Friday Apr 6

Good morning, I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you Mj for what you do, rest assured many of us appreciate it.

Mj the perfect hostess and Queen of the blog, long may she reign!

Wooing Latin consumers

…A few years ago, the big Latin crossover involved Spanish-speaking performers making it big by singing in English — including sensations like Ricky Martin, Shakira and Marc Anthony. Nowadays, stars like Jean, Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez are kicking it the other way — singing and rapping in Spanish for the hemisphere’s Hispanic market.

Salsa, boleros, cumbia, alt-rock, reggaeton — Latin music offers a little something for everyone. Then there’s the state of the declining music industry. As more fans illegally download music and selectively purchase singles instead of entire albums, record labels are desperate for new listeners. The estimated 32 million Spanish speakers in the United States, not to mention another roughly 400 million Spanish-speakers in Spain and Latin America, are markets screaming to be tapped…

http://nwitimes.com/articles/2007/04/06/entertainment/music/doce39d5d114aa4c4ea862572b3005c7561.txt

Bothell

City designates day to honor its “Idol”

Sanjaya Malakar, of Federal Way, also is in the final eight.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003654231_glance06e.html

Familiar sights, sounds, smells saturate stadium

…”American Idol” contestant Joelle James of Redlands sang the national anthem as colorful fireworks lit up the sky behind her…

http://www.sbsun.com/news/ci_5605979

Good morning, Lisa!

Just got a notice about this in my email so thought I’d let other Kellie fans know:

Academy of Country Music & GAC Presentà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦
Host Lorianne Crook takes you on a 9-part series highlighting the new faces hitting the list of nominees for this year’s show! Next upà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦Kellie Pickler!

Premieres Monday, April 9 at 8 p.m. ET

Q&A on the News

Question: Did any of the three “American Idol” judges, Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell, have a musical education or musical training?

Answer: Only Randy Jackson had a formal musical education. Jackson earned a B.A. in music in 1979 from Southern University in Baton Rouge, La.
While a student at Van Nuys High School, Paula Abdul was, among other things, a flutist in the orchestra. Most of Abdul’s formal training has been in dance, but she has been tutored by vocal coaches.
Simon Cowell dropped out of high school and began working in the mailroom of his father’s music company, EMI. He has since moved on to become a successful music and television producer.

http://www.azstarnet.com/news/177123

Idle observations

…With a smidge of guilty curiosity, I tuned in to the second half of this Tuesday’s Idol. On the plus side, legitimate American idol Tony Bennett was the guest, coaching the kids as they prepped their à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Tonyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  songs to perform.

And then there was Sanjaya. A 17-year-old, mop-topped kid of Indian descent, with a smile as wide as the Ganges River. Vocally so-so, but beguiling in an odd prepubescent kind of way as he sang à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Cheek to Cheek.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  He certainly didn’t appear ominous enough to inspire reported tears and hunger strikes by viewers or threats from judge Simon to never return to the show if he (Sanjaya) should somehow ultimately win…

http://www.cdispatch.com/articles/2007/04/05/columns/column02.txt

Ok, must go back to bed.

Thanks, MJ. I truly appreciate you providing what you do here.

Will be back to read later, Lisa!

Mary Weiss is trying to get back in the rocker pack
The former lead singer of ’60s girl group the Shangri-Las has returned to music.

…Her old sound hasn’t exactly disappeared, says Keith Allen, 48, a DJ with an oldies show at a Long Island radio station. Christina Aguilera, Hilary Duff, Ashley Tinsdale and a lot of “American Idol” contestants echo the Shangri-Las’ sound…

http://www.calendarlive.com/music/cl-et-weiss6apr06,0,4392955.story?coll=cl-music

Vote for the Rest and Take Back American Idol!

Members of idolme.com, a popular online American Idol message board has decided to take a stand and take back American Idol! They are now focusing all their efforts on what they are calling Vote for the Rest. Vote for the Rest is an effort to vote Sanjaya Malakar off the show. The idea is that every idolme.com supporter/member votes for everyone but Sanjaya. Each idolme.com supporter/member votes for each contestant an equal number of times, except Sanjaya….

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2007/4/prweb517173.htm

Concert Previews

Diana Ross
Give the lady credit. Ross is a font of enthusiasm, no matter what. OK. That observation runs contrary to what the media have always said about her. But at the moment, she’s got a new album to sell. For instance, though it’s long-rumored that Motown’s divine diva was no fan of the Dreamgirls juggernaut and its appropriation of the Supremes legend, Ross has said nothing. Ross went on talk shows, blabbed about her new I Love You, and feigned ignorance. Ross mentored American Idol and acted with charm and poise while kids like Sanjaya butchered her classics. Oy. The things a woman has to do to publicize her record. And make no mistake: I Love You is decent, filled with some chipper old chestnuts redone with Ross’ high clipped voice; groovy tunes like Bill Withers’ “Lovely Day” and Heatwave’s “Always and Forever”; simmering stuff like Harry Nilsson’s “Remember.” Diana shouldn’t have to subject herself to Sanjaya just to promote such an achievement. No one should have to work that hard.

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/weekend/20070406_Concert_Previews.html

Ex-New Kid dishes up oldies in new album

…
Q: When you look at “American Idol,” at the music charts, do you ever think “What have we wrought?” New Kids took a lot of knocks for being a “manufactured group” singing corny pop music. Now it looks like you were ahead of this curve.

A: Like everyone else, I’m looking at “American Idol” and thinking “Hmmm, how can I get on, be a guest judge?” In a way, New Kids changed the whole pop scene. We used to take a lot of knocks in the critical world. Now it’s like, anything goes
…

http://www.philly.com/dailynews/features/20070406_Ex-New_Kid_dishes_up_oldies_in_new_album.html

Spare Notes

…Veteran Hollywood music supervisor Joel C. High, a fan of New Orleans music, suggested Supagroup to the film’s producers for the raucous frat party scene. “College,” which features fifth-season “American Idol” alum Kevin Covais, is slated for wide release in theaters this fall. Lee appreciates the liberal use of sophomoric hijinks and nudity in a movie about a prospective freshman enjoying a wild weekend at a college. “As a connoisseur of the genre, I’m impressed by their going-for-it attitude,” Lee said. “And they couldn’t have found a better band.”…

http://www.nola.com/music/t-p/index.ssf?/base/entertainment-1/117584106284240.xml&coll=1

Good morning, all.

I’m just about to go to bed, but before I do so, I just wanted to express my gratitude to MJ for this amazing blog. Thank you for not chucking it all out the window when you had the chance.

April 6 should be declared MJ Appreciation Day.

BTW, do any of the contestants speak Spanish? Not that one necessarily needs to speak the language in order to sing in the language, but if one of the contestants dropped in a few lines in Spanish on Tuesday, that would be pretty cool. (What would be even better is if one of them totally butcher the Spanish lines, get called on it, and thus provide us with more snarking material…)

Sam Moore – Overnight Sensational

…It is to Moore’s credit that this potential career shattering fiasco sounds as good as it does. That we get to hear his wonderful voice at all tempers the damage the producer (Randy Jackson from American Idol) is able to do to him. Despite the poor song choice and the plain weird picks for guest stars, Moore acquits himself well and shows he can still sing the hell out of a song, even a bad one.

This album will appeal to anyone interested in both vintage and modern R&B sounds. While I wish they would have just let Moore be Moore and just given him great songs to sing alone, I respect the efforts in reviving his career. Hopefully Moore will be given an opportunity to sing his soul out alone and establish his own identity in the public consciousness sometime soon. Sadly, I fear his advanced age may play an influential part in this event, either by attacking his surprisingly still-glorious voice or his mortality itself. But be assured, by no means is this album bad. It has some worthwhile moments. It’s just to me, a very cool opportunity to re-invent Moore has been lost all for an attempt to garner some cheap sales to fans of the procession of guest artists. Still, check this out.

http://www.cdreviews.com/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=1834&Itemid=27

Free- fallinà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ record sales donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t spell industryà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s end

…So how can the music business survive? In its current form, it wonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t.

Hammond and Ertegun picked Ray Charles, Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen. Today, we get records from acts like Norah Jones, the Pussycat Dolls and à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“American Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  contestants. Not exactly what I call progress…

http://www.examiner.com/a-659595~Aaron_Keith_Harris__Free__fallin__record_sales_don_t_spell_industry_s_end.html

`Pride Star’ seeking local `Idol’

TALENT SIGNED, TALENT SOUGHT: Musical entertainment has always been a key part of the Long Beach Lesbian & Gay Pride Festival, but the iconic co-founder of L.B.L.G.P., Marilyn Barlow, has hauled herself out of retirement to take on main stage duties for this year’s event, and has landed a killer twin bill that features the Indigo Girls on May 19 and Oscar-winning Dreamgirl Jennifer Hudson as the May 20 headliner.

Hudson, you might recall, was ousted a tad early from the 2004 “American Idol” contest, as she and her six-octave range (we can’t walk that far) finished seventh. Then, of course, came her best-supporting actress Academy Award and Golden Globe, which means, what? – that the six people who finished higher on “Idol” all won MacArthur genius grants and Nobel Prizes in science?…

http://www.presstelegram.com/news/ci_5605735

Is à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹American Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ cruising on its last vocal chords?

Canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t everyone just relax?

After rocker Gina Glocksen was sent packing and song-killer Sanjaya Malakar made it to another round on à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“American Idol,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  the airwaves, Internet chat rooms and water cooler corners were flooded with theories that this season might be the end for insanely popular talent show….

http://thetrack.bostonherald.com/moreTrack/view.bg?articleid=193151

Four simple reasons we’re bored by latest crop of ‘Idols’

…2. Its best singers are its least surprising singers.

“I don’t think we’re ever going to be able to criticize you,” he told Doolittle as she widened her eyes and looked humble. “This is a problem . . . We like being mean to people occasionally.”…

Richmond Times Despatch

A Talk And A Tune: News Icon And `Idol’

…A mere 12 hours later, another group of special people were drinking coffee with “Soul Patrol” Taylor Hicks (who seemed to have shed some of his Alabama roots as he nursed an elegant bottle of Norwegian Voss water).

With harmonica in hand, the 30-year-old Hicks ended the small talk with radio-show host Gary Craig, and company, took to the stage and did what he does best…

http://www.courant.com/features/lifestyle/hc-nujavatop0406.artapr06,0,616572.story?coll=hc-headlines-life

GRAPEVINE

… Yes, that was Taylor Hicks hanging with Buddy Guy and Keb’ Mo’ at Legends after his House of Blues show ….

http://nwitimes.com/articles/2007/04/06/columnists/molly_woulfe/docef7a82cf7aba77dc862572b30067a159.txt

Betting on American Idol May Attract Hackers

While overzealous fans have accused Fox of tampering with results, one fact is indisputable: Technology is thwarting democracy on American Idol. Power-dialers can skew the vote. Text-messagers have an unfair advantage. And potential hackers have a powerful new incentive to alter the vote tallies: betting on the outcome through Internet gambling sites. Despite fans’ repeated accusations of inaccurate results, Fox is sticking with a voting system vulnerable to serious manipulation and tampering….

http://www.gambling911.com/American-Idol-040607.html

TONGUE (RING) LASHING
BLAME STUD FOR GINA BUMP

THAY it ain’t tho!

“Perhaps she wanted to stick to her guns and maintain the image, but it cost her dearly,” wrote chineseplayground…

http://www.nypost.com/seven/04062007/tv/tongue__ring__lashing_tv_michael_starr.htm

in the curant newspaper a lucky fan called taylor the grayghost…nice nick name lol

‘Idol’ Chatter: Gina’s ‘Smile’ knocks her off ‘Idol’

…
Randy: Jennifer Lopez is the next mentor, which seems a bit odd. What kind of tips will she give? “Haley, raise the hemline on that skirt four more inches!” “Jordin, bigger earrings, now!”

Kathy: Or maybe, “Phil! Use some bronzer!” Nah, I think her advice will come more from a motherly angle. Although I can’t see her coaching them about staying on the beat, I can see her giving them the “be strong, even if they hate you” pep talk. I’m looking forward to seeing her sing on Wednesday. With her shaky live performance reputation, I’m sure we’ll all have our hands over our eyes, nervously peeking through our fingers at that one.
…

http://www.azcentral.com/ent/tv/articles/0405idolchatter0405.html

Bucky Covington To Make Televised Grand Ole Opry Debut

Before appearing on the Grand Ole Opry Saturday night, Bucky first visits with Nan Kelly on the set of GACà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Top 20 Countdown where the video for à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“A Different Worldà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  is quickly climbing the charts. GACà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Top 20 Countdown airs at 9pm EDT on Friday, April 6th….

http://www.realitytvmagazine.com/blog/2007/04/bucky_covington.html

No time to watch ‘Idol,’ but on tour with one
Toby Lightmanà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s too busy with her own career to follow the nationà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s TV phenomenon

…While Lightman has been working like crazy to advance her own career as a singer-songwriter, she has missed most of the contestants who have catapulted to stardom on the strength of their time in front of Simon, Paula and Randy.

“I know he kind of sings soul music, so that’s appropriate for me,” Lightman said…

http://local.lancasteronline.com/4/202588

Former Idol contestant asks how Sanjaya will hurt Idol’s credibility

It’s becoming pretty obvious as Sanjaya Malakar continues to dominate the votes on American Idol that the show is loosing its credibility.

“How will Sanjayaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s continued success on American Idol impact the showà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s credibility? With all of the controversy surrounding Sanjayaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s survival week-to-week, is it too late for American Idol to regain its fansà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ trust?”…

http://gaysocialites.com/2007/04/former_idol_contestant_asks_ho.html

Sparks survives another week

Glendale’s Jordin Sparks cruised to another week on American Idol. The 17-year-old is one of eight contestants remaining on the vocal talent show.

Despite the happy news, Sparks shed a few tears on the show for departing cast member Gina Glocksen. Sparks sang a line in Glocksen’s final show performance on Wednesday when the distressed singer handed her the microphone….

http://www.azcentral.com/community/westvalley/articles/0405gl-idolcover06.html

The Fantasticks Welcomes a New Luisa

…The cast also currently features Thomas Bruce (Henry), John Deyle (Hucklebee), Douglas Ullman, Jr. (Matt), Burke Moses (El Gallo), Robert R. Oliver (Mortimer), Martin Vidnovic (Bellomy) and Nick Spangler (the Mute). “American Idol” finalist Anthony Fedorov will join the cast May 1 in the role of Matt…

http://www.playbill.com/news/article/107089.html

TV Tidbits: Program will profile ‘Idol’ finalist Kellie Pickler of Albemarle

Kellie Pickler, an American Idol finalist and Albemarle native, is the focus of a television special airing Monday on digital cable channel Great American Country (channel 125 on Time Warner’s digital tier).

The program is part of a nine-part series on country-music newcomers. The series is being shown weekly leading up to the May 15 Academy of Country Music Awards.

http://www.journalnow.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=WSJ/MGArticle/WSJ_RelishArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1173350592053

American Idol – and Sanjaya Sings On

…And as for Simon threatening to quit if he wins – accountability – it’s all about accountability. We wouldn’t be in this mess if Simon and the judges didn’t bring Sanjaya far enough for America to vote. So Simon, I say to you, your judging has been horrid. You need to focus and really listen long before it reaches us. You are responsible for this disaster. Simon, YOU’RE FIRED!

http://thecelebritycafe.com/features/9497.html

Jenny on the rocks – Lopez hits career slump

When a big celebrity is hired to make a special appearance on a weekly television show, you can usually be sure it’s because the producers need a ratings boost. Sometimes, however, it works both ways, like when Jennifer Lopez graces the stage on American Idol next week to perform a song from her new album.

…Lopez will be hoping for a boost from her appearance on American Idol, which has long reigned as the most-watched primetime show on American television. But here her timing might be off, too. Idol is also suffering a slump in ratings, with audience figures down 7 per cent.

http://news.independent.co.uk/world/americas/article2426285.ece

Sanjaya’s “American Idol” Survival Tops Hispanic TV Ratings

Nearly 1 million Hispanic households tuned in to watch Sanjaya Malakar, a vocally challenged contestant with a large U.S. fan base, advance on Fox’s “American Idol” during its Wednesday results show, according to figures released by the Nielsen Media Group for the week of March 26-April 1…..

http://www.hispanicbusiness.com/news/newsbyid.asp?id=60732&cat=Arts+%26amp%3B+Entertainment+News&more=%2Fentertainment%2F

Two-Faced View: American Idol

…4. Do you view American Idol as a serious talent search?

Jill: To an extent, yes. The tryouts are real. Paula, Randy and Simon are professionals who know what they are looking for. Putting your fate in the hands of the American public can be risky. I think that American voting gives Sanjaya a better chance at winning because they look for entertainment, not just for singing and performing…

http://www.bsccomment.com/home/news/2007/04/05/ArtsEntertainment/TwoFaced.View.American.Idol-2826421.shtml

The “vote for anyone but the worst pick” idea is brought up again and again every season. The funny thing is that initially the idea was brought up by Dave from VFTW during season 3 or 4, I can’t remember. It’s in fact detrimental to the other contestants and helps the worst pick.

‘Cheap’ Brits take over the American TV schedules
Brits abroad are conquering US television screens

It is not quite accurate to say that American television is acquiring a striking British accent these days; actors are actors in part because of their ability to disguise their native cadences. But in all other senses, a talent invasion from across the pond is going on like never before…

http://news.independent.co.uk/world/americas/article2426274.ece

à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ standout coming to Buffalo Chip

Former à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“American Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  phenom Chris Daughtry will be playing at the Legendary Buffalo Chip on Friday, Aug. 10, with his band à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Daughtryà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  during the Sturgis motorcycle rally…

http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/articles/2007/04/06/news/local/news03.txt

Taylor Hicks coming to Maryland Theatre

American Idol 2006 Taylor Hicks is coming to Hagerstown.

Tickets for the Friday night show go on sale April 14 at 8 a.m. Tickets will be available only at the box office that day to give local residents the first chance to buy them, according to Bruce Torres, president of Cabana Cove Concerts…

http://www.herald-mail.com/?module=displaystory&story_id=162549&format=html

Gina Glocksen: ‘You Can’t Rock Out Tony Bennett’

…On Thursday (April 5), the castoff talked Sanjaya’s staying power, Diana Ross’ impact and what Glocksen has planned next à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  now that she can’t try out for “Idol” again…

http://www.mtv.com/?source=CTY_UK#/news/articles/1556428/20070405/index.jhtml

MJ APPRECIATION DAY

Yes!!! Cup of coffee in hand, whistling “Young Hearts Sing Free Tonite” by Taylor Hicks (….I mean Rod Stewart) — key words “don’t every let them get you down”, I salute you MJ. Thanks for the blog, appreciate your patience, and wish you a beautiful, less stressful day!!

My contribution to the APPRECIATION DAY FOR MJ == purple, pink, blue and green confetti.

Who else is celebrating!!??

Cheers everybody cheers

LisaB — thanks for the early morning clips. Interesting as always.

Dismissal shocks Gina, fans
Glocksen tells The Sun about her post-’Idol’ plans

…Glocksen said she is planning to return Tuesday to Naperville and is looking forward to meeting with her new fans. She also said she plans on leaving Naperville and moving to Los Angeles to pursue a singing career but didn’t specify when.

Still, Glocksen said she is getting over Wednesday night and isn’t bitter about her dismissal…

http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/napervillesun/news/330270,6_1_NA06_GINA_S1.article

No weirdness, vulgarity for China TV talent show

BEIJING (Reuters) – China’s broadcasting watchdog has issued a list of rules governing the airing of its latest take on the “American Idol” television series, urging the singing contest “Happy Boys Voice” to uphold high moral standards. Contestants on “Happy Boys Voice” must choose songs that are “healthy and ethically inspiring” in order to create a good atmosphere for China’s 17th Party Congress, the Communist Party’s five-yearly leadership meeting to be held later this year.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/06/AR2007040600364.html

My small gift for MJ.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bcBg_NQ7jc

She loves this tune.

And I love MJ.

Latino idol down to 2

Jose Carmen Rivera and Maria Cervantes are on a path for the title “Latino Idol,” holding their ground over the past few weeks in weekly competitions at Panama Hattie’s.

Jack Cione, one of the judges, offered some advice to the two: “Watch ‘American Idol,’ pick up a few pointers and follow in the same footprints.”…..

http://starbulletin.com/2007/04/06/features/story05.html

Daughtry’s got to work harder to earn respect, ticket price

Chris Daughtry may have sold 2 million copies of his debut disc, but he’s still learning how to be a rock star.

This much was clear after the “American Idol” singer’s Tuesday performance at the WorkPlay soundstage in Birmingham….

http://blog.al.com/mcolurso/2007/04/daughtrys_got_to_work_harder_t.html

‘Idol’ fascination result of Web/TV marriage

The strikingly attractive young woman gets on “American Idol,” finds suggestive pictures of herself posted all over the Internet, yet winds up overshadowed by a floppy-haired lounge-singer-in-training…

http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/news/celebrity/mmx-0704050292apr06,0,870200.story?coll=mmx-celebrity_heds

Well, I wasn’t here when…whatever it was happened, and I wasn’t here last night when all hell broke loose, and most importantly, I wasn’t at the Avalon. So I’m not choosing sides in this battle.

But I don’t think you have to choose a side to be appreciative of what MJ does here. She puts up with a LOT of bullshit. And I say that 1) a former blogmistresses myself (man, you get some WEIRD E-mails) and 2) as a poster who probably gives her a headache every now and then.

Thanks, MJ, for all that you do.

My 2 cents worth…MJ, you never have to defend yourself…period! You are extremely fair, tolerant and seem to have the patience of Job. And you have incredible wisdom.

My only request would be that you DO ban Mass..not as a personal attack but simply out of respect for the remainder of your posters on this blog. Clearly, Mass has some kind of personal problem and her comments make her undeserving of this blog.

JMO!

Joining in briefly here to add to the MJ appreciation comments. You provide a comfortable, fun, equitable environment for all of us to gather and post our thoughts.

I love to come and read the reviews and summaries and the blog chat and occasionally join the live chat. I always feel quite welcome and that is a nice feeling indeed.

MJ’s really is the go-to place for my Idol news and opinion.

So thank you very much MJ.

On a lighter note MJ, if you see this? You should drop in back at you-know-where and see my latest news. It’s 100% drama-free (well, mostly, and the “drama” is more like “inner turmoil” on my part), and if it doesn’t absolutely have you doing this ==> :lol_tb:, then I have clearly Failed At Life.

Wow, the mass media hand wringing over Sanjaya being the ruination of all that is American Idol is pretty funny.

Hmm, it’s MJ appreciation day and I forgot to get a gift. I better get to the store!

LisaB, you are my hero. There is all sorts of juicy goodness in those clips this morning. Where else can you find Mary Weiss (Lead singers of the Shangri-Las who sang “Leader of the Pack” and are the ORIGINAL girl band) plus Joey Macintyre (New Kids on the Block — if you have to ask, you will never understand).

WooHoo!!! Oh yeah, and Season 6 continues….

MJ likes Style Council? Hooray! Many thanks for MJ & friends for providing hours of reading pleasure and idol insight.

My Paul Weller story. My not-yet husband and I were walking in Georgetown Mall in DC many years ago, and there he was. We knew who he was right away. But I don’t think anybody else recognized him (not a househhold face!). I didn’t know what to say at him so I just smiled and stared!

Here the SoundScan Numbers for albums in the top 200 this week (we’ve just had rounded numbers up until now):

6 Daughtry “Daughtry” 66,456(-12.8%) 2,105,793
16 Carrie Underwood “Some Hearts” 39,245 (4.2%) 5,155,202
28 Elliott Yamin “Elliot Yamin” 29,550 (-67.3%) 120,061
83 Dreamgirls SoundTrack 10,814 (-19.3%) 929,068
93 Katharine McPhee “Katharine McPhee” 9,863 (-12.5%) 279,472
150 Kellie Pickler “Small Town Girl” 6,139 (-9.0%) 484,021
152 Fantasia “Fantasia” 6,003 (-3.4%) 335,647

And our guest coach from last week saw quite a jump:
15 Gwen Stefani “Sweet Escape” 42,367 (64.1%) 1,070,242

And a Big Thanks for all you do MJ!!!!!!!

And our guest coach from last week saw quite a jump:
15 Gwen Stefani à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Sweet Escapeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  42,367 (64.1%) 1,070,242

HAH! Can’t believe the increase in sales from exposure on AI — wonder what the appearance by Michael B. (replacement for Tony Bennett) will do for his record sales!

Cheers everybody ~~~ and MJ — here’s another handful of confetti for you!!

Taylor Hicks brings his heartfelt soul tunes to Sayreville

…Hicks is a paradigm of class, even as others line up to take shots at him. He does not begrudge Daughtry his success. He refuses to get into a war of words with “Idol” judge Simon Cowell.

“If Simon is still talking about me, then I guess that’s a good thing,” Hicks said. “I think he really, truly misses me.”…

http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkxNjcmZmdiZWw3Zjd2cWVlRUV5eTcxMDU2NDQmeXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk3

I am jumping on the ban wagon of “MJ Appreciation Day”. It is well deserved.It seems she cleaned her house of the cluttered garbage before it stunk up the rest of the place. Well done MJ!

George Huff has been appearing on Good Day Live in Dallas Wednesday mornings to comment on the Idol performances of the night before. He’s so cute! Here’s a link.

Taylor being interviewed on KOST in LA at 7a.m. (PST) but I don’t know the call letters for the internet.

Hope someone captures it and shares later.

Cheers! Hi MJ

ETA:

Here’s the address:

http://www.kost1035.com/pages/streaming.html

Thanks MJ, although I’m more of a lurker than a talker, I’m hooked on this site. It is great reading everyone’s comments…even the scary ones!

I’m also more of a lurker but I’ve been here since Season 5 and
MJ you are most appreciated and respected.
Can’t wait to read your recaps of Chicago and Boston.

I also lurk way more than I post – I just love reading here and have ever since I found this site at the beginning of Season 5. Not being aware of what went on here, all I want to say is that for me, EVERY day is MJ Appreciation day! :smile1_tb:

Much appreciation for MJ!!

MJ, here’s a little eye candy for you as a thank you for all you do:

Eye Candy

For what ever the reason

Thanks MJ, for all you do.

Eye Candy

DAMN YOU, ABILY!!!!!!!

MY EYES, MY EYES.

Hooray for KOST.
Great interview going on.
They love the cd.
Playing Right Place now.

Boulder, lol, mmmmmm armpit musk mmmmmm

LOL Boulder. I held my cursur over the link and saw the title and opted not to click.

Abilymom – I appreciate MJ but that is just going too far! YUCK!

Can someone do the math for the “vote for everyone but the worst” strategy? It just doesn’t seem sound to me, and I’m trying to come up with story problems to figure out why. But I’m math-challenged! For the top 8, wouldn’t it be like one person giving “everyone-but” 1/7th of a vote while another person gives “the worst” one full vote?

Abily — Thanks for the eye candy. NOT. *barf*

MJ appreciation day! Yay for MJ! *clap clap clap*

LOL Boulder. I held my cursur over the link and saw the title and opted not to click.

Jersey is a very smart woman. lol

Well, MJ likes it! This is MJ’s day, after all!

Google Alerts just posted the same article that was in my local paper yesterday. This is from a different paper but the same article.

http://www.newburyportnews.com/pudonorth/local_story_095141751?keyword=topstory+page=0

In my paper they had two nice pictures.

Boulder/Ablimom — now I’ve heard of “funky” but didn’t think it required us to go that far

Eye candy — I think not.

Griz has the real EYE CANDY!!!! Come in Griz. In the meantime, here’s my donation to the eye candy box:

http://www.empyrelounge.com/images/galleries/2007/#id=040307_taylorhicks

CAUTION ###### CAUTION ##### CAUTION!!!!~~~~~~

Abilymom, thanks, I feel sick to my stomach now.

Go MJ!!!

MJ, hereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a little eye candy for you as a thank you for all you do:

Eye Candy

Eeeeeeee! *scrubs eyes vigorously with steel wool*

ETA: I’m still listening to KOST, and wth, they’re playing Kelly’s “A Moment Like This.” I haven’t heard that song in ages. (I purchased the single when it originally came out and a short time later I had my car broken into. I had a lot of CDs in my car, and all of them were stolen, except Kelly’s AI single. Go figure.)

After Taylor’s interview this morning on KOST…Mark & Kim were discussing Sanjaya…They said he is already a winner..that he definately will get a record deal and he is going to do ads for hair products (move over Miss McPhee)….They said a friend of his from Seattle said he always wanted to do hair…

Is that the chest hair that must be blown dry? Ick….

Looks like Connie could use a little spray on tan, or better yet, a shirt.

MJ……….you have a great place to come to.

The KOST interview was a little fluffy but great and the fact that they played several cuts from the album proved that they are radio friendly. The Right Place actually sounded wonderful.
GRIZ , I hope you got to hear it!!!!!

MJ – Another lurker here who wants to express her appreciation. I have enjoyed the site since discovering it towards the end of S5. I live in the Boston area too and was at Taylor’s concert Tuesday night so I am really looking forward to your re-cap. Thanks for everything!

MJ,

I don’t say it enough.

YOU ROCK!

eleventyone

I love the blog MJ… :king_tb: Long live MJ!

Oh, by the way…I am waiting for your Taylor concert review. Chicago and Boston, don’t you just love him?

jersey: LOL Boulder. I held my cursur over the link and saw the title and opted not to click.

Jersey, what kind of browser are you using? My browser didn’t give me any kind of warning and I am now blind. Remind me to label the “Brain Bleach” in braille for next time because I think I just poured herbecide on my brain.

I don’t even want to know how Abilymom came into possession of just such a picture and why she had it available to post today.

First…Abilymom that needs to come with a warning. :shock_tb: It would take a lot of :drunk_tb: to make that look good. LOL!

MJ – I also want to thank you for all that you do. This is not only a fun blog to talk idol, it is a place that brings people together. I thank you for giving me my happy place and running a blog that I look forward to visiting with friends everyday.

Ok, I am done being sappy now. :smile1_tb:

HAH! Canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t believe the increase in sales from exposure on AI à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  wonder what the appearance by Michael B. (replacement for Tony Bennett) will do for his record sales!

Well, his new album isn’t out until May 1st, but is now #4 on Amazon. His previous album is sitting at #48, but it is over 2 years old so it isn’t elligible show up on the BB 200.

AI definitely helps to move those units. The song Gwen sang on the show saw a 67% increase in downloads propelling her to the top of the Download Chart (and making the song platinum) this week. She had the #2 song on the Hot 100, barely edged out by the person who sang with her on the show, Akon.

Is there a similarly noticeable increase in sales for former Idols who appear on the show??

I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t even want to know how Abilymom came into possession of just such a picture and why she had it available to post today

Just google Constantine and it comes up! (Ew, sounds dirty!)

Anyway, that was for MJ, she’s made of sturdier stock than all of you!

And for those of you blinded, I assure you, the blindness is only temporary. I was able to avoid it by wearing a welder’s mask while I was searching for the picture.

It would take a lot of to make that look good. LOL!

Okay, so since I’m not wearing my beer goggles, I shall not click on that link. Thanks for the warnings everyone.

MJ – I also want to thank you for all that you do. This is not only a fun blog to talk idol, it is a place that brings people together. I thank you for giving me my happy place and running a blog that I look forward to visiting with friends everyday.

Ditto what she said.

And, to all of you “mostly lurkers”, I hope you post more often. New posters with varying viewpoints are what keep a blog alive.

Here’s to you, MJ! Thanks for keeping this the best Idol site in the world, and for introducing me to some of the most incredible people evah! :clap_tb:

Abily, that pic is just sick and WRONG. Eww. hmy_tb:

I must chime in to express my deep thanks to MJ for providing us with this great blog. Not ony is it a great place to come for the Idol news and commentary provided on the front page, but it’s also a lively community and the best place on the net to discuss Idol.

Oh, and I suppose I’ve meet a few cool peeps, too. :ponder_tb:

MJ, thanks for the time and patience you put into it.

Lurkers, heed SpenserJ’s advice and post more.

Abilymom, that was just wrong. WRONG, I SAY!

I will counteract with another present for MJ:

http://www.buddytv.com/articles/jon_peter_lewis.jpg

MJ, it bears repeating: You ROCK! and Thank you.

I love this place and you peeps. If I ever forget my manners and become an ungrateful guest, MJ, I invite you to kick my ass to the curb with steel-tipped boots.

Re: Constantine: I didn’t watch season 4, don’t get his appeal, and Dude… did you forget to wear deoderant or something?

db: Is there a similarly noticeable increase in sales for former Idols who appear on the show??

Kellie saw a 37% increase in sales and Carrie a 33% increase in sales the week that they appeared on Idol. Fantasia did not get a boost (but she also did not sing a song from her album which the other two did).

Interesting to note about JLos sales, i forget how much she sold just in the states, but world wide she sold 117k? not that bad for a solely spanish cd?

Interesting to note about JLos sales, i forget how much she sold just in the states, but world wide she sold 117k?

Jennifer Lopez sold 48,149 in the US last week.

BTW, for those who have not seen it, here is Bo’s new video for “Blades of Glory”:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=DP3PYz-Zpb4

Oh, and Purps, if you are around, the last track on the JPL CD is called The Ukelele Song.

I wouldn’t call her cd a flop based on her worldwide sales

More laughs for MJ……

Cats as emoticons

More laughs for MJà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

Cats as emoticons

Those are fab!

I can’t decide if I like “fu” or “wtf bitch” better.

Hi guys. Thanks for the well-wishes. . Sorry for the drama yesterday and losing my temper.

Schmanda’s “news” is awesome. Let’s just say she’s having a party at her house tonight and it involves ICE CREAM! No effing joke…

mj, I think you should ban abilymom, for blinding all of us. It took over an hour before my eyes unblurred so I could see the computer screen. Such torture…..

Schmandaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“newsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  is awesome. Letà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s just say sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s having a party at her house tonight and it involves ICE CREAM! No effing jokeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

Since you mentioned the news is “awesome” and did not mention anyhting about swimming pools, we know it does not involve *** in any way, shape, or form.

I think we need to send emergency crews to Chicago to help PJ.

MJ: Schmandaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“newsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  is awesome. Letà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s just say sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s having a party at her house tonight and it involves ICE CREAM! No effing jokeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

Really? Wow! We will NEED a recap.

and an address! (lol)

Schmandaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“newsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  is awesome. Letà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s just say sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s having a party at her house tonight and it involves ICE CREAM! No effing jokeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

That’s great, hope we get a full report.

Here is something to test the eyes off all who went blind this morning.

Naked Alphabet Eye Chart

Schmandaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“newsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  is awesome. Letà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s just say sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s having a party at her house tonight and it involves ICE CREAM! No effing jokeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

Holy Crap! Pj, are you okay?

Schmandaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“newsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  is awesome. Letà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s just say sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s having a party at her house tonight and it involves ICE CREAM! No effing jokeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

DAMN!

ETA: I demand a recap.

Spense, sniff. I still have my chance next week. :rolleyes_tb:

Ace, call me!

No swimming pools or laryngitis. Just…scars! LOL

PJ: I told Schmanda she HAS to post a recap, so she bettah! .

Abilymom: That “pit” picture of Constantine is hilarious. You can’t imagine how many photoshops have been done with that picture. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.

MJ -
Thanks for all you do (and put up with) on this blog. Thanks to you I’ve met some pretty cool people both cyberly (is that a word?) and in real life. Including a couple of posters who wanted to kidnap me and take me to Birmingham! :lol_wp:
Here’s to the reminder of this snoozefest of a season. May more Idols start providing us with snark. Sanjaya and Haley can’t do it all on their own. (Heck, Haley doesn’t do a good job without making faces and hiking her skirt. I can see that on my own college campus!)
Bring back the fauxhawk and have a good weekend, MJ and blog company.

griz………..if you show up here today, is this the weekend you are going to check out Pala? Don’t forget to report, maybe in the touristas section at GC. I hope you have heard the interview on KOST this morning. I just heard JTFTW again……..twice in one morning. Can it be true?

VOY Music | The Home of Latin Music

http://www.voymusic.com/

I rewatched Wednesday’s results and Ryan did say that it was the Top 3 and Middle 3. Weird. Have we seen the (assumed) actual vote order from Ricky?

::thinks:: ::hmm, how can i suck up to mj::

Hey, MJ, you have pretty … hair?

dawgbees Apr 6th, 2007 at 12:56 pm

Including a couple of posters who wanted to kidnap me and take me to Birmingham! :lol_wp:

Hey it’s kidnapping only if the subject is forced to go!! For all you Taylor fans, Chrissey58 and I had an extra ticket to the bham show, already had a room reserved at the Redmont, and I had an extra pass for the Laser’s Edge M&G that was sent to me by accident. We talked to her for 15-20 minutes and she would not go with us. Can you imagine the willpower that took? More than I have when it comes to the BEHM. :wub_tb:

For those who are registered or want to, these LA Times articles about AI are getting pretty emotional. Its scaring me.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/american_idol/index.html

Abilymom
Apr 6th, 2007 at 10:14 am
Much appreciation for MJ!!

MJ, hereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a little eye candy for you as a thank you for all you do:

Eye Candy

Damn it, Abilymom! I thought it was gonna be a pic of Abilydad…..I did hear he was quite the hottie!!!

MJ: Cheers!

Cosmopolitans all around! :drunk_tb:

OK, I’m bored and tired. No one has posted anything Eastery. However, there is not much EAstery around. However, I found some stuff.

First, my abhorrence of all things related to musical theater still exist, but even I have to admit that Andrew Lloyd Webber did have one blind squirrel. He really should have stopped after he wrote this:

Plus, this guy was really hot in his day.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=rDHoTOgeNWE

seriously, this is not me:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=MnXR5Baq0X8

This isn’t me either:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=1LDmPoFXDB4

This one is specifically for Boulder:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=U7aPZrl6sOw&mode=related&search=

OK, I feel better, now that someone has recognized this vastly underated holiday. I mean dosen’t it suck that we have to put up with family and we don’t even get a day off of work for it?

Have we seen the (assumed) actual vote order from Ricky?

1. Melinda
2. Sanjaya
3. Chris
4. Blake
5. Jordin
6. Lakisha
7. Phil
8. Haley
9. Gina

For those who are registered or want to, these LA Times articles about AI are getting pretty emotional. Its scaring me.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/american_idol/index.html

That’s so sad. I was really bummed to see her go. Especially before so many who deserved to go before her. I really liked Gina. And she was improving each week. Her last two performances were great.

Thanks Kirsten.

TPTB sucks. As always.

Easter Tic-Tac-Toe

http://blackdog4kids.com/holiday/easter/tictactoe/

BlackDog’s Easter Egg Click Game

http://blackdog4kids.com/holiday/easter/eggclick/

I mean dosenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t it suck that we have to put up with family and we donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t even get a day off of work for it?

It sucks even more that you can’t spell the word doesn’t.

But Metta that’s how we know it’s really JJ.

Metta!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It sucks even more that you canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t spell the word doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t.

Can you please go stalk Taylor some more, and leave the rest of us alone.

But Metta thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s how we know ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s really JJ.

Good point.

Hi Hexx

This year I haven’t been able to post as much as I used to, but I just wanted to chime in with the good wishes… Thanks MJ for all the hard work you do behind the scenes keeping this fun, snarky and eclectic blog a great place to hang out and hear the latest AI gossip. Cheers to you! And to all the fab posters here.

Metta!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Excuse me, but I’m in the room as well.

Is anyone bringing food for MJ Day? I will bring crab cakes unless I find out she hates them. :smile_wp:

What’s the deal with Masshole.
Heaven knows, I guess.
Sounds like she was given the runaround.
She never did find the right place.
But just to feel that way isn’t always a good thing.
Goes to prove, wherever we lay our hats, isn’t necessarily home.

Wow, JJ killed the thread for a whopping 10 minutes. A more intelligent person would get the message indicated therein.

I love crabcakes. .

ALL ABOUT SOUL

‘Idol’ winner Taylor Hicks lets the music breathe
Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 04/6/07

Gray hair, goofy dance movies and white-guy awkwardness seemed to make Taylor Hicks the antithesis of “American Idol” material. But thanks to a trunkload of charisma and an old-soul voice, he’s the 2006 champion.

“I’m swimming upstream with a dream,” Hicks said at the onset of his first post-”Idol” headlining tour. “It is a dream. It comes true every day. I’m very thankful, but I feel like I have a goal. I feel like I have a calling to bring that feeling and that soulfulness back to the forefront of music.”

http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070406/ENT/70406002/1031/NEWS03

MJ – perfect, then! Thanks for everything.

7-layer dip from me….with a mountain of crisp white corn tortilla chips.

yum!

Mad – I heard Taylor on KOST-FM (via the download – I’m a lazy ass and slept right throw it! BAD Taylor fan here LOL!)

Man, that was a great interview! And The Right Place sounded awesome on the radio! They really did good by Taylor – a terrific promo piece which I’m sure will get more than a couple out to the stores to buy the album – or at least let people who aren’t Taylor fanatics know that he has an album out – and help fill up his appearance at The Grove and The Wiltern!

**brings the cake for MJ Day**

http://www.wandaspieinthesky.com/images/chocolate_mousse_cake.jpg

Count me in for grape jelly meatballs.

Kirsten, thanks for the sales info.

ETA: Someone needs to tell Taylor he’s not playing the Filmore West anymore, lol.

Hey guys – thought I would let you know that my hubby and I were at a restaurant eating lunch and lo and behold, a song starts and I immediately recognize Taylor Hicks…. had to convince my hubby that it was him – he never really liked Taylor’s voice on AI – so he thought it was too good to be him! It was sorry to say, his coronation song instead of one from his album – but still – dinner music !!!!! He has made it to normal easy listening at least!

Oh – and heard on the local radio that Elliott will be singing in the studio live on radio next week some time. I guess I will have to go downstairs to sit in my car to listen when he sings. Yippee.

*hangs head in shame*

I love you JJ.

MJ appreciation day:

Well since I’ve thrown all my confetti — as I entered the room this morning and since I’m now hungry from all the dancing around — I’m guess I’ll pass out the PB&J sandwiches — hope someone has the milk!

Cheers now back to lurking ~~~~ juliegr OUT

LisaAtl, okay thanks for the “attempted” kidnapping. :doh_tb: The journalist in me knows I should be accurate.
I enjoy hanging out with y’all on a frustrating afternoon (workwise, not MJs wise) Have a good one!

Hey guys – thought I would let you know that my hubby and I were at a restaurant eating lunch and lo and behold, a song starts and I immediately recognize Taylor Hicksà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.

LOL, how ironic – I went out to dinner with my father and his girlfriend last night and DIMYP was sandwiched between Train’s “Calling All Angels” and Fleetwood Mac’s “Don’t Stop.” Last time I heard it was while searching to paper clips at Office Max, so the song is definitely making its rounds in the muzak circuit.

Anyway, I’ve discovered that girlfriend loves American Idol. She asked me if I watched this past week and when I said yes, her reply was an emphatic “I can’t believe he’s still there!!” Then father chimes in with the Indian call center theory, which blows me away. My father has never given a rat’s behind about anything AI related; he doesn’t even watch. However, him knowing about Sanjaya is a testament to the show’s present popularity for all the wrong reasons (jmho).

ETA:

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m guess Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll pass out the PB&J sandwiches à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  hope someone has the milk!

Does anyone else dunk their PB&J sandwiches in their milk?? People think I’m so odd for doing that…

Ick, I cant stand milk db LOL I just barely cover my cereal with milk and I pour what’s left out when I am done eating

db – I don’t dunk but I also don’t think it sounds odd, I think it sounds good.

As for hearing Idols on store sound systems… Do I Make You Proud was in heavy rotation at Rite Aid. I also heard a Kelly Clarkson tune during the same shopping visit, so she at least got one spin that hour.

MJ: “Schmandaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“newsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  is awesome. Letà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s just say sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s having a party at her house tonight and it involves ICE CREAM! No effing jokeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦”

———————————————–
Is schmanda the poster at etrain, named grace street, that won the AI ice-cream contest? Yesterday gracestreet at e-train, from Richmond VA, was asking for people to join her tonight for an ice cream party at her house with Ace Young, since she had won the contest. Congratulations to grace street/schmanda. I’m not sure if there is more than one winner.

Lu, if you’re around Richmond today, you should contact her.

LOL, dcd, I don’t drink much milk either. (I’m a patron of Silk actually.) But for dunking purposes – such as Oreos or PB&J sandwiches – I require milk.

Ace, I will forever associate you with Ice Cream and belly scars.

*wishes she lived in Richmond*

Hey, Lu, if you go I want a full report

MJ, there’s a tribute album for Sgt. Peppers in the making and James Morrison is contributing a track. Not sure what, though. (Not that I would be fangirly enough to set up a google alert. Ahem.)

Lu–

I didn’t even think of that. You should pm her, Lu.

last day of work over!!! woohoo!!

go mj!

Headed to the Ace party in 15 minutes! Just met with him! What a nice, nice guy! Here’s a pic including his brother Ryan.

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m235/nanassetta/IMG_0975.jpg

Wow, could Ace’s brother be any taller?

jersey Apr 6th, 2007 at 4:46 pm

Wow, could Aceà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s brother be any taller?

———-
I told him that I needed someone to look up to! What a cutie! He’s shy!

Wooo, I can finally hang on this blog..Thanks MJ.. God I felt like I was being punished not being able to post for the past five days..

Okay, I need to go find a life, so I will. See you guys later..

Wow,I just returned last night from San Fran and logged on this afternoon to see what the MJ’ers thought of Taylor in Boston. Did anybody actually watch and enjoy the show or was it all about 9th grade backstabbing,gossiping and we are the most popular bs?

Dingo, it sounds as if your down-to-earth personality and charming wit were sorely missed in Beantown.

wow shar… nice of you to jump in and make sweeping generalizations. read more closely…only one person was complaining.

Dingo, it sounds as if your down-to-earth personality and charming wit were sorely missed in Beantown.

While it would have been wonderful to meet Dingo, there was plenty of down-to-earth personalities and wit from where I stood that night. Abilydad and I had a wonderful time meeting everyone, everyone was sweet and friendly, and it was a fantastic time.

All the drama and childishness came after and is coming from one source.

Cool picture, Nancy! Looks like a great time, wish I lived in
Richmond, Ace’s brother a cutie too
Finally heard Elliott’s song on the radio, on the road for a conference, turned it up full blast and sang like a crazy person
can’t wait for the tour!

Shame people don’t actually think before posting.

folk, I did read very closely, one comment in particular seemed extremely childish, something to the effect at least MJ had someone to go with,ouch.

Whatever, it is what it is and it is very sad that the number of posts on this blog have been decreasing steadily for the last month or so. It is supposed to be a joyful,silly place about a cheesy tv show that occassionally has moments of brilliance, can’t we all stop the pettiness and remember in the grand scheme of things this doesn’t mean jack.
Off my soapbox and over to see if GC has found a new blogmaster. Play nice for MJ’s peace of mind.

Oh yeah, Gina was freakin’ awesome last week, her best performance yet and Haley made my ears bleed.

As MJ has repeatedly stated:

————————————>
The Door

If you don’t like it here, you are not forced to read or post.

….canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t we all stop the pettiness….

Apparently not. :rolleyes_tb:

Well enjoy GC’s don’t rush back on our account.

Everything has been said and cooled down. Don’t think there’s a need to bring up the situation again. MJ – thanks for all you do for us — we really appreciate it.

MJ, glad you liked the picture. I figured you’d seen it before, but like you said, it’s the gift that keeps on giving!

JJ, about the blindness, I’m sawry!! But nothing that some eyedrops and a few pictures of Taylor wouldn’t cure!

Sorry if I stepped on a few toes, that was not my intention.I guess I was just shocked that there were so few comments about Taylor’s performance and what people thought.I was seriously just looking for MJ’s recap.

Back to your regularly scheduled program.I will not let the door hit me in the arse.

Whatever, it is what it is and it is very sad that the number of posts on this blog have been decreasing steadily for the last month or so

Number of Posts On Daily Chat:

___This Week__One Month Ago (March 4-8th)
Sun……275………..245
Mon……462………..382
Tue……459………..397
Wed……376………..379
Thu*…..344………..815

Doesn’t look like a steady decline to me.

*March 8th featured a firestorm of fighting. Not of blogging about AI.

oh and shar…that “childish” comment you refer to that i made…that would be in direct relation to masshole directly insulting MJ. did you miss that?

Shar, there were plenty of re-caps if you check out Wednesday’s chat thread. Nearly everyone weighed in on what they thought of the concert.

I have not finished my recap yet. I’ll be posting it this weekend.

As far as what happened yesterday. The case has been closed–way closed. Let’s not have anymore discussion around it.

Kirsten is my friend. lmao

Crabcake, anyone?

I love Kirsten.

I will not let the door hit me in the arse.

Nah, go ahead and let it.

How about those Mets?

GO TEAM PLAID!

I’ve been trying to catch up on the threads, but haven’t seen any conclusive info about next week’s theme. Did I miss it? Is it songs from the Latin charts or any song ever recorded by a person of Latino descent?

Thanks, MJ!

TEAM PLAID! or TEAM LAID! (as I like to call it)

Should I send you Blake links?

Metta, the theme seems to be broad as Gina was going to sing Everlasting Love (Gloria Estefan). I think it’s songs recorded by people of Latino descent.

How about those Mets?

JJ, now those are fighting words..I thought you were my girl..lol

Thanks, LB2. That’s a lot broader than Gloria Estefan nite. Arguably the worst nite ever for all the contestants. That was season three, right?

It’s happy hour peeps, and I’m passing around some of my special, homemade sangria. enjoy.

I am going out tonight to pretend that I actually have a life. Happy Friday to all of you lovely MJ people. I look forward to hearing about the Ace Ice cream party tomorrow.

And……GO TEAM PLAID!

Nancy, How great for you.
I was in a hotel elevator with Ace and
I know what you mean. He has an aura around
him. He leaves you with a good feeling
all over. Not too many people have that
ability.

JJ, now those are fighting words..I thought you were my girl..lol

Oh, I am still your girl. Its just something I’ve always said when the subject needs changing.

I think that the MJ contingent of Team Plaid should have matching plaid pants (or skirts for the ones with good enough legs lol) when they attend the concerts this summer.

Ooooooh. And plaid signs! And t-shirts with a plaid applique with the initials “MJ” on them….

I have way too much time on my hands today.

Happy MJ Day!!!!

I found this blog last June and it is my favorite place to hang out.
I enjoy the idol news and snark, the music links, the peeps here, chat, LisaB’s links each morning, Kirsten and Nevada’s statistics and numbers, and I could go on and on.

Thanks for allowing us in your home, MJ!

Whatever, it is what it is and it is very sad that the number of posts on this blog have been decreasing steadily for the last month or so

I might add a couple of things to this. There are a lot of comments on the various Idol-related items MJ posts, so, added into the daily chat thread, they add up to quite a few.

Also, some people are heading into the chat room and that is where a lot of conversation takes place.

MJ has diversified and I like it as I enjoy reading (and posting) about her hot topics of the day in addition to general chat in this particular thread.

Just my .02 on the subject.

MJ!

Thanks so much for the TEAM PLAID website! Are you designing it? Can’t wait for it to get started..

I think Blake should know about it… The Blaker Girls are not the only ones, we now have a cooler site..

GO TEAM PLAID!

When will the site be ready MJ?

Hi! I know I’ve been kind of MIA, but I’ve been lurking around. I made the trek to Baltimore a couple days ago for Ace’s ice cream promo there since Edy’s thinks we don’t eat ice cream in NY. LOL

Me with Ace
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/djtino224/My%20Photos/Baltimore%20Ice%20Cream%20Appearance/52cdc9c2.jpg

And I tried the Choc n’ Roll Caramel ice cream and it was pretty good.

I was just watching VH1′s Top 20 covers. This was Number 12. I think this just goes to show that there is alot more to being a singer than hitting all the right notes. This is outstanding. IMHO.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=AO9dbmJ_2zU

JJ, Thanks for the video link. Johnny Cash’s cover of “Hurt” is one of the most evocative songs I’ve ever heard.

maracaibo:

Whatever happened to your Taylor love? Did you dump him so quickly for Blake? Did you see him in concert or are you planning to? Frankly, I can’t share your enthusiasm for Blake, but then I don’t have much enthusiasm for anyone this season.

Whatever happened to your Taylor love? Did you dump him so quickly for Blake? Did you see him in concert or are you planning to? Frankly, I canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t share your enthusiasm for Blake, but then I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have much enthusiasm for anyone this season.

Me either Chewsday – I couldn’t care less about Blake – he does nothing for me vocally or visually. The crop this year is sorely lacking any real charisma and unique talent.

maracaibo:

Whatever happened to your Taylor love? Did you dump him so quickly for Blake? Did you see him in concert or are you planning to? Frankly, I canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t share your enthusiasm for Blake, but then I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have much enthusiasm for anyone this season.

chewsday:
I still like Taylor, don’t you worry. But…
Is something wrong with liking other idols besides Taylor?
Just saying.
FYI, I haven’t been able to go to Taylor concerts because he hasn’t come to my town..

In the meantime, I am LOVING BLAKE! He is my favorite IDOL EVER.. Taylor is #2. Sorry. :wink1_tb: :smiley2_tb:

TO each his own, that’s what makes the world turn, don’t you think?
GO TEAM PLAID!..

incase you missed the the radio station live concert in Conn, here is the link of the sneak peek and he did sing The Fall

http://fox61.trb.com/entertainment/foxnetwork/idol/

MJ is my American Blogging Idol! She’s got the YO FACTOR baybee!!!

In all seriousness MJ, thanks for all the effort you put forth to make this site great. I pop in often (from work, probably more often than I should :blush_tb: ) to see the latest news, gossip, witticisms, whatever…there’s always something interesting to read here!

In conclusion, schmanda is a lucky biznatch, aaand GO TEAM PLAID!!

I never thought I would say this but Maracaibo so much wordy mcword.

hezzer.. Sorry to be so clueless?

But Mcwhat are you talking wordy mcabout?

griz:

That’s it, really. This year’s bunch has little charisma and less overall talent than last year’s group. It makes for a dull show. I don’t really pay the show that much attention any more. It’s on, so I hear the performances (and I can’t resist watching Sanjaya, but not becuase he’s so good!) Of all th3e guys this year, I wouldn’t buy a CD or a concert ticket for any of them. Actually, I think Taylor put his finger on it recently when he said that the show is as much about the visual performance as the singing performance. That’s what’s truly lacking this year.

There are past Idols who I have loooooved. There are a few which I cannot stand.

Year in and year out, however, I am a fan of this cheesy show!

I admit that there have been more scintillating years than Season 6, but who cares??!! It’s still the best teevee out there. I have wasted more hours than I can count cheering and jeering and snarking and complaining…and I plan to continue doing so as long as the show is on the air.

And I plan to snark away here at the best damned AI blog on the planet as long as mj keeps the light on.

OHMYHECK, JJ! Thanks for the Johnny Cash ‘Hurt’ link – I wasn’t expecting it to be what it was. Loved it!

I’m more with Griz here. I still love this cheesy show, but am biding my time with it, rather how I felt in dismal season three – although there at least I had a clear favorite in the top 12. I feel about this season like I did then after he was “voted out” (IT WAS FIXED!!!!!! Heh) way too early.

Bucky guests on GAC Top 20 Countdown starting at 8pm ET tonight and repeating I believe at 1am ET. This show repeats daily several times all week. Kellie Pickler will guest on it next Friday night. Bucky is also on Grand Old Opry tomorrow night which will be on TV. Its either 7pm or 8pm ET and it repeats also.

Oh My Heck????

Shall I pass you the green jello?

ROFLMAO

I actually got in an argument with someone over Cash’s Hurt, they kept trying to insist it was his song, and i was like no..it’s a nine inch nails song. There’s something different about just doing a cover, and a good cover, a cover to me is just singing the song note for note, a good cover is changing the song musically to make it sound different but still refreshing and new (aka my bf elvis presley)

platinumgray……..bless you for that really cute video from the Ct. station.

I LOVE SEASON 6.
I LOVE BLAKE LEWIS.
GO TEAM PLAID!

That is all.

Here ya go, Cat: OHMYHECKI’MNOTBELIEVINGIT!!

Don’t forget the shaved carrots in the Jello please. :sleep_tb:

I love Season 6 as well. I see no lack of charisma or talent. It’s just different from last year (which was not my favorite year – far from it though I loved it as well). To each their own, I guess.

I don’t love season 6, but i don’t think its as horrible as some people make it out to seem, theres a lot of talent this year. My favs right now are Jordin and Blake, the others i could do without, same last year with Kat, i just tuned in to watch her and make sure she was safe and then after that i was done

platinumgray – thanks for that link – oh how I wish I had more of The Fall performance!!! Geesh! Wonderful video.

I think that the MJ contingent of Team Plaid should have matching plaid pants (or skirts for the ones with good enough legs lol) when they attend the concerts this summer.

Ooooooh. And plaid signs! And t-shirts with a plaid applique with the initials à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“MJà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  on themà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.

I have way too much time on my hands today.

I love Cat. This is the best idea I’ve heard all day.

Maracaibo – what do you want Blake to sing this week? I think if he picks a great song, he could really blow the roof off the place. I can see him working the Latin flair! :blush_tb:

shaved carrots…..check

Us exmos gotta stick together :devil_tb:

cat, you’re psychic!

I love Cat. This is the best idea Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve heard all day.

Hey listen, I sew prolly 10 or 12 pair of simple plaid or camo pants every month for my kids and their friends….it’s easy-peasy….I could do it in my sleep. Only takes like 2 yards of fabric and about an hour from start to finish.

Cheap too!

Hmm….perhaps us Sanjaya-likers will get paisley for our pants. He seems like a paisley kind of guy.

Go Team Paisley!

Methinks Latin theme week may just do him in though.

But then you’d need my measurements, eh? I don’t know if I’m willing to part with those.

Great idea though… *makes note to look for plaid clothing*

Now I just have to convince Spense to go to the concert with a total fangirl and wear plaid too.

Speaking of cats, I just had my sweet little girl Casey fixed yesterday, the feisty, dainty female. Then my vet informed me that “she” was a “he” (!). Some farmer’s wife tells you it’s a girl, you believe her, you don’t keep checking (she/he’s really furry).

Blew my mind a bit. :blink_tb:

This might be a good pick for Blake this week:

Obsession (No Es Amor) – Frankie J
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVK9emHIDYM

On second thought, that might be better for Chris R. Or how ’bout this for Chris?

Give Me Just One Night (Una Noche) – 98 Degrees
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MQg4eBiP6s

I’m still crossing everything that Blake will sing “Smooth”…and he BETTER get the freaking pimp spot.

And, I hope J-Lo doesn’t get too jealous of Blake’s ass.

I don’t know if I want to go to the tour this summer…for me it will depend on how high Blake places I guess.

I haven’t seen plaid pants in year — nobody in my area wears them at all, and my grown kids would die if they had to wear them!

Na, don’t need measurements….

Just S, M, L. or in my case OMG is your ass really THAT BIG.

:lol_tb:

Hey, how ’bout plaid muu muus?! :ponder_tb:

Lol…really LOUD plaid mumuus!

We had a contest in my reenactor group a few years ago to come up with the most loud, obnoxious renaissance clothing ever….

It was so fun!

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m still crossing everything that Blake will sing à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Smoothà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦and he BETTER get the freaking pimp spot.

Word!!! Pretty please Blake? Pretty please with a cherry on top?

And, I hope J-Lo doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t get too jealous of Blakeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s ass.

Move over JLo. Blake’s ass is MUCH better.

OMG, someone stop me. The inner fangirl has been unleashed and she WILL NOT GO AWAY! :devil_tb:

Damn you, Ryan Star. I was not like this before you appeared on my tv screen with that damn piano! Damn you!

à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m still crossing everything that Blake will sing à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Smoothà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦and he BETTER get the freaking pimp spot.

Word!!! Pretty please Blake? Pretty please with a cherry on top?

And, I hope J-Lo doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t get too jealous of Blakeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s ass.

Move over JLo. Blakeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s ass is MUCH better.

OMG, someone stop me. The inner fangirl has been unleashed and she WILL NOT GO AWAY! :devil_tb:

Sarah: You and I are definitley on the same boat. Word girl!
Why does Blake have to be so HOT!
Anyways, I also hope he sings SMOOTH.. That would be awesome for him…… Pimp spot please! It is way overdue.

I hope Santana clears his songs, or did Rob Thomas write it?

TEAM PLAID!

Heads up E fans. Cute pic and album review on page 53 of the new People. Also, JPL on page 131, MJ.

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m still crossing everything that Blake will sing à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Smoothà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦and he BETTER get the freaking pimp spot.

From your lips to Blake’s ears. Ever since I heard of Latin week, this was my very first thought and I cannot let it go (though I love people suggesting Daddy Yankee because that would be hilarious). Smooth would fit him so well and guarantee a pimp spot. Actually, anything Santana would work. Step away from the Ricky Martin, Enrique, Macarena and Mambo No. 5.

At the very least though he will be in the 2nd half of the show – or else, I know someone is intentionally sabotaging his chances.

I think I may go to the tour this year. I think Blake will place fairly high.

My pick for sanjaya:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=s0gbRWendRw

He could dress the part…

PJ, that was GREAT! Loved the video and the guys’ sense of humor.

Santana feat. Rob Thomas – “Smooth”

http://youtube.com/watch?v=gpX97eg-W-k

“Smooth” was written by: SHUR, ITAAL and THOMAS, ROBERT KELLY

Glad you liked it longsong.

I like Smooth for Blake, but I can also see him doing something interesting with Santana’s “Evil Ways.” It has a great beat.

ETA: This is the song, but not the band.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=YC0j_tQygCA

I could really see him make this his own.

I’m watching Vh-1 One Hit Wonders right now, Gerardo is singing “Rico Suave”. (Hint,hint Sanjaya)

jersey, lol. I think Sanjaya has to walk a think line so that he can be a little over the top, but not totally mock the show.

I’m guessing Brasilian (Portuguese) music counts as “Latin” too doesn’t it? I can’t find the Sergio Mendes & Brasil 66 version of “Mais Que Nada” on YouTube. I’d love to hear Melinda do this.

Here’s one cover. Too bad American Idol doesn’t have a pretty backup boy band. Heh.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duq2pCfr404

Talking about Jlo. This is what you guys should expect from her on Wednesday’s results show performance.

She doesn’t has the best voice but I think she can really perform.

Check it out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AWU1MwFiWs&mode=related&search=

I was just watching VH1à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Top 20 covers. This was Number 12. I think this just goes to show that there is alot more to being a singer than hitting all the right notes. This is outstanding. IMHO.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=AO9dbmJ_2zU

JJ Thanks for posting this. That was one powerful performance.

Latin night ; Suckjaya should do the Banana Boat song so when he sings the chorus ” daylight come and me wanna go home” maybe voters would listen and send him home.He could do a Carmen Miranda thing with his hair , just add some fruit.
Most of the idol wannabes will probably sing better than J-Lo . Her singing ability has always been so over-rated .
Ya think anyone will sing LaBamba ? :thumbdown_tb:

Have any of you heard the Brooks and Dunn song called ” My Heart is Lost to You” ? It was a hit for them a few years ago. It has a latin beat but if Simon even got a hint that it was sang by country artists he would hate it and anyone who would sing it. Toni Braxton also did some songs with a latin beat that were pretty good. She can really play spanish guitar well.