David Cook, Carrie Underwood Holiday Special Spoilers!

Thank you, MJ for the thread. DC fans are very excited tonite.

Woo hoo Lie!! Duet with Carrie, their voices just sound so good together, and a corny skit. Very nice!

Cory, the warm up comedian for the show tweeted this:

Cook absolutely SLAYED it tonight!! The best I’ve EVER heard him! Way 2 knock another 1 outta the park! The Chiefs could use u

Here is Scott from DCO’s DC-centric recap of the night. Scott is so adorable, and such an enthusiastic DC fan:

He killed it. Killed, killed killed. Slayed us dead. He had a lot of fans in the audience, but let me just tell you that he brought the house down regardless. Carrie is a true superstar, and it shows in everything she does and every move she makes. I’ve got to say, though, that David got the loudest cheers. Not just performing, but every single time the crowd warm-up guy mentioned him. Warm-up guy was clearly a fan-boy himself and told the audience how David killed it during rehearsal. He kept getting us all fired up by mentioning David is in the house.

They did two passes for each number. “Lie” knocked me over the first time, but the second pass it happened. The hairs on my neck shot up, as did the hairs on my arm. A capella was included, but at the mic. Powerful. Audience was perfect. Quiet where they needed to be quiet, cheering where they needed to be cheering. The band then came in and was their usual tight self. Carrie said she asked David to sing “Lie” because it’s her favorite track on DCTR. Between takes he introduced the Anthemic – got nice cheers. David worked the crowd between takes brilliantly, interacted with some children in the audience, shows great humor. Just vintage David.

The look. He did not shave completely. It was more of a trim / cleanup / thinning. It was more of a goatee and the lights & makeup made the remaining facial hair seem non-existant, but there was still some beard. But he was definitely less scruffy. He had the benefit of a stylist and full wardrobe and makeup and I have never seen him look more handsome. Really handsome, with side-swipe bangs. Wore these clunky boots, not cowboy boots. He said they dressed him in them.

The duet. Man that rocked. Van Halen’s “Why Can’t This Be Love.” The chemistry between Carrie & David is fantastic. Love, love, love them together, and they clearly enjoy working with one another. Carrie hand selected her guests, all of whom are friends (Kristen Chenoweth, Christina Applegate, Sons of Sylvia (formerly called The Clarke Brothers), Dolly Parton & Brad Paisley (the latter two will be taping tomorrow, alas David will not – he’s on a red-eye to Indiana right now).

So, we have a wonderful special to look forward to. David looked and sounded his best, and it is NOT a schmaltzy holiday special. Very few Christmas references (just a few numbers), very secular, very rock and country. Surprised how much it rocked. Happy about that. This is a big deal production. Full-on Hollywood.

The CLARK BROTHERS?????? ( Sons Of Sylvia). I LOVED them on America’s Next Best Band or whatever that show was called. I had no idea what happened to them and that they changed their name. That is so cool! I have to go check out their stuff.

Thanks for all the info!
Scott can be a bit too much (lol), but he shares good details, so thanks. This Very few Christmas references (just a few numbers), very secular, very rock and country. Surprised how much it rocked. Happy about that.? Yes!

Solo guitar by David? I hope so. I want to see that. I love Cory’s tweet. Nothing but love.

Can not wait for this…sounds like it’s going to be a GREAT show

Are there no pics from this taping *whines*? I want to see his…boots.

If someone can rustle up that guitar solo, I wouldn’t mind at all. Really.

More tweets…
for SYTYCD fans

shellberry77: Saw Tyce Diorio when we were walking in and Lauren from a couple seasons back. I’m a big SYTYCD fan too. Very cool 2 c awesome dancers 2!

shellberry77: Took my chance & had a full on conversation with Nappytabs from SYTYCD. They are so sweet. The choreographed 2 #’s for Carrie.

Great news that David will sing ‘Lie’!!

OMG the Clark Brothers!!! Yay!

ETA: Ok, I just went to look at their official website. (shallow) those are some beautiful pics of the guys (/shallow)

I think Lie may be most people’s favorite song on the CD—stupid RCA. (Unless, of course, they have finally decided to release it)

More spoilers about Carrie’s special, courtesy of Poniente at DCO:

Carrie, Kristen Chenowith, and Christina Applegate did a medley of 50′s songs including “Leader of the Pack”. They were dressed in frothy pink shirtwaists with petticoats and big blonde beehive hairdos. Described as “reminiscent of Lawrence Welk, but cute.” And The Clark Brothers, now called Sons of Sylvia, played “It Will be a Blue, Blue Christmas Without You”. The stage was covered with giant Christmas packages, a toy soldier and a big bear.

Cheestastic!

I love Kristin and Brad but this whole thing just sounds extremely cheesy, and not in a good way.

The CLARK BROTHERS?????? ( Sons Of Sylvia). I LOVED them on America’s Next Best Band or whatever that show was called. I had no idea what happened to them and that they changed their name. That is so cool! I have to go check out their stuff.

The show was called “The Next Great American Band.” I loved them, too. They performed during the Country Week results show on AI7. I remember seeing a youtube video of Ashley playing the violin for Carrie on tour. Their official site, http://www.sonsofsylvia.com/ . talks about what they have been up to and their name change. I am assuming Sylvia is their mom’s name. They tweeted about doing a duet with Carrie, so that should be awesome. I am definitely tuning in for this show during the holidays.:-D.

There are several recaps written on DCO fanboards and it sounds like David & Carrie did a great job together. Here are a few more fan perceptions from Poniente:

The band is in back, with Neal, Monty and Andy lined up in front of Kyle. David looks good, very, very good. His hair is darker than lately, newly cut a bit shorter, his scruff trimmed, grey and black outfit with black jacket and pants tucked into boots in a way we have never seen before. And then he sings Lie. OMG, his beautiful rich voice fills that soundstage absolutely dwarfing what had come before. It is stunning. He does not step away from the mike at the acapella part but still does the acapella and it is gorgeous. Without the screams of the fans and with the good sound system, the full beauty of his voice could be heard and I got shivers. Incredible.

One hilarious and touching episode was with this 14-16 year old blonde girl there with her parents. She was crying and crying after he sang Lie. Cory asked her why she was crying and she said “Because it is just so beautiful”. And then he says “How many David Cook concerts have you seen” and she says she almost got to go to Newport Beach but she couldn’t get anyone to take her and so spent the whole day and evening locked in her bedroom crying and playing his record over and over. So her parents brought her to this. So Cory says “awwww, come down here” and she is shaking badly but he brings her to David who hugs her twice. It was so sweet. David was so nice to her.

Next the group that won the reality show about bands, The Clark Brothers, now called Sons of Sylvia, played “It Will be a Blue, Blue Christmas Without You”. The stage was covered with giant Christmas packages, a toy soldier and a big bear.

There were other numbers, SYTYCD dancers did some things, very well, Carrie’s mom had a funny skit, Carrie had a funny Dolly Parton skit with Kristen Chenowith, Carrie sang a sweet song about her mom and another song in front of a fake bar with a big bunch of dancers.
They were all nice, but the David songs were a whole level up.

Fantastic bunch of guests! Good job, Carrie! And it’ll be great to hear Cookie and the Clark guys again — both among my very faves.

This sounds great (to me!) LOVE Lie!! Yes, can’t wait. And YES, RCA RELEASE IT ALREADY!! (Doubtful, I know, but a girl’s gotta dream…)

I’m so glad he did well…. Thanks for the thread, mj, and thanks for all the Cookie crumbs, everyone….

“Lie” is by far my favorite song on David Cook’s album. I don’t get how labels pick singles. . . . or how they time the roll out. Super fast (Kelly and Carrie’s current albums) or super slow/nonexistent (David Cook’s album, and David Archuleta’s too, but that only has a sample size of two. The second single came out after the wave and that was it.)

I hope that it’s not too late for “Lie” to be a single; it’s a very compelling song.

Re: Carrie’s guests–I’m impressed with the line up. Real love for real talented women, and a nice mix–not just a country hoedown.

When you’ve got a line up like that, why don’t the producers get some decent writers? (I hate lame skits; it sucked on the Christmas specials of the 70s and it still does.)

Hahaha, that Cook tweet. Absurdity is ALWAYS afoot, Dave. Anyway, I do so enjoy me some Cookie (and Cookwood) crumbs for breakfast. Breakfast of champions. So, this sounds like a cute little variety show. Good on ya, Carrie! You can never have too much La Chenowith. NappyTabs usually bring it (I wonder if Mark Kanemura was one of the dancers?) LIE! Wow, I’m shocked that another one of the self penned tunes went over so well when given a public forum. ~high fives Fuller, gives RCA the stink eye~ Tres happy that Cookie killed it. Shankers is directing, right? Then I can’t imagine it looking low rent despite the big helping of cheese.

This is a Christmas special though right? Where all are the Cook/Underwood holiday songs?

Haha, windmills, where are you? We’re the only 2 Carrie fans, I think, who post here… and it’s pretty evident :)

Anyway, Brad Paisley already taped his parts since he has concerts on both taping days.

Carrie sang a sweet song about her mom and another song in front of a fake bar with a big bunch of dancers.

Those songs would be “Mama’s Song” and “Songs Like This” both of which are from the new album.

here are some tweets from Tabitha and Napoleon on the special!
Napoleon and Tabitha (choreographers)

http://twitpic.com/mkhsa – Rehearsal for Carrie’s holiday special.
29 minutes ago from TwitPic

http://twitpic.com/mkiaa – Nap, Lauren & Jeremy back stage tonight at the taping of Carrie Underwood’s Holiday Show.
22 minutes ago from TwitPic

Carrie’s taping today & tonight went well. All the dancers did a great job on both numbers! Thanks guys! LOVE the Cowboy Cassanova number!
18 minutes ago from web

Tyce did a phenominal job with his routine to Carrie’s new song about her mom. Jeremy & Lauren danced it so elegantly beautiful! AWESOME!
16 minutes ago from web

Carrie looked hot in both our numbers! She is an incredibly talented singer and a great performer! No wonder she’s my sister’s favorite!
13 minutes ago from web

No attempt at any faux diversity in that line-up.

Perhaps there’ll be video from Queen Latifah (the fall back go to diversity person).

Hope they don’t sing I’m dreaming of a white christmas.

lol @ kaykol. Perhaps there will lots of closeups of Rickey Minor and the boys?

This sounds like it will be a very cute program. I can’t wait to watch. Dc & Carrie clearly enjoy each other’s company, they are fun to watch together. And he’s singing LIE!!!!! I’m so there.

No attempt at any faux diversity in that line-up.
Perhaps there’ll be video from Queen Latifah (the fall back go to diversity person).
Hope they don’t sing I’m dreaming of a white christmas.

I don’t think every show is required to have a non-white person, should they also have one latino, one asian, and one native american to balance things out? She could only pick a few people and she picked her friends, country is mostly white singers anyway.

When the awards shows are dominated by r&b, hiphop and rap, can’t someone have one little country/rock special without being accused of lack of diversity?

And black artists also sing “white christmas,” as the white obviously refers to snow. LOL. Of course you know that, I’m not sure if your point is to congratulate Carrie for the lake of faux (fake) diversity, or to chide her for lack of diversity.

Carrie and David!!! Can’t get enough of Cookwood – this is going to be precious. New Carrie music and Lie?! Epic!

lol @ kaykol. Perhaps there will lots of closeups of Rickey Minor and the boys?

LOL yes that would be fitting. Actually the sight of Kanye West grabbing the mic from Taylor Swift, a white country singer, spoke volumes. I sometimes think the awards shows should also show closeups of their token white artists. Sorry but I like rock and am tired of being inundated with hiphop and rap on the awards shows.

Thanks so much for this thread, MJ! I’m all tired and cranky today and Cookie and Carrie cheer me right up ;) !!

“Without the screams of the fans and with the good sound system, the full beauty of his voice could be heard and I got shivers. Incredible. And this Carrie Underwood crowd absolutely roars after and everyone is on their feet. Long sustained applause. It is electric.”

*sniffles* I can’t even put into words how happy I am a new audience will hear Lie and that he killed on it.

This was also part of Ponientes recap:

As with all the acts they did it again, Yay, this time with a very sweet introduction by Carrie talking about how much she loved the record and how this was her favorite song and that David was more than a colleague, though she didn’t say it quite that way, rather he was her friend. And his second Lie was so beautiful.

I hope that intro makes into the show. I’m so glad those two have a good friend in each other. That girl is a total class act.

Haha, windmills, where are you? We’re the only 2 Carrie fans, I think, who post here’ ¦ and it’s pretty evident

Actually, I’m curious about any feedback on the web from attendees who are not primarily Cook fans, i.e., fans of Carrie or of any of her other guests.

As for Cook singing Lie on national television, someone at RCA must have been asleep at the wheel. Otherwise, I’m sure they would’ve stepped in and prevented him from — you know — actually singing one of his own songs that’s better than both singles THEY released. Thank god for Carrie … if she had anything to do with it.

Nigel Lythgoe tweets:

David Cook was great on the taping of the Carrie Underwood Holiday Special last night. They create some “magic” when they perform together.

http://twitter.com/dizzyfeet

I think Lie may be most people’s favorite song on the CD’”stupid RCA.

I love “Lie” but it is not my favorite song on the album. I think Permanent is the best song off the album, then Bar-ba-sol and Lie.

One hilarious and touching episode was with this 14-16 year old blonde girl there with her parents. She was crying and crying after he sang Lie. Cory asked her why she was crying and she said ‘Because it is just so beautiful’ . And then he says ‘How many David Cook concerts have you seen’  and she says she almost got to go to Newport Beach but she couldn’t get anyone to take her and so spent the whole day and evening locked in her bedroom crying and playing his record over and over.

Awww’ ¦

I am really looking forward to this. It sounds like a great lineup and an eclectic mix of artists and songs. Carrie and Cook have great chemistry and are always so playful with each other.

‘Lie’ is also one of my fave DC songs, so excited that it was so well received by the studio audience. Thank goodness for reports of the lack of insane screaming during the performance.

Oddly, I’m unaware of what show ‘The Clark Brothers’/'Sons of Sylvia’ were on, but I am familiar with them. I have broad tastes and exposure to music. I like them.

Very happy to see Christina Applegate. I love her.

Question…. I assume the band accompanied David during Lie, which really doesn’t feature them as much as David. However, who backed up Carrie and David on the Van Halen song?

Thanks for this thread MJ! I love the fact that Lie is getting exposure. I’m hoping that it’ll get a sales boost because of this and RCA deems is enough to release it as a late single or something like that. But yeah, that’s really just wishful thinking on my part. At the very least though, DCTR should get a Christmas sales bump, so yay for that.

I cannot wait to hear this duet for David and Carrie. After hearing them on Go Your Own Way, we know that their voices blend together beautifully. If that performance is any indication of how this one will go, then we know that something special is in store for us.

Also, ditto on all the comments about their friendship. I love that Carrie seems to be David’s main confidante on the “idol” life. She went through the things that he went through and so it must be a great relief for him to be able to talk to someone who can commiserate with on the lows and celebrate with on the highs.

P.S. Not only is this special bringing us gifts of David and Carrie cheer, we also get to see Ashley Clark again! Yay!!!

Haha, windmills, where are you? We’re the only 2 Carrie fans, I think, who post here’ ¦ and it’s pretty evident

LOL. I was @ the Carrie boards and Pulse reading spoilers about Carrie’s show because I was interested in the whole show.

MJ: 7 of those spoilers (the ones you added on later) actually came from Carrie fans not David Cook fans, any chance of giving Carrie fans like Vinman and Stephen some love?

I can’t wait for the Kristin/Christina/Carrie performance! I love Cheno and Christina’s got some Broadway experience.

Carrie did NOT perform Cowboy Casanova last night according to Vinman. I’m guessing she’ll tape that, some of her previous hits, and some holiday songs plus something with Dolly today. I hope she sings Temporary Home because those 4 songs (Cowboy Casanova, Mama’s Song, Songs Like This, and Temporary Home) would be an awesome cross section of the new album.

I LOVE that they got Neil Patrick Harris involved! The only thing better would be for him to actually be there in person but I’m guessing he can’t because Carrie’s special will air opposite How I Met Your Mother. It’s the same timeslot.

I so wish Carrie and Brad could’ve taped something together because they play off each other so well and I can’t wait to see what Carrie does with Dolly.

Here’s another comment from Stephen about the skits:

Let me just say that if you enjoy the comedy of “The Office” or “Parks and Recreation” where the sketches start out with cheap laughs and the REAL fun comes in at the commentary, you will LOVE Carrie’s music sketch. She is a VERY funny girl.

I was wondering if Nigel was going to comment! I always thought he really liked him. I remember two interviews with him back in season 7, one at the end of the season where he admitted DC was the one he was rooting for and another around Top 3 week where he he called him “easy on the eyes” hee.

Sassycatz, Ricky Minor’s band played on the Van Halen song :)

Sassycatz, Ricky Minor’s band played on the Van Halen song

Ah, too bad David’s band didn’t get a chance to rock out.

Thanks for bringing over Nigel’s comment – you beat me to it.

Carrie! David! Magic!

I can not wait for this special.

Here’s another tweet from Nigel:

I’m looking forward to working with Dolly Parton and Carrie today. Carrie’s dog Ace does a sketch that is so funny. He talks!!! Thanks Neil.

Ace actually has his own blog at Carrie’s official fan club and it’s a riot. I sometimes wish more people could see it because it shows a side of Carrie that a lot of people in the general public don’t see.

Wheee! I knew I’d find good crumbs this morning, but this much info, and a whole post? Yay Cookwood!

Carrie said she asked David to sing ‘Lie’  because it’s her favorite track on DCTR.

Kudos to Carrie for recognizing that beautiful song from the record, but I have to say the song as recorded on the album is just pretty, and it took DC’s live performances to make me realize how stunning the song is. The song is so raw and heartbreaking live that I can’t even listen to the studio track anymore. Well, I say that about a lot of songs on DC’s album (live trumps the studio), but it’s sooo true on Lie.

Without the screams of the fans and with the good sound system, the full beauty of his voice could be heard and I got shivers.

Eeeeek! So excited– cannot wait to get that in MP3 to replace the fuzzy concert ones I have!

Wore these clunky boots, not cowboy boots. He said they dressed him in them.

pants tucked into boots in a way we have never seen before.

Last night I was worried about the reports of a shaven/goatee’d DC, but now I’m stressing about the boots! Any pics yet??

David Cook was great on the taping of the Carrie Underwood Holiday Special last night. They create some ‘magic’  when they perform together.

Nigel, why is “magic” in quotes? Is that a euphemism? Heh.

Ace actually has his own blog at Carrie’s official fan club and it’s a riot. I sometimes wish more people could see it because it shows a side of Carrie that a lot of people in the general public don’t see.

Wondering how a dog can have a blog? *whispers* It’s actually Carrie. Typing and talking as a dog.

I’m sooooo geekily excited for this show! Carrie’s actually quite funny.

I’m loving that NPH is gonna be Ace’s voice! The fact that Ace has his own skit is awesome. In addition to his blog, he also has his own fan club. aceunderwood.com I believe Carrie’s even mentioned that he gets more fan presents than she does.

Oh, and having Carole singing? That’s just funny.

PS. Add me to the selected few Carrie fans on this board. I rarely post, but my heart’s 51% Kelly, 49% Carrie. Yes, a “ClarkWood” fan. We DO exist! ;)

saw this twitter from Nigel Lithdow: @dizzyfeet David Cook was great on the taping of the Carrie Underwood Holiday Special last night..

ETA – Whoops sorry – didn’t see that Nigel’s tweets had already been posted. Am so, so excited about this show. Glad DC and his whole wonderful band will be on TV again!!! thanks for the thread MJ.

Ace actually has his own blog at Carrie’s official fan club and it’s a riot. I sometimes wish more people could see it because it shows a side of Carrie that a lot of people in the general public don’t see.

Well, isn’t all of that stuff password restricted on her site? I don’t know if it was her idea in the first place, but a casual reader doesn’t have access, so….

To be honest, if it wasn’t for her friendship with Cook, I wouldn’t have “gotten to know her” at all, since I really don’t listen to country. As much as one thinks this is great for David in that it opens up a new audience for him, his presence brings a few new eyes and ears to Carrie as well. Mine, for instance.

Nigel, why is ‘magic’  in quotes? Is that a euphemism? Heh.

LMAO. By magic, Nigel means he and Fuller’s eveeeeel plot to create a whole army of Idol superfans via the mind control inherrent in Cookwood’s aura of irresistable shippery awesomeness is bound to be a smashing success. And soon, he and Fuller will use this army to take over the world! Muwah ha ha…(insert Neil Patrick Harris’s evil laugh here)

Well, isn’t all of that stuff password restricted on her site? I don’t know if it was her idea in the first place, but a casual reader doesn’t have access, so’ ¦.

Yeah – I think it is her choice. I was saying I wish she would open up her blogs so more people could ‘get’ her. But Carrie’s a shy girl and IMO she’s always felt more comfortable blogging to her fans because she feels like there’s less a chance of being misunderstood or judged. I’ve always thought she’d rather people think she’s bland than be publicly judged for putting herself out there personality-wise. I don’t think she wants her comments to be picked up by the media all the time because of the way the media distorts stuff which is part of why IMO she won’t do Twitter. Carrie’s always been more open in concerts and her fan club where she feels like she knows her audience. Too, I think she’d rather people focus on the music.

But I think Carrie gets that people who aren’t her fans don’t see that she’s not just a Country Barbiebot. She’s said as much a few times including in her recent Billboard interview and I think she’s starting to open up a little bit. IMO it takes a few years for any of these people coming out of AI to adjust to the scrutiny and maybe now she’s beginning to feel a little more comfortable. It seems like there’s some things where she’s figured out that she can share a little without giving away too much, like her faith and some other personal things. Now her album’s going to be more personal and she’s stretching with stuff like her variety special.

Whether people’ll be convinced or not we’ll see. I’m not worried because I don’t need Carrie to be the queen of the world or for people to think she’s got the greatest personality ever. I just love her voice and the way she sings her songs and if people can see the personality side the way her fans do, that’s gravy.

I love Carrie Underwood. The first three songs on her record are fantastic and I can’t wait to get the album. This year is the first year I have paid any attention to her, I know I have been under a rock. But the description of how gracious and generous she is to the other performers makes me love her more.

Also since I am a bit of a David Cook fan (just a bit), I am so glad to hear that the taping went so well. A guitar solo by David. A duet with Carrie. Lie. I know I will love this show. Plus Dolly. And Carrie singing songs from her new CD. And it is more than a month away. Sigh

I’m actually a huge Carrie fan, too… I know it’s hard to tell through my Cookie super love :) . But I have all of her albums and am eagerly awaiting her next one. Beautiful, talented, classy girl. I love that David and Carrie are friends.

This sounds awesome. I love Carrie. And I think she has a warm and lovely personality. She’s a charming woman and everyone who has worked with her has nothing but great things to say. So count me in as a Carrie fan.

And I love Cook. Sounds like he killed on “Lie” and was extra gravelly.

So, yeah Cookwood FTW! The Van Halen duet sounds hot. Love the juxtaposition, like a mini CMT CrossRoads, and agenda pushing of 19E. I love how Fuller shows off Carrie and Cook on that duet. Fabulous cross over appeal.

Am definitely looking forward to this show.

Yeah ‘“ I think it is her choice. I was saying I wish she would open up her blogs so more people could ‘get’ her. But Carrie’s a shy girl and IMO she’s always felt more comfortable blogging to her fans because she feels like there’s less a chance of being misunderstood or judged. I’ve always thought she’d rather people think she’s bland than be publicly judged for putting herself out there. I don’t think she wants her comments to be picked up by the media all the time because of the way the media distorts stuff which is part of why IMO she won’t do Twitter. Carrie’s always been more open in concerts and her fan club.

I’m not a Carrie fan, and don’t have access to her fanclub blogs, but just from following her a bit through MJ’s and my David Cook obsession, this ^^^ is exactly what I’ve gleaned about her personality as well. I like her a lot. All things considered, she’s handled the whole sudden, stratospheric rise to fame thing remarkably well despite being more shy/reserved, etc., and she seems like a great girl. I don’t love country but I love when Carrie rocks out. Looking forward to this special. So any word if she did Temporary Home? I’d love to see her perform that song.

Damn, I want more Cookwood so much. Eeee. This sounds like a blast.

So any word if she did Temporary Home? I’d love to see her perform that song.

I know, that’s the one I really like too! Love to see the whole thing in a live performance.

Wondering how a dog can have a blog? *whispers* It’s actually Carrie. Typing and talking as a dog.

ZOMG. I didn’t know that. Hilarious. I love that Carrie blogs through Ace. Barbie-Bot my ass. Heh.

Kewl that Neal Patrick Harris is involved. He’s hilarious. Carrie has some great friends.

Wow! Totally different impression of what I thought. I’m so happy DC will be singing LIE. Love, love that song so much!! I still believe it had a double-meaning to David, thinking about Adam. Very beautiful song. I don’t even care about a music video; I just want the song released to radio.

I think it will be a fun show with great music. I’m looking forward to seeing it.

OMG, this special sounds like so much fun I think I’d watch it even if it didn’t have Cook on it! Not a huge fan of pop-country, but I’ve always loved Carrie, and damn if that girl doesn’t have good taste: GREAT guests. Never can get enough of Kristin Chenoweth and I love me some Miss Dolly.

I love Kristin and Brad but this whole thing just sounds extremely cheesy, and not in a good way.

It actually sounds a lot less cheesy than a lot of the Xmas dreck out there, but it’s certainly not required viewing!

How did Scott and the others who posted on DCO get tix? It seemed like news about the special just broke last week. And I’d love to hear some recaps from folks who aren’t official Cook fans. Scott is very thorough, and loyal to a fault to DC, but he tolerates no dissent on DCO, so I’d feel better if I heard somebody else give David such high praise.

Nigel Lythgoe tweets:

David Cook was great on the taping of the Carrie Underwood Holiday Special last night. They create some ‘magic’  when they perform together

Jesus, could somebody give that dude some writing instruction? When you put the word magic in quotations it suggests it’s anything but.

BTW, the Clark Bros. performed on Idol during S7. Can’t remember if it was Idol Gives Back or the Finale, but I think they came off kind of nervous. I’m looking forward to seeing them again.

Here’s a link to the Clark Brothers’ (now Sons of Sylvia) on American Idol (April 2008).

Carrie and David are so in love

What’s this about? This was tweeted to DC

skemann: @thedavidcook Bro, I’m the guy who asked to be introd to Carrie, haha. Thanks for being epic. Cant wait to see you live. Keep rocking dude

and he tweeted back

@thedavidcook: @skemann sorry I couldn’t pull it off. What can I say? The woman is in demand…

Is that a fan that attended?lol

lol I remember the Clark Bros. performing. I thought they were awful, not just nervous. I hadn’t heard of them and was less than impressed with their, what sounded to me like, playing fast and furious just to show that they could. I’m a huge bluegrass fan but I just didn’t get them…until I was directed to some of the videos from the show they had been on. Their playing to me was akin to these singers with all the unnecessary and OTT runs they put into songs. I think I love David and Carrie because they know exactly that less can indeed be more and that melisma does not equal emotion.

So any word if she did Temporary Home? I’d love to see her perform that song.

Hey, Carrie co-wrote that one with Zac Maloy (and Luke Laird). Zac’s the same guy that Cook co-wrote Lie with (along with the guys from Espionage).

It actually sounds a lot less cheesy than a lot of the Xmas dreck out there, but it’s certainly not required viewing!

I don’t think this will be covered on our local televisions anyway so I certainly won’t be watching it. I’m a bit interested in the Kristin/Brad parts though, so maybe I’ll Youtube that.

David Cook looks dirty and smelly to me all the time, maybe he should consider shaving.

Is that a fan that attended?lol

That’s the Carrie fan Stephen. He posted a great review of Carrie’s show @ Pulse.

So any word if she did Temporary Home? I’d love to see her perform that song.

She didn’t sing it last night – the only songs of her own Carrie sang are Mama’s Song and Songs Like This. I’m hoping she sings Temporary Home @ today’s taping. She definitely sang Temporary Home at the CMT Invitation Only taping back in September along with Mama’s Song and Undo It. That’s supposed to be on the Dish Network on Nov 3rd and then on CMT in December. I can’t wait to see that one live.

I can’t wait for this to air. Love Carrie and all the guests (especially DC). Their duet is going to be hot.

David Cook looks dirty and smelly to me all the time, maybe he should consider shaving.

Well, I don’t think any photos have leaked yet, but it sounds like he got the facial hair trimmed considerably if he had to tweet to calm folks down, LOL.

I actually prefer Cook with just the mustache and goatee, so I’m good with that. Not sure how somebody looks smelly, but I think all these dudes probably smell pretty bad when they’re done with a live show. I saw Archie last summer and even that pristine kid looked like he could use a good shower by the end of his set.

skemann: @thedavidcook Bro, I’m the guy who asked to be introd to Carrie, haha. Thanks for being epic. Cant wait to see you live. Keep rocking dude

I have no idea who Stephen Eisermann is…

I like Zac Malloy and I love Temporary Home and Lie.

Let me just say that if you enjoy the comedy of ‘The Office’  or ‘Parks and Recreation’  where the sketches start out with cheap laughs and the REAL fun comes in at the commentary, you will LOVE Carrie’s music sketch. She is a VERY funny girl.

Okay, this thing is sounding better and better all of the time!! The Office is one of my favorite all time shows and I’ve liked what I’ve seen of Parks and Recreation. Is that still on?

Sons of Sylvia!!! (The Clark Brothers). I’ve wondered too whatever happened to them. They were awesome on AI7 when they were musical guests. Hubby and I looked them up on the tube and only found a couple vids. Yay!!

Woot for “Lie”!!! Sounds like it was an awesome performance too!

It’s beginning to look a lot like Cookwood….! Or Christmas…Can’t wait to see the duet!!!

Carrie sure knows how to pick her special guests! Kristen Chenowith! Christina Applegate! Very very awesome!!!

I am lovin me some dirty and smelly Cook.

I really really want to hear Carrie sing Temporary Home. It is my favorite song that I have heard so far off the record. I hope she sings it.

Not sure how somebody looks smelly, but I think all these dudes probably smell pretty bad when they’re done with a live show

Cook looks smelly all the time to me. I dunno just the whole vibe. He just looks like he smells bad LOL. I didn’t think that during the show though, I think the AI stylists did a good job on him.

As windmills pointed out, Stephen is a Carrie fan. During one of the breaks, Cook did a Q&A. Stephen’s question was if Cook could introduce him (Stephen) to Carrie? [Now read Cook's response again to the tweet] The most Cook was able to do was point Stephen out to Carrie later on. Carrie blew Stephen a kiss :)

*FLAILS!* I can’t WAIT for this on my TV! And some mp3s and some photos and videos and such. I like Carrie, I have her 1st album, and I listen to country radio a lot because they have the best traffic & news in the morning on the station I listen to. I haven’t falled in LUV with her though…not like I have with COOK!

Just AAWWWWWWWW to everything about Mr. Cook on this taping the special thing. I guess I better call it the Undercooked Holiday Special instead of Cookwood, eh? It’s really Carrie’s deal. SOOO glad she invited him though! omg he’s gonna sing LIE? WOOHOO! I love DCTR but I love David Cook & The Anthemic LIVE so much more. How do you describe live music to someone who hasn’t been there? He is just a star on that stage. And Andy Skibb, Neal Fingtiemann, Kyle, and Monty ain’t half-bad either! OK, they are GREAT, especially together.

Cannot. Wait.

As windmills pointed out, Stephen is a Carrie fan. During one of the breaks, Cook did a Q&A. Stephen’s question was if Cook could introduce him (Stephen) to Carrie? [Now read Cook's response again to the tweet] The most Cook was able to do was point Stephen out to Carrie later on. Carrie blew Stephen a kiss

Awww well at least he tried! But points to the guys for trying. (both David and the Stephen guy).

Hopefully they don’t cut out the part where Carrie introduced David and pimps his record!!!

Also, I love how Carrie continues to support Ashley Clark. I don’t really follow her career but for a lot of the YT vids I’ve seen of her singing Before He Cheats, Wasted and the Idol Gives Back when she went to Africa, Ashley’s fiddling and backup vocals are prominently displayed. I wish that he and his brothers would get the kind of exposure they deserve because they really are so talented.

The most Cook was able to do was point Stephen out to Carrie later on. Carrie blew Stephen a kiss

Awwwww.

And I’d love to hear some recaps from folks who aren’t official Cook fans.

I went to Carrie’s board in pulse to read more recaps, and here’s what this Stephen guy had to say about the two DC performances here:

3. David Cook sings Lie: I have a feeling it’s his next single, so I was pumped because I find it to be his strongest song. He starts off the song accompanying himself on the electric guitar then sings the first chorus acapella and it, honestly, was brilliant. Just flawless vocals. However, once the band kicked in, it got a bit harder to hear him and both times he performed he missed the climax note because the band overpowering him and he couldn’t hit the note with as much power. Still, phenomenal song and he sounded fantastic. Plus, he got Carrie to blow me a kiss and wasn’t upset when I used his Q&A time to ask him to introduce me to her (which got a lot of laughs ). A-

4. Carrie Underwood and David Cook duet on Why Can’t This Be Love: Carrie looked damn fine, first of all. Second, the pre-performance banter was cute and Carrie seriously shot those jokes like a pro. I won’t spoil anything but Carrie is quite b***hy, hahah. The song was fantastic. Carrie rocked the stage and let Cook take over and gave him credit during his solo and their voices compliment each other really well. Very good choice of song and Carrie blew the roof off the high notes. Wow. A+

So A- and A+, not too shabby. Of course, DC may have won a few extra points from the guy by getting Carrie to blow him a kiss, LOL.

Hey, Carrie co-wrote that one with Zac Maloy (and Luke Laird). Zac’s the same guy that Cook co-wrote Lie with (along with the guys from Espionage).

I’d say I like all the Zac Maloy cowrites on DC’s record EXCEPT Come Back to Me…

I can’t wait to hear the song Carrie did with Raine and Chantal, cuz Permanent = perfection, IMO :)

“Awww well at least he tried! But points to the guys for trying. (both David and the Stephen guy).”

skemann: @thedavidcook the fact that you tried got you a bro for life. Whenever you come to San Diego ill be there, haha. Thanks again dud. :)

Don’t know who Ashly Clark is. Is he part of the Clark Brothers? (Sons of Sylvia)

Cook looks smelly all the time to me. I dunno just the whole vibe. He just looks like he smells bad LOL. I didn’t think that during the show though, I think the AI stylists did a good job on him.

I’ve been blessed with the good fortune of being in close proximity to him before and after a show. And let me set the record straight…the man smells great! No cologne…just smells like fresh laundry. And yes…I smelled him. I was curious…sue me.

I can’t wait to see this on my TV in December! EEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Thanks to whoever posted Scott’s recap because with the 3-hour time difference there was no way I’d be up to read it. :)

I’ve been blessed with the good fortune of being in close proximity to him before and after a show. And let me set the record straight’ ¦the man smells great! No cologne’ ¦just smells like fresh laundry. And yes’ ¦I smelled him. I was curious’ ¦sue me.

Great story. I still think he looks like he smells though. It’s not a big deal, I’m not asking anyone to agree with me on this. I just think it would do him a great service to actually shave, maybe look after himself better. After all, he’s in the business of show so call it shallow, whatnot but I think image is important to some extent and the whole scruffy thing is just not working for me. And don’t get me started on the hair.

Also, I love how Carrie continues to support Ashley Clark.

I have a gift for you :) During Carrie’s headlining tour in 2006, she used to sing “I Just Can’t Live a Lie” and her then fiddler/ back-up singer Ashley Clark played a prominent role, as it was almost a duet near the end. Here’s what happened when she closed her eyes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-e21a34K1Ig

LOL!

Although I’m happy Ashley has his own thing, it’s also bittersweet. He was part of Carrie’s original band and Carrie and band are family. Little trivia: Ashley gave Ace (the dog) to Carrie.

Don’t know who Ashly Clark is. Is he part of the Clark Brothers? (Sons of Sylvia)

Yes. He played the fiddle and did back up vocals for Carrie for several years. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWRx4yd9IzI\

He left that gig so he and his brothers could compete in the Next Great American Band show which they won. Haven’t heard a lot about him since then.

And yes’ ¦I smelled him. I was curious’ ¦sue me.

Won’t sue you, but for that moment, I wish I were you. Heh.

Scott is very thorough, and loyal to a fault to DC, but he tolerates no dissent on DCO

Yep. I quit visiting DCO months ago because of the thought police there and the David-can-do-NO-wrong-EVER! fanattitude. So thanks to all here for posting breaking news about Cookie.

Cook looks like he smells like Irish Spring soap to me. I do wish he would dress up more often. He looks mighty fine when he dresses up for special performances.

I’m trying to think if Lie even has a climax note. The note he sings with the most force isn’t even a high note. David does sing some falsetto but I never knew falsetto should be sung with force. I’m confused as to what the dude is talking about. Gonna go listen to Lie for the 11th mumblety time and see if I can figure out where he meant.

ETA: Nope can’t figure out where it may be. Guess that’s something I will have to listen for on the show…if bling trance doesn’t set in and I can remember to do so.

ETAA: I think David cleans up nicely when he goes on TV. I think David doesn’t care to be a popstar where everything is about how you look and not how you sing. I’d much rather David be himself than try to pretend to be something he doesn’t have the least desire to be.

Thanks for the recap sma11ie

And don’t get me started on the hair.

Oh, the hair. Pages and pages on analysis have been devoted to the hair. But alas, it shall forever remain le tragique until the boy warms up to taking a stylist with him on tour. Until then we are forever doomed to a series of dirty (or goofy, or both) hats. Oh, Cookie. LOL.

He doesn’t look like he smells to me, but he clearly looks like he does not give a crap what he looks like sometimes. He’s just such a damn guy when he does that. Would it kill you to try more often Cookie? I blame Kelly Clarkson. Heh.

I love both of them though. They can ssaaanggg!

I really want to see Carrie act. I will get a kick out of it if the girl ends up having great comic timing!

I think image is important to some extent and the whole scruffy thing is just not working for me. And don’t get me started on the hair.

— fearbear

This is how I feel about Keith Urban. I see Cookie entirely differently.

This is how I feel about Keith Urban. I see Cookie entirely differently.

That’s cool. I like Keith Urban a fair amount but I don’t take offense at this comment. To each his/her own, right? I see Cook differently from you too.

Yep. I quit visiting DCO months ago because of the thought police there and the David-can-do-NO-wrong-EVER! fanattitude. So thanks to all here for posting breaking news about Cookie.

Well the less I say the better but lets say I stopped visiting DCO on a regular basis and Dash. Lord knows I’m a hugeass fangirl but I dont put ANYONE on a pedestal and I’ll occasionally say shit that isn’t 100% sunshine and magic rainbows which is why I like it here. I’m pretty sure if I said half the stuff I say here I’d get trampled on at DCO.

I’m so glad when I met him he smelled clean! I must have caught him on good days haha. Seriously, eh whatevs. Opinions are opinions. When he has to look presentable he cleans up. I’m pretty sure if 19 or whoever had a problem with his appearance they would stick a stylist on him. I know he had a stylist for CD promo because the guy was part of his entourage at his NY appearances.

Cook looks smelly all the time to me. I dunno just the whole vibe. He just looks like he smells bad LOL.

LOL. He doesn’t ever look dirty to me – just like a normal dude. I got to hug him and he sure smelled fine to me. I mean, I didn’t go sniffing at him but you figure if you’re that close and they are stinky… you’ll smell it :)

And yes’ ¦I smelled him. I was curious’ ¦sue me.

Ha, I should’ve taken a sniff. I was too busy trying not to flail. I don’t flail, dammit.

He doesn’t look like he smells to me, but he clearly looks like he does not give a crap what he looks like sometimes.

Now THAT is true… He just looks like a dude. Normal dude, jeans/t-shirt/hat. Then every once in a while he gets all pretty. He was dressed up a bit at the Charlottesville show and… wow. Of course I saw him at the restaurant before the show and he was normal t-shirt Cookie. And I still lost the power of speech. Hee.

Since when do rockers have to be clean shaven? Just sayin…

He doesn’t look like he smells to me, but he clearly looks like he does not give a crap what he looks like sometimes.

Now THAT is true’ ¦ He just looks like a dude. Normal dude, jeans/t-shirt/hat. Then every once in a while he gets all pretty. He was dressed up a bit at the Charlottesville show and’ ¦ wow. Of course I saw him at the restaurant before the show and he was normal t-shirt Cookie. And I still lost the power of speech. Hee.

For the most part, the rumpled just rolled out of bed look works for me because he is on a tour where the band is sort of expected to look like that. From what I understand they mostly live in the bus and they’ve been out traveling for quite a while now. He gets cleaned up when he does big tv appearances. But for the most part, for a guy who lives with 5 other guys on a bus traversing the US, he looks normal to me.

As for the hair, I totally agree it could look much much better. And I would think that between Neal and Andy, they’d be able to get him at least to a barber to do something decent with his hair. (I only say this because Neal seems to like styling his hair and there was the funny Andy and Kyle hair story). Anyway, it’s good that he got a haircut for the special. That should be good for the next couple of months of touring before they get a break again.

Radar Online reports from the set of Carrie’s special. Bo Bice was there too although he didn’t perform yesterday.

http://www.radaronline.com/exclusives/2009/10/exclusive-sneak-peek-carrie-underwood-sings-christina-applegate-and-kristin

I don’t know how Kristin could be considered surprisingly good seeing as she’s Cheno and she’s amazing.

So A- and A+, not too shabby. Of course, DC may have won a few extra points from the guy by getting Carrie to blow him a kiss, LOL.

Thanks, sma11ie! Yeah, I think that dude may have been grading him on a curve, but I’ll take it.

Interesting observation about the band overpowering David’s vocals, however. I love the band, but when I saw Cook perform in concert it seemed like a lot of his vocals were drowned out by the instruments. This is why I’d prefer Cook mix it up in concert and include some acoustic numbers and songs performed solo or with scant accompaniment. Hopefully, this show’s producers picked the better of the two performances.

I’m really looking forward to this. Is it too early to set our DVRs?

David and Christina Applegate tweets:

@1capplegate great job last night. Didn’t get to say that… Pleasure seeing you, as always. :)

@thedavidcook Thanks David! I missed your performance. I had to go home. I hope you had fun!

I love Christina!

As always? They’ve hung out? Hee. Too cute.

I think image is important to some extent and the whole scruffy thing is just not working for me. And don’t get me started on the hair.

This is how I feel about Keith Urban.

I like the scruff on both guys, but the hair, not so much for either dude. Keith’s hair is often le tragic IMO. It often ends up with this weird girly middle part.

Would it kill you to try more often Cookie? I blame Kelly Clarkson. Heh.

I love both of them though. They can ssaaanggg!

Heh, that’s how I feel. Lurve me some DC and KC, and love that they’re so real and more importantly can saang… but I do wince at their lack of trying w.r.t. the styling thing, cuz yeah, it is important in this industry. Thing is, they are both attractive people, IMO, but would just look a thousand times better with a good stylist.

I mean, I didn’t go sniffing at him but you figure if you’re that close and they are stinky’ ¦ you’ll smell it :)

I didn’t say that he absolutely smells…I just said it just looks like he does. I think Chad Kroeger looks like he smells too, but I’ve never smelled him and have no plans to so I wouldn’t know. LOL.

Bo Bice was there too although he didn’t perform yesterday.

Aww bummer he didn’t perform. The number with Kristin and Christina sounds interesting, I love both KC and CA. I wonder how many viewers this can actually pull.

I love the band, but when I saw Cook perform in concert it seemed like a lot of his vocals were drowned out by the instruments. This is why I’d prefer Cook mix it up in concert and include some acoustic numbers and songs performed solo or with scant accompaniment. Hopefully, this show’s producers picked the better of the two performances.

I don’t know about much about tech stuff they do for TV, but is it possible that they can fix the mix so that even if in the studio it sounded like the band was really loud, it can be toned down for when they show it on tv?

And, cute twitter exchange. Thanks SashaB.

Radar Online reports from the set of Carrie’s special. Bo Bice was there too although he didn’t perform yesterday.

awwww sweet!

I think he and Christina met at something for Stand Up 2 Cancer.

Since we’re speaking of David Cook’s beard/scruff, here is this hilarious Jimmy Kimmel Live mashup David did with the screaming Archies.

“And he doesn’t even shave!!!”

Good times.

ETA: SU2C. That’s right. Christina is a cancer survivor.

I only say this because Neal seems to like styling his hair and there was the funny Andy and Kyle hair story

Are you referring to the Andy/Joey hair story? DC mentioned one concert that he walked to the back of the bus that day to find Andy straightening Joey’s luscious curly locks. Maybe someone can dig up the vid. I LMAO’d at the image of those 2 boys doing hair…

Secondly, I agree Neal’s hair always looks cool, but Andy’s is more hit or miss? Sorry, it does look greasy and in need of a cut at times. Kyle’s though, ugh. He’s so cute…

I think he and Christina met at something for Stand Up 2 Cancer.

I thought DC only taped his little PSA, and wasn’t present for that? But Christina’s a big Idol/SYTYCD fan, so she’s probably been at tapings and finales and stuff.

Have I said lately how much I enjoy DC’s twitters? Today’s are my new favorites:
“Ok, has to be done… #followfriday @shitmydadsays funniest thing i’ve seen in a long time, and that includes @montyanderson

In Chicago. Flight connections! Deliriously tired, but oddly content. Oh, and I lost my sunglasses. File this under pointless tweetering

Band played great and I didn’t fall over. Operation underwood holiday special a success. Off to the airport”

‘And he doesn’t even shave!!!’ 

Good times.

I’d totally forgotten about that! Still hilarious, especially in light of the conversation here.

Yeah I think the beard/scruff issue will not die down because there’s people that’s going to be upset either way. Absurdity is afoot indeed.

ETA:

Are you referring to the Andy/Joey hair story? DC mentioned one concert that he walked to the back of the bus that day to find Andy straightening Joey’s luscious curly locks. Maybe someone can dig up the vid. I LMAO’d at the image of those 2 boys doing hair’ ¦

Secondly, I agree Neal’s hair always looks cool, but Andy’s is more hit or miss? Sorry, it does look greasy and in need of a cut at times. Kyle’s though, ugh. He’s so cute’ ¦

Yeah, makes sense it would be Joey and not Kyle. Haha. Thanks for the details, I couldn’t remember exactly what the story was. But now I’m laughing at the image of Andy holding an iron and styling Joey’s hair. They must’ve truly bonded over that since it seems that Joey communicates and hangs out mostly with Andy more than anyone else in the band (at least if we base it on twitter).

I hate Kyle and his bouncy hair. Not fair.

I really want to see Carrie act. I will get a kick out of it if the girl ends up having great comic timing!

I think Carrie would surprise a lot of people. I nearly fell off my sofa when she made that crack to Matthew McConaughey at the American Country Music Awards. I never got why she felt the need to apologize, but she’s a sweet girl, and I guess she was slightly horrified at what she’d said. I thought it was a brilliant ad-lib!!! Matthew McConaughey is kinda douchey.

Before presenting Underwood with Entertainer of the Year, McConaughey told the audience how George Strait”s boots once got him “lucky.”

“We”re like, ”Oh yeah. Say, as I a matter of fact, out in the parking lot, in the trunk of our white Corvette, we have the next year”s new edition white ostrich quill George Strait signed series that he”s gonna wear on tour next year.” And they got pretty excited about that and said, ”Well, can we see? Can we see? Can we see?”” McConaughey told the audience.

“And we obliged … Point of the story is, we got lucky that night. Thank you, George,” he added.

As Carrie accepted her trophy from Matthew, she grabbed a few laughs as she remarked, “I don”t know what to say. I got nothin” … I want to see those boots, Matthew.”

Now, the stunning singer told Fox News: “I”m so embarrassed, I totally embarrassed myself. I just blanked.

“You want to say something eloquent in a moment like that and I embarrassed myself. I”m sorry Matthew, I”m sorry to my family. I”m totally embarrassed.”

Carrie Underwood apologizes to Matthew McConaughey for sexy boot slip

I never got why she felt the need to apologize

LOL Me neither. I thought it was funny and awesome. But that probably explains why she keeps her blogs and that to her fans only.

‘Ok, has to be done’ ¦ #followfriday @shitmydadsays funniest thing i’ve seen in a long time, and that includes @montyanderson

@shitmydadsays is hilarious! LMAO!

Secondly, I agree Neal’s hair always looks cool, but Andy’s is more hit or miss? Sorry, it does look greasy and in need of a cut at times.

Ha, you know… I thought sometimes Andy’s hair looked a little not so clean but at the last two shows I went to he looked like he should star in a shampoo commercial. And I thought Neal’s hair was adorable, and I know that’s not the look he’s going for but it was a little longer and just… cute. Neal also forgets the buttons on his shirt. And they both I think pour on their pants. Just saying. Ha!

Man, I miss going to Cookie shows already. Waaaah!!! I did hear a snippet of Ryan Star’s Breathe during the Yankees/Angels game and holler out “Holy shit that’s Ryan!” and scared my husband… and then I had wistful post-show-bummed-out feelings. LOL. What can I say, I’m a stay at home mom, I don’t get out much :)

I don’t know about much about tech stuff they do for TV, but is it possible that they can fix the mix so that even if in the studio it sounded like the band was really loud, it can be toned down for when they show it on tv?

Good point! Unless of course Ken Warwick is involved!

In Chicago. Flight connections! Deliriously tired, but oddly content. Oh, and I lost my sunglasses. File this under pointless tweetering

LOL. His twitters are great. I need to get a better phone so I can feed my twitter habit somewhere other than my computer.

Yeah I think the beard/scruff issue will not die down because there’s people that’s going to be upset either way.

Well I love the scruff but that’s just me. And since I’m selfish, that’s all I care about. ;)

Bootstar, she clarified in later radio interviews that she actually didn’t apologize and was surprised when news reports came out saying she did. She was messing around backstage with the “I’m sooo sorry, Mom”, “I’m so embarrassed!” stuff and the press took her seriously.

Yeah, that’s why she’s very careful with what she says and is only now getting more comfortable. Her humor is deadpan and witty, but people don’t expect that. Thus, more chances of being misinterpreted. Her kind of humor is also the reason why she and Brad Paisley get along so well. They have the same kind and can go on trading barbs with each other.

I did hear a snippet of Ryan Star’s Breathe during the Yankees/Angels game and holler out ‘Holy shit that’s Ryan!’  and scared my husband’ ¦ and then I had wistful post-show-bummed-out feelings. LOL. What can I say, I’m a stay at home mom, I don’t get out much

LOL, I did the same thing last night: “That was Ryan Star!!!”

I’m fully expecting some DC music to be used by FOX Sports when the Phils crush the Yankees next week. ;-) How about a little “Declaration” over the player intros for the Phils?

leilamaurizia, thanks for that background. No wonder she and DC get along so well together. They’re both funny and snarky, and not everybody gets the sarcasm. That’s probably why I like both of them so much.

Are you referring to the Andy/Joey hair story? DC mentioned one concert that he walked to the back of the bus that day to find Andy straightening Joey’s luscious curly locks. Maybe someone can dig up the vid. I LMAO’d at the image of those 2 boys doing hair’ ¦

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebiNWxB_LFY
Declaration. Includes banter about straightening Joey’s hair. :)

leilamaurizia, I’m soo glad to hear she didn’t apologize and was joking about it.

Her humor is deadpan and witty, but people don’t expect that. Thus, more chances of being misinterpreted.

Too bad the press is too dumb to get her. Maybe that’s why she and DC get along– they have similar senses of humor. DC’s mentioned that he’s not great at the long distance relationship thing cuz he’s not good on the phone. He said something about how his sense of humor doesn’t translate one the phone since he’s kind of a wise-ass, so he comes off just mean. Heh, DC, you’ll find a girl who gets you, don’t worry! Carrie, got any friends? Hehe.

Oh, oh, oh! Can I get in on the “scruffy-smelly” discussion? I vote for scruff, I love that on a guy. So DC – keep the scruff, but don’t let it get too long, OK?

As for the looks smelly debate, I’ve never thought he looked smelly. Sweaty yes, ill sometimes, but not smelly. And from personal experience of being VERY close and getting several hugs at multiple tour stops, I’m happy to say he most definitely does not smell. :)

About Bo being there: TV Guide reported one of the skits would be a spoof of Carrie’s AI win. I’d think that would include Bo. I wonder if this is what Adam was referring to with this tweet:

shot funny stuff of seachrest and underwood, went to rob Thomas and one republic concert (amazing) and, oh yea: I’m producing the oscars.

I know some Idol cheese was inevitable, I just hope they don’t overdo it. It’ll be great seeing Barrie & Co together again.

Here’s an earlier tweet

Goin to carrie underwood production mtg. The biggest surprise of the show? Seriously funny comedy sketches. Carries crushing it!

So all this talk about hair has me wondering…has anybody ever seen Monty without a hat? I think all the dudes get sweaty. They’re working their asses off up there. Kyle never stops moving his head long enough to let the sweat stick around. Neal has so much Man Cement by Hombre Solutions in his hair that I think it’s impervious to sweat. Andy has a nice thick head of hair but sometimes the sweat takes its toll. People with hair like David and me don’t even stand a chance. A humid day or a bit of labor and it’s all over for our hair.

I always thought Carrie had a very dry sense of humor. Wasn’t there something on Idol? I remember it was about stars and it was hilarious, but that’s all I remember other than it was very snarky.

Someone above describing Carrie’s humor – “Her humor is deadpan and witty, but people don’t expect that. Thus, more chances of being misinterpreted.” – sorta like Andy, calling her ‘some chick’, & getting criticized cause people don’t get the humor.

Barrie & Co!!! Ah, memories :)

True, wellhesback! I was joking as well when I even brought up the “chick” thing. I guess we can all get easily misinterpreted. It’s just more of a hassle when you’re in the spotlight.

And, the same source says you will be pleasantly surprised at how well Kristin sings!

Is this supposed to be ironic?

David Cook was also at the taping, although he seemed kinda moody. Maybe he’ll cheer up by the holidays!

Probably just found out fearbear thinks he ‘looks’  dirty and smelly.

I hate Kyle and his bouncy hair. Not fair.

Kyle does have beautiful hair, but it’s very straight so it would look horrible on me. ;-)

About Bo being there: TV Guide reported one of the skits would be a spoof of Carrie’s AI win. I’d think that would include Bo. I wonder if this is what Adam was referring to with this tweet:

What’s strange is that no one saw him there. At least all of those people that have written about it. And he wasn’t in any skit. It’s a little bit weird.

Well the less I say the better but lets say I stopped visiting DCO on a regular basis and Dash. Lord knows I’m a hugeass fangirl but I dont put ANYONE on a pedestal and I’ll occasionally say shit that isn’t 100% sunshine and magic rainbows which is why I like it here. I’m pretty sure if I said half the stuff I say here I’d get trampled on at DCO.

Aww, that’s too bad. But you know, boards are what you make of it and if you don’t stay and say what’s on your mind, then the thought police win. I guess I have pretty thick skin though because I actually laugh at the pile-on, and sure enough, once you say something enough times in a few different ways, there’s usually some peeps that will come out and agree with you. Also, the puppies and rainbows crowd get piled on too in their own way (but they do seem a little sensitive to the overt mocking (self-mocking is accepted though), so overall I think it’s not that bad.

But it is nice to have this place to escape to when DCO gets all sniffly and pedestally and Saint Davey (yeah, I know!) and stuff.

What’s strange is that no one saw him there. At least all of those people that have written about it. And he wasn’t in any skit. It’s a little bit weird.

I don’t think they showed all the skits to the audience last night. Carrie was taping skits a couple weeks ago in LA before Canadian Thanksgiving and also earlier this week after getting back from Singapore. No one saw Ryan at the taping either so if Bo was there they might have had him do his part before they let the audience in.

I’m still hoping we get to see Carrie do the What Can I Say duet with Sons Of Sylvia. She did say they were rehearsing a few weeks ago and we’d get to see the duet eventually. Maybe she meant on this special.

I can’t wait to hear Lie! Don’t like the Van Halen song but Cook made me like “Hello” and “Hot 4 Teacher” so anything’s possible! December is too far away. Oh yeah..and I think the scruff really suits him. But he also looked fine in his idol performances when he didn’t have the scruff so either way…

Interesting observation about the band overpowering David’s vocals, however. I love the band, but when I saw Cook perform in concert it seemed like a lot of his vocals were drowned out by the instruments. This is why I’d prefer Cook mix it up in concert and include some acoustic numbers and songs performed solo or with scant accompaniment.

I second that. However, I felt like the sound had improved a lot lately and he wasn’t getting drowned out as much. Sometimes the recordings for TV also project the singer’s voice on TV better than they do live (crosses fingers). I think the band drowning Cook out also has a lot to do with the musical arrangements and when they choose to emphasize the bass. He never seems to get drowned out in Man in the Box or Hot For Teacher and those songs are more rocking than Lie.

Heh, that’s how I feel. Lurve me some DC and KC, and love that they’re so real and more importantly can saang’ ¦ but I do wince at their lack of trying w.r.t. the styling thing, cuz yeah, it is important in this industry. Thing is, they are both attractive people, IMO, but would just look a thousand times better with a good stylist.

So true. 2 attractive people who would look a billion times better with just a little effort, but alas neither one of them seems to give a shit most of the time. Of course it doesn’t really matter because they can sing. I’m gonna buy records regardless. But still. Sometimes the shallow monster needs to be fed. LOL

Oh gosh y’all make me laugh! I’m getting back in on the “David Cook looks smelly and dirty…and he doesn’t even SHAVE!!!!” discussion! It is just funny to me all the time spent talking about David Cook’s hair and shaving or not and clothes and LOOKS or lack thereof etc etc ad nauseum.

Yeah I can flail around that “shallow end” with the best of ‘em. I like the slightly shorter, darker, kinda sticking-up hair and the fairly short scruffy all-over facial hair on him. I think it all makes his EYES stand out. Well OK and his mouth. His whole lovely face. Mostly though, I listen to him sing. Listening and watching him sing live is my favorite David Cook experience though. He can have his hair any which way, facial, head, whatever. He’s still got the same wit, smarts, voice, eyes, etc…. Oooo shall we discuss his body too? LOL!

And he and Carrie were just marvelous together for the Disney promo thing. I thought they sounded great together! And they both seem to have a sense of humor. If they are supportive of one another, that’s so cool.

Oh good times…how could someone vote for him? He doesn’t even SHAVE! BWHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHA! Oh I love you Cook.

Yeah I can flail around that ‘shallow end’  with the best of ‘em. I like the slightly shorter, darker, kinda sticking-up hair and the fairly short scruffy all-over facial hair on him. I think it all makes his EYES stand out. Well OK and his mouth. His whole lovely face. Mostly though, I listen to him sing. Listening and watching him sing live is my favorite David Cook experience though. He can have his hair any which way, facial, head, whatever. He’s still got the same wit, smarts, voice, eyes, etc’ ¦. Oooo shall we discuss his body too? LOL!

I think he has a very nice complexion. If they were still doing those old Ivory soap commercials, he could be an Ivory girl.

New tweet from Adam Shankman who’s directing and coproducing Carrie’s special:

http://twitter.com/adammshankman/status/5103992687

There’s no way to quantify my new respect for Carrie Underwood now having worked with her on the variety special.

I think he has a very nice complexion. If they were still doing those old Ivory soap commercials, he could be an Ivory girl.

Yep, he could be an Ivory girly-man. Especially when he’s a little fixed up and on camera. Sometimes I wonder what he thinks about all the photos?!?! And there have been TONS. There are LOTS of pre-Idol photos out there. And of course, during & after Idol, it got totally ridiculous! hee. I love the behind-the-scenes photos of him taken during photo shoots…now that’s just silly!

“Absurdity is afoot,” indeed. Or was it “abounds?” I’ve forgotten already.

I love this blog! Thank you, mj and all the blog friends. And I LOVE DAVID COOK!

Bahahaha… this is a little OT, since this is a Carrie holiday special thread, not a DC thread, but we’re talking about DC a lot here, so thought y’all might find this amusing:

From a new Ryan Star interview: 20 Things You Should Know About Atlantic Records Artist Ryan Star

11. I was a varsity swimmer in High School and I still wear Speedo’s when I go swimming. Didn’t know it was so weird until one night on tour I sat in the hot tub with David Cook and it got strange quick.

LMAO. I <3 Ryan Star. He never fails to crack my sh-t up.

I remember right after the finale when, IIRC, on his interview while doing what could loosely be considered his walk of shame (i.e. wearing the same clothes from last night), the reporter was remarking about David’s beautiful skin. I went and looked… Here is the video *slightly embarrassed that I can remember this kind of shit*

ETA: I really don’t choose to see anybody, not even Ryan Star, in a speedo. Seriously, he’s got a swimmer’s body. Ryan is lovely to look at and not bad to listen to either.

Can’t wait to see the Van Halen duet!!!

Oh, and, while he looks yummy pretty much anyway, I think the scruff is fun, and the debate very funny.

So true. 2 attractive people who would look a billion times better with just a little effort, but alas neither one of them seems to give a shit most of the time.

I think he has a very nice complexion. If they were still doing those old Ivory soap commercials, he could be an Ivory girl.

Sorry, just saw this picture on twitter: http://twitpic.com/es7nl, and found it relevant to the above discussion. Yes, IMO, the guy has attractive features, great skin, and very pretty eyes. I just think he needs better hair to frame, rather than distract from that pretty face :)

Hey Cookie fans – where the heck is Teculuma, CA? since apparently he and the fellas are playing a casino gig there at New Year’s.

ETA – “Sorry, just saw this picture on twitter: http://twitpic.com/es7nl”
Damn that is one fine photo of one fine looking man

Sorry, just saw this picture on twitter: http://twitpic.com/es7nl

When I saw that picture, the first thing that popped into my head was the following. (Carrie and Cook would’ve been marvelous in this skit.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zey8567bcg

I just think he needs better hair to frame, rather than distract from that pretty face

David will never have better hair — blame his parents for that. But, he can have better styled hair.

Temecula is inland San Diego County. They have some nice vineyards, and some lovely golf courses. I’ve only been to the wine tasting rooms myself…oh and the casino they’re going to be at is the only California casino I’ve frequented. So it’s about 40 miles southeast of where I used to live and across the Santa Ana Mountains from north San Diego County. They really aren’t mountains in my estimation, but for most East Coasters, they’d definitely be mountains.

I’m in Chicago now where an anthill qualifies as a mountain…I won’t even be there, but I’d imagine they will both sell out. There’s tons of Cook fans in the area, and I’d say Temecula is doable for most of them.

I was a varsity swimmer in High School and I still wear Speedo’s when I go swimming. Didn’t know it was so weird until one night on tour I sat in the hot tub with David Cook and it got strange quick.

OMG oh god the visuals! Would this be before or after Ryan serenaded him with magic rainbow? Never mind I don’t know if I want all the details..aw shit wait of course I do! Best.ship.ever.

I’m disgustingly jealous of his skin. Seriously no man should have skin like that.

I’m disgustingly jealous of his skin. Seriously no man should have skin like that.

No, really, after seeing him up close… it is NOT fair. His skin is… luminous? Weird word to describe a boy’s skin but it is ridiculous. Why can’t I have skin like that?!

There’s no way to quantify my new respect for Carrie Underwood now having worked with her on the variety special.

Good for Carrie. I think she’s just amazing. Hubby will be happy that she & Cookie are together on the show… he loves him some Carrie, I love me some Cookie, we can give each other the exasperated raised eyebrow look? Hee.

Would this be before or after Ryan serenaded him with magic rainbow?

Oh the many times Ryan has made DC uncomfortable. Kissing his face, kneeling next to him after DC complained about his height, various inappropriate mutterings to DC in concert, many of which we never got to hear? So fun to watch…

That is so awesome to see Carrie U., Kelly C. and Chris D. performing. I too would also like to see David added. I hope Kelly and Carrie do a duet together like the Im a lil bit country and a lil bit rock and roll…since they are both that. Also i heard a couple years back that Kelly C and Carrie U. were seen taking a vacation break together. My friends aunt saw them at the hotel’s pool and started to go over and ask for a autograph but decided against it since they looked so peaceful suntanning. LOL if I had seen them I would have barged across pool furniture asking for their autograph.

http://twitter.com/onitsha

Rehearsing with Dolly Parton……She’s a sweet little muffin pie!!! :-D Carrie Underwood’s Christmas Special! Dec 7th…details 2 come

Dolly!!!!! I can’t wait. I hope she and Carrie do something together. Preferably a duet.

Edit: From TWOP

Bo confirmed in an interview on the FOX station in Charlotte NC that he did tape an appearance on Carrie’s Christmas special yesterday.

Yay! The return of Barrie and Co!

She’s a sweet little muffin pie!!!

LOL

Yay! The return of Barrie and Co!

Haha!
But it’s really great Bo will be there! There’s no way I’m not watching this show!

I’m disgustingly jealous of his skin. Seriously no man should have skin like that.

Tell me about it. And considering the kind of places he used to (and still does) frequent, it’s pretty impressive.

Hey Cookie fans ‘“ where the heck is Teculuma, CA? since apparently he and the fellas are playing a casino gig there at New Year’s.

I checked, it is in Southern California near Riverside, not too far from LA and 7 hours of driving from my house. It will be fun to spend the NYE there. decision, decision, decision..

ETA ‘“ ‘Sorry, just saw this picture on twitter: http://twitpic.com/es7nl‘ 
Damn that is one fine photo of one fine looking man

GAH, he is just soooo FINE

Oh the many times Ryan has made DC uncomfortable. Kissing his face,

I still remember the look on Cook’s face. His face said it all: “Whut the. . . ? Ewww, boy cooties!” Considering how huggy and touchy-feely Cook is to his band mates, it was great having someone turn it around on him. Heh.

ETA ‘“ ‘Sorry, just saw this picture on twitter: http://twitpic.com/es7nl‘ 
Damn that is one fine photo of one fine looking man

^this

I really don’t choose to see anybody, not even Ryan Star, in a speedo. Seriously, he’s got a swimmer’s body. Ryan is lovely to look at and not bad to listen to either.

Ha, I am laughing now picturing Ryan in a Speedo. He is very long and lean, I was noticing that he’s really quite attractive from my lovely 3-4th row at my last show. Bwah!

Cowboy Casanova performance confirmed!

http://twitter.com/Nappytabs/statuses/5109555154

Later go to go shoot opening for Carrie Underwood “Cowboy Casanova”. Show should be great tonight. Had fun there last nite!

I can’t wait for tonight’s recaps. At least one of the Carrie fans there last night’s going again tonight.

I can’t think of anything better than a Carrie Underwood Christmas special, it is a mash up of two of my most favorite things lol.

I have to agree with Carrie. Lie is my favorite track from his debut album, too. I never did understand why they didn’t release it as either his second or third single from the CD. I like it much better than either Light On or Come Back to Me. This show is shaping up to be something really special. Thanks for all of the infor.

I am so excited for this Christmas special! Carrie and David Cook should be incredible in that Van Halen number.

I love that Carrie did a duet with Christina Applegate and Kristen Chenowith.

This could open alot of doors for Carrie for acting roles in the future if it goes well.

Hmm, it seems that no one’s back from the second day of taping yet. Nothing on twitter, Pulse, or the Carrie forums. Maybe they’re running late and wrapping things up?

They just now got done.

Vinman posted on Pulse that Carrie performed 3 more new songs: Change, Temporary Home, What Can I Say (with Sons of Sylvia).

Carrie also did Before He Cheats, Jesus Take the Wheel and O Holy Night. Cowboy Casanova dance number. Duet with Dolly Parton. Her duet part with Brad Paisley.

Carrie and Dolly’s duet song was… “I Will Always Love You”! Oh, wow!

I got home a little while ago from night 2 taping. I’m kind of tired and but I’ll put some highlights in here and post more tomorrow if I left out anything important!

Carrie was amazing. I think between both nights I’ve heard 5 songs from the new album. What strikes me is that several of the songs fall into a rock-ballad category, not unlike the rock-ballad/countryish songs on David Cook’s album (i.e. Lie & Avalanche). In a way, I can see those songs on each other’s albums… like her rock-ballads and his sofer stuff meet in the same place. Being the diehard Cook fan I am, I’m thrilled and plan to buy her album. I am fast becoming a huge Carrie fan. That said, her album is still a country album, but it also seems like it might be a true crossover album.

I had another hair raising moment when Carrie sang “O Holy Night.” Chills. (the other hair raising moment was last night was when Cook sang “Lie”)

For the first number tonight, Carrie sang with Sons of Sylvia (formerly the Clark Bros). They performed a Christmas song last night, but tonight’s song was “What Can I Say” from Carrie’s new album. She said they collaborated with her on that song – I assume that means they sang with her on the album. Anyway, it knocked my socks off.

Carrie sang a holiday medley which was done in parts… they’ll assemble it together in post production. First was Jesus Take the Wheel, then a holiday song (and I just cannot remember which one), and then “O Holy Night.”

Dolly Parton was a true superstar. Seasoned, warm, engaging. Great chemistry with Carrie. Their duet was “Here You Come Again” and they killed it. Flawless. Dolly sang “I Will Always Love You” solo.

A couple of cute skits that some might find a little hoaky, but if edited right it could be some good holiday cheese. Only a third of the numbers were holiday related and decked out with Christmas/winter motifs. The rest were all straight numbers, not holiday related at all.

All in all, I think it will be a good special. It is mostly music and dancing. Oh… great number by former SYTYCD boys. Fremantle has really built a troupe… a true “company” in the theatrical sense. Their former SYTYCD winners and runners up are the in-house dancers and they use the show’s choreographers; Idol’s Ricky Minor & band are the in-house “orchestra,” and Nigel Lythgow, Adam Shankman & Ryan Seacrest are the resident directors/producers/hosts. This observation hit me tonight.

Scott, Thank you so much for the recaps!! Next best thing to being there.

About Bo being there: TV Guide reported one of the skits would be a spoof of Carrie’s AI win. I’d think that would include Bo. I wonder if this is what Adam was referring to with this tweet:

“shot funny stuff of seachrest and underwood, went to rob Thomas and one republic concert (amazing) and, oh yea: I’m producing the oscars.”

Totally forgot to mention this. Yes. They shot this in the dressing rooms upstairs from the soundstage used for the special… and made it look like the Idol dressing rooms at TV City. It was a spoof of how Carrie “really” won AI. I won’t give too much away. Let’s just say they poked fun (bribery, threats, etc). Bo was in the segment along with Ryan, and they mixed in file footage from AI 4. I thought it was funny.

Thanks so much, Scott! It’s much appreciated.

For the first number tonight, Carrie sang with Sons of Sylvia (formerly the Clark Bros). They performed a Christmas song last night, but tonight’s song was ‘What Can I Say’  from Carrie’s new album. She said they collaborated with her on that song ‘“ I assume that means they sang with her on the album. Anyway, it knocked my socks off.

Yup, Carrie sang this song with Sons of Sylvia on the album. “What Can I Say” is co-written by Carrie, David Hodges (Kelly Clarkson’s ex) and Steve McEwan.

Correction in my main post… I got the songs Dolly sang solo and the duet in reverse. The duet was I Will Always Love You, which is much more of wow-factor song for both of them. Man I was tired when I posted that. Why am I even up yet LOL!

The Brad Paisley part will work nicely. He recorded it Wednesday in front of an audience in Nashville. They put it on the giant screen on stage but made it look a satellite hook-up where she was talking to (& singing with), him live. Worked out well except for the first question where there was a 2 second delay in his answer, which they’ll fix when they edit & post the show. The rest of it timed out so well it could easily have fooled us into thinking it really was live. Audience at home will never know.

OK, done with my sudden burst of post ho’ing! Back to lurking.

I get my Dolly/Carrie duet!!!!! * Snoopy dance *

Thanks Scott! I am so so so happy that Carrie gets to duet with Dolly and spend a little time with her. Carrie has always idolized her but said she was too shy to go up and introduce herself when she sang for Dolly a few years ago at the Kennedy Center Honors. Now she gets to sing with her! What a year, Carrie sings with 2 country legends: Randy Travis and Dolly Parton. I’m so happy for her.

Any ideas what Carrie sang in her long distance duet with Brad? I can’t wait for that either because their voices complement each other’s so well and there can’t be enough Paisleywood duets for me. I’m excited to get a 4th one even though it’s not an in person duet.

So glad Carrie sang Temporary Home too.

There’s so many performances, now I’m nervous about what they’ll cut. I don’t think they’ll cut any of the duets or guest’s solos – the only guest solo that might be vulnerable is Sons Of Sylvia’s but it’s 1 of the few Christmas songs performed so probably not. I can see them cutting 1 of the Play On song performances since Carrie sang several ballads (Mama’s Song, Temporary Home, Change, and What Can I Say). I hope we get to see everything one way or another.

Nigel Lythgoe tweets:

Dolly Parton was great on Carrie’s show last night. The only thing better was Carrie herself. She was simply stunning, beautiful and a star.

http://twitter.com/dizzyfeet

Another Nigel tweet:

I’m so stupid, yes, the titles were on Wednesdays show. Duh? Did I mention NappyTabs choreographed a Vampire routine on Carrie’s Special?

Vampire routine?! Haha!

Somone on LJ speculated about the show length and what might be cut. I’m not a member there but they counted out 16 songs at 5 min a piece which = 80 min. If it’s a 2 hour show something would have to be cut. However…. I counted 15 songs (that other poster thought there was a Paisley solo AND a Paisly-Carrie duet, but unless he recorded a solo song we didn’t see, there was only a duet). And I would alot 4 minutes per song, not 5. 15 songs x 4 minutes = 60 minutes. That means little will need to be cut if it’s a 2 hour special. One hour of music, about 20 minutes of intro, banter, skits and taped segments (they were all pretty short), and 30 to 40 minutes of commercials. If the skits & taped segments are longer than I estimate, I suppose one or two numbers could be cut. I agree that the guest spots won’t likely be cut, and that there are too few holiday numbers to loose one.