t going to the studio to sing, but rather to hear/approve/change what others have been doing for the album. Or maybe to write/edit/whatever. . .anything that lets him rest those potentially-platinum vocal chords. There is other stuff besides singing he could be doing there.

::Wags Mom finger in the face of TBTB. Pats David Cook sympathetically on his shoulders, and hands him a glass of orange juice mixed with hot water::

YEah I hope Cookie wasnt singing after the show…. thats just crazy…

David Cook’s voice was pretty bad singing Billie Jean in Pittsburgh (his voice sounded tired and completely off-key most of the first half of the song), although he sounded better in Newark. He probably shouldn’t strain his voice too much, perhaps making some of the songs quieter or even changing his song list, otherwise I’m not sure if his voice can last the whole tour and might end up with an Jordin-style enforced vocal rest.

I didn’t realize taking video was such a big deal at the show! What do I know though? Are photos totally allowed?

Photos from amateur cameras are allowed. Videoing the performances is absolutely not allowed. The video you see on the net is taken by cameras. Security will stop you at the front door if you try to bring in a video camera.

However, there are scads of videos on the net, and I have not heard stories of fans having run-ins with security. Has anyone else? Livehead seems to have a very nice camera. The sound quality is fantastic. I wonder how she manages?

So far, I haven’t even had a security guard approach me. But, the season is not over yet…

Yeah it cant be good for his voice…

And yet they sent him straight from that after party to the recording studio. How insane is that? What are they expecting to get out of him in the middle of the night after he just finished a show?

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not old enough to be his mum, but that crazy schedule sure brings out my over-protective side.

I certainly agree that the schedule is crazy, but it’s certainly nothing new. I imagine it’s been that way for all seven seasons.

However, the bad part is that after all that singing, he goes to the after party and probably talks nonstop. The talking is just as bad – if not worse – on the vocal chords. Not to mention, going from the excessive outside heat, to the air-conditioned buildings…. The list goes on.

Got this from Castrocopia…

There was this handler/security guy who had been wandering around the place and kept trying to get Jason out for the dreadheads, he said that Jason was stuck with press, meet and greets, and then sound checks. He said he was with Jason in the elevator and Jason seemed really, really nervous (aww). He also said that he had a ‘hell of a voice’. This guy also said a lot of the kids seemed to be having a rough time. He said that they were ‘just kids’ and the schedule is really hectic. He said Kristy Lee Cook would go between being really happy and sobbing in the next minute, and they’re just worn out

Gwen, yeah talking can put more stress on your vocal cords, more so than singing. Actually Archie’s vocal coach has said as much when he was in a chat. Archie tires out his voice more from talking than anything.

Thats why its a good idea to go on vocal rest especially at the meet and greets.

I was already at the After Party when the security came in and singled me out as “That’s him — Rickey from Rickey.org” so they really were out to get me video camera or not. Obviously somebody wanted me out of there, but no explanation was given.

MJ, I thought I read an account on TWOP of a fan being physically removed from a venue (last week?) for either photographing or videoing a performance. I’ll have to try to find it. It wasn’t on the East Coat though, IIRC.

Yes, the talking is the worst thing for Cook’s voice. He’s generally very soft-spoken when he’s talking–and this is a good thing because a lot of singers wreck their cords from talking and screaming–but given the lack of sleep, all the air travel and the temperature/humidity changes week in and week out, he’s playing Russian Roulette with his vocal cords. He’s a smart guy, though, so I think he knows when he need to dial it down a notch. Would love to see him take it easy with an acoustic “My Hero” or “Time of My Life’ in Atlantic City this weekend.

Rickey, I read somewhere that they made you leave a second time when you got outside. Is that true, or just one of those pesky rumors?

I was already at the After Party when the security came in and singled me out as à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s him à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  Rickey from Rickey.orgà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  so they really were out to get me video camera or not. Obviously somebody wanted me out of there, but no explanation was given.

Rickey, are you going back tonight? It’s very strange that they pulled you out like that, and I do hope you’ll get some sort of explanation. If there’s something the AI people are unhappy with you about, isn’t it best to let you know?
So very strange.

Just wanted to correct what I said upthread about someone being removed for filming at a concert last week. The person was removed from the Chicago concert for STANDING during the show. Now, THAT’S bizarre!

But overall, I enjoyed the whole thing, even the part where I got manhandled and then escorted out by police for standing during the concert. Yes, standing. Good times.

here is apologize, from liveheadà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ and I just have to say, even being an Archie fan.. the intensity in this performanace caught me off guardà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhXkEBVjlV8

WOw..he’s outdone himself again. Speechless.

I agree – Archie’s performance of Apologize in Newark is incredible. He is growing up right before our eyes. I voted for DC but if Archie had performed like that during the competition, I would have really been torn.

Bootstar… thats CRAZY! Being removed for standing…… thats the stupidest thing Ive ever heard…

btw new page up for the Crush premier on z100
http://z100.elvisduran.com/pages/news/davidarchuleta/

theres anew pic and the lyrics are blurred out at the moment. But its all set up for tomorrow!

Sorry but I think Rickey’s ego is a bit inflated. From Rickey’s blog’

I have no idea how popular I have become on the Internet. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve always envisioned myself as simply being a fan who has a popular blog. Apparently, I am already something more.

I would be a bit worried about what that “something more” is. Unfortunately it isn’t something good or he wouldn’t have been escorted out and then asked to leave the bus area also.

Rickey isn’t egotistical. He’s just zany, and, I think his wording is trying to make sense out of what happened to him. He’s just as confused as the rest of us about this incident. He does say he’s just a fan, and, didn’t think he was all that.

If you read him often as I do you would have known that it was pretty much tongue in cheek. He is always surprised when people recognize him from his blog. Of course he has to have a bit of an ego about the recognition, but frankly there is more to this story and it’s not about him being a famewhore, or a stalker. The idol show came to his neck of the woods and he went, got entrance to the after party and was shown the door. Silly him.

Frogcooke, I clicked on your link and I got all fangirly. Great picture. Such anticipation. Damn, should I wake up early just to hear this song? LOL. This is really nuts.

“I agree – Archieà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s performance of Apologize in Newark is incredible. He is growing up right before our eyes. I voted for DC but if Archie had performed like that during the competition, I would have really been torn.”

Yeah, I think alot of it was the pressure and everything from the show. Since he wasnt really into the competition part of it. I think towards the end of the show he was showing a bit more of it. Ever since the finale(including) he’s been really improved in the stage presence department. Not that I thought he was lacking.. just needed improving.

But in apologize from newark he even seemed somewhat aggresive in way. Which is interesting to see different aspects that wouldnt normaly come out in his offstage persona. But again its not entirely surprising since he’s said he way of communicating of what he’s feeling and stuff is through music.

And I dont know where im going with this…. LOL

I’m curious, what do you mean by this:

. Since he wasnt really into the competition part of it

Why wouldn’t DA “be into the competition part of it”? Do people really believe that he didn’t care if he came in 1 or 24? I haven’t heard this line of thinking before.

Wow, not a single review for the Newark show yet? Let’s hope somebody does one for the redo tonight.

He was there for the exposure… thats pretty much it. He wasnt even sure he was going to make it past auditions. This was coming from people who knew him for years. And I think he said something similar himself in a few interviews. It was more a competition within himself than anything. A learning expierince. Even in the Slezak interview he said the competition was over long ago for him. He was never really fond of the judging aspects of it either.. and its evident in interviews.

He was there for the exposureà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ thats pretty much it.

I didn’t realize that. Sorry but I think that sort of stinks. Even David Cook said that “of course he wanted to win, it would be disrespectful to the other contestants not to feel that way”

So essentially what DA is saying is that they “used” AI for some pretty otherwise expensive promotional services, is that right?

So essentially what DA is saying is that they à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“usedà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  AI for some pretty otherwise expensive promotional services, is that right?

I don’t see the big deal here. Of course David C. has to say he wanted to win, he’d get crucified if he didn’t. Many idols have admitted that they were just happy to make the Top 10 and the tour–because they wanted exposure. Nothing new at all.

And really, the bottom line is that this isn’t going to turn into an argument. The discussion on this subject is closed, because it’s already been discussed to death. What’s more, it’s completely off topic to this thread.

I’ll be deleting any replies, so please drop it. Please get back to discussing last night’s Newark show.

I am very sorry MJ, I really had not heard this before and was curious.

I am very sorry MJ, I really had not heard this before and was curious.

Autumn, you seem to be new. You might want to read my guidelines here:

http://mjsbigblog.com/?page_id=1172

I like to keep the discussion in threads on topic. I also don’t allow threads to disintegrate into angry arguments or heated fan wars.

Wow, Apologize in Newark was WRENCHING!! What’s it going to be like in 25 more shows? The kid will be dead on the floor and the audience sobbing.

Oh, and since Cook can get a new shirt (which is much hotter than the white one IMO), can Archie get a new suit? How about just a nice-fitting pair of jeans? And let Syesha wear his pants? As a jacket?

Here’s the collection of Newark (Day 1) videos — keep checking : )

Hi MJ, don’t know where to put this but wanted to report that DC has a new BLOG up on his myspace page!!

Some nice news there.

I’m a dunderhead and computer challenged so I don’t know how to link…sorry.

Here’s his blog – what a great guy! It’s great to get the updates straight from him- he’s forming a band(!)- and he’s pimping his pals- awww…

Current mood: creative

Hey guys. Sorry for the delay in updates. It’s been difficult finding the time to get a new Vlog put together, so I thought I’d write a quick blog instead.

We just wrapped another successful show in Pittsburgh, PA. The crowds have been great. Very responsive. VERY loud. I love it.

We’re neck deep in this record. Mr. Rob Cavallo is pushing all the right buttons and turning all the right knobs to make this record great. Just as importantly, I’m proud to announce the first addition to my band, Mr. Neal Tiemann (hereafter referred to as “Doctor”). Doctor was the chief songwriter/lead guitarist in MWK, the band I played with in Tulsa. He’s one of my closest friends and I am absolutely stoked to have him on board.

We’re putting the finishing touches on my brand new website. It will have a very cool facebook/myspace vibe to it, where you can put together your own space and interact with other fans. I think it could be a really cool way to interact with each other.

I want to address the CDs from my old band, Axium. Quite a few fans have brought these records to the shows, looking for signatures. While I am happy to oblige and am very grateful that so many have taken an interest in something I put my heart into for the bulk of my musical life, I am sad to hear both that the pricing of these records has been set at astronomical amounts purely for the sake of taking advantage of you guys who just want the music, and that the release and sale of these records was done without the consent of the chief songwriters involved in making those records. I can assure you that I play no part in the sale or distribution of these records, and neither condone nor back the people that are. Hell, we would’ve given you the music but a few years ago. Funny how things and people change…

Be sure to keep an ear to the ground, as we have to singles coming out from some of our friends. Mr. David Archuleta has a single coming out soon, and Ms. Kristy Lee has one coming soon too. So be sure to check those out and support them as well as you’ve done for me. Let’s prove to everyone else that this was and continues to be the most talented season of AI yet.

Take care and see you on the road,
~D

Thanks Arca! :smile_wp:

I wonder if it will be called The david Cook Band? Has a nice ring to it… I likey.

Autumn, you seem to be new. You might want to read my guidelines here:

New to reading the comments and posting but not new to your amazing site! Thanks for that link, I will try my very best to follow the guidelines! I am always grateful for your swift updates and postings of “new” news Thank You!

I love him. I’m so happy for him and for “Doctor,” his very talented friend. And how sweet to pimp for Archie and Kristie Lee. And, hee, he finally got to cuss in public again! lol!

I can’t wait to find out who he gets on board next, and what they’ll call the band.

I have never been a fan like this before, and the interent makes it so much fun.

Hello… I’m the Cindy who took the photos above. Thanks again for posting them, MJ! I feel special.

The show was great last night. I’d recap it for you all, but I have trouble with the putting-comments-in-a-coherent-package thing. Also, it went by incredibly FAST! I could hardly gather my thoughts about one Idol before the next was onstage. So I’ll just say it was worth every penny, and if you want to see a few more photos, here’s the album.

Specifically, I added two photos of David Archuleta, three of Jason, and two of Syesha (who I never much liked, but go figure, her photos came out gorrrrgeous). My camera is hit-or-miss, mostly miss. Enjoy…

Gorgeous photos, Cindy!

In my previous post, “interent” was supposed to be “internet.”

Sigh.

New to reading the comments and posting

Welcome Autumn!

And, thanks for the great pics cyedit

I voted for DC but if Archie had performed like that during the competition, I would have really been torn.

You can take back those votes and give them to Archie now in the form of support for his new single and album.

1. LOVE the new orange tshirt
2. LOVE the guyliner
3. LOVE that his record is moving along and he has a good pal with him
4. hate it that I can’t go to a AI gig (but very much look forward DC’s world tour in the fall… no one can stop me then )