Idol Headlines for 02/05/10

Adam Lambert Signed ELLEN Underwear – Winning bid was $8,500!!!!!. http://tinyurl.com/yazdxwv

A couple of radio stations are announcing more tour dates with Sugarland and Danny. Right now there have been announcements about Danny doing at least four shows with Sugarland. Jake Owens will be one of the acts on at least two of the shows.

Luke Bryan will be at least on one of the tour shows with Sugarland and Danny. And Julianne Hough will be on at least one of the tour shows with Sugarland and Danny.

Hopefully Danny will be apart of the full tour with Sugarland or at least most of the tour, even though who their other musical act is keeps changing.

A couple of radio stations are announcing more tour dates with Sugarland and Danny

Wow, I’m not a country music nor a Danny fan (altho I liked him a lot on the tour this summer and wish him well, but I have to say that RCA Nashville and Danny’s management team are doing an absolutely stellar job of establishing him as a viable country artist. They seem to have a well thought out plan and are executing it well. Altho all things in music are a crapshoot, I think that Danny is going to have a lot of success. His people are certainly doing all the right things and getting him great opportunities. Maybe it was a blessing in disguise that 19 management did not take him on and he doesn’t have to compete for attention with kradison.

Adam Lambert Signed ELLEN Underwear – Winning bid was $8,500!!!!!.

All things considered, I’d rather give $8,500 directly to charity. What exactly does one do with somebody else’s undies? Frame them and mount them on the wall? That’ll probably generate some conversations the next time the in-laws come over. And that’s actually probably one of the least icky things to do with them.

In the news, what is with all the “scandals” this year? VFTW usually finds these long before the mainstream tabloids.

A couple of radio stations are announcing more tour dates with Sugarland and Danny

That’s a great tour for Danny to get on. Good for him.

According to Brian Mansfield, Danny is scheduled to perform at the Grand Ole Opry again on March 13, the same day he will be signing copies of his CD in the Opry shop. I am glad that Danny will get to perform at the Opry again, especially so soon after his first time.

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/idolchatter/post/2010/02/four-for-friday-jennifer-hudson-adam-lambert-kellie-pickler-and-more/1

Is there any news from Kris’s concert in Cebu this morning?

Kris Allen concert in Cebu Setlist (so far according to tweets)
1. Heartless
2. The Truth
3. Man in the Mirror
4. Written All Over My Face
5. Red Guitar
6. Is It Over
7. Falling Slowly
8 . Live Like We’re Dying

Encore:
Ain’t No Sunshine
Come Together
Alright With Me

It seems the crowd does not want him to leave, they keep asking for more.

Wow! Check out Carrie Underwood’s engagement ring. It cost a whopping $800,000 and is 12 carats! That’s some ring.

I hate to say this, but, her fiance isn’t all that good looking, so, here’s hoping he has some great qualities, loves her and treats her very well. Even though I’m not really a fan, I wish her much happiness.

That Nicci Nixx story doesn’t surprise me. I was totally suspicious of her from the start. The speaking voice seemed very bogus as did the 14 hour trip from Italy. There was nothing Italian about her accent either. Everything about her screamed ‘actress’.

I’ve seen that one music video where she’s in a bunch of different costumes before. I have no idea where or why. Maybe from ‘Making the Band’?

—
Very cool that the Super Bowl tailgate concert is going to be broadcast with Daughtry.

—
Carrie cracks me up with her comment about ‘Pants On the Ground’. ‘I’ve seen the studies’ LOL

—
Very surprised there are no news articles posted here about Kris’ Asian mini-tour. I know I’ve read them elsewhere.

All the news stories highlight the “Adam’s underwear” part of the story. It’s actually the signed, framed photo and the underwear (unworn.)

I hate to say this, but, her fiance isn’t all that good looking, so, here’s hoping he has some great qualities, loves her and treats her very well.

Really? I think he’s gorgeous. They make a beautiful couple.

I won’t worry about his good qualities and treating Carrie well. I think she’s pretty discerning. He seems to adore her and they appear very happy with each other.

Wow, I’m not a country music nor a Danny fan (altho I liked him a lot on the tour this summer and wish him well, but I have to say that RCA Nashville and Danny’s management team are doing an absolutely stellar job of establishing him as a viable country artist. They seem to have a well thought out plan and are executing it well. Altho all things in music are a crapshoot, I think that Danny is going to have a lot of success. His people are certainly doing all the right things and getting him great opportunities. Maybe it was a blessing in disguise that 19 management did not take him on and he doesn’t have to compete for attention with kradison.

I think that they have been doing a pretty good job with Danny so far too. Now here’s hoping that they start giving him the national promotion he needs.

One of his bandmembers said that he will be back on AI on March 4, on that Thursday Elimination show to perform, and I believe that he will have some other television appearances as well to promote his album and single.

I hate to say this, but, her fiance isn’t all that good looking, so, here’s hoping he has some great qualities, loves her and treats her very well.

So, if he was good looking (according to your looks preferences), he would not need to love her and treat her very well?

“It cost a whopping $800,000 and is 12 carats! That’s some ring. ”

Guess that means he REALLY loves her, hey? Don’t understand spending that kind of money on a ring, no matter how rich someone is.

delete double post

tripp_ncwy
02/05/2010 at 10:36 am
Kris Allen concert in Cebu Setlist (so far according to tweets)
1. Heartless
2. The Truth
3. Man in the Mirror
4. Written All Over My Face
5. Red Guitar
6. Is It Over
7. Falling Slowly
8 . Live Like We’re Dying

Encore:
Ain’t No Sunshine

Thank you, Tripp!

I hope we get some good videos with great sound from it. I’ve very excited that he did ‘Is It Over’. I love that song. Also ‘Red Guitar’

I’m surprised he didn’t do ‘Before We Come Undone’ since it’s such a huge hit there. Of course, he didn’t know that until he arrived. I loved that he was shocked hearing it on the radio when they were coming from the airport.

Kris’s concert JUST ended. He was onstage for almost 2 hours. Here is the full set list — he did 3 songs as his encore!. Sounds like he went over very well. I saw a tweet that the venue was packed, although it supposedly isn’t a really large place…

1. Heartless
2. The Truth
3. Man in the Mirror
4. Written All Over My Face
5. Red Guitar
6. Is It Over
7. Falling Slowly
8. LLWD
ENCORE (3 songs)
9. Ain’t No Sunshine
10./11. Alright with Me
10./11. Come Together (unsure which order he did these last two songs)

So decision on Kelly next single still hasn’t been made

kelly_clarkson Getting ready for first show ….oh and just found out that now we might be going with ‘all I ever wanted’ as the next single which I love!!

Here’s a picture of the crowd at Kris’ first concert in Cebu: http://img124.yfrog.com/i/4ayw.jpg/

All the news stories highlight the “Adam’s underwear” part of the story. It’s actually the signed, framed photo and the underwear (unworn.)

…..Really? I….. really don’t know what to say. I wouldn’t buy Kris’s underwear for that much. Or at all. I’m fine with my own, thank you very much. And apparently both are briefs guys. Briefs are so uncomfortable. (Unless they meant boxer briefs which are the best, boxers are fine). But for an autographed photo of underwear?

Important question, has Adam WORN the underwear? If not then it’s even a bigger waste, you don’t have Adam’s dead skin cells so you have even less Adam.

So Nicci Nix is a phony. I hope she gets shattered and destroyed in Hollywood week. Or DQ’d for being fake (which is unlikely). That would be pretty cool.

Well, I’ll probably not invest in Idol for a while. Hollywood week comes at the perfect time, exam time, so that the good stuff, i.e. the Top 24, will be on after exams.

Here’s a picture of the crowd at Kris’ first concert in Cebu: http://img124.yfrog.com/i/4ayw.jpg/

Wow – looks packed!

Kris Allen concert in Cebu Setlist (so far according to tweets)
1. Heartless
2. The Truth
3. Man in the Mirror
4. Written All Over My Face
5. Red Guitar
6. Is It Over
7. Falling Slowly
8 . Live Like We’re Dying

Encore:
Ain’t No Sunshine
Come Together
Alright With Me

It seems the crowd does not want him to leave, they keep asking for more.

This is an awesome set-list! Wow – 3 encore songs – I can’t wait for his US tour!!!

http://www.spin.com/articles/terrific-twitter-trio-week-21

Spin magazine tells its readers to follow Adam on twitter…OK

“All I Ever Wanted” yes, great song, I listen to it a lot. To think I didn’t like this cd at first, lol. I love it now.

The underwear, weren’t they given to Adam by Ellen when he appeared on her show? So they’re also special because they came from Ellen, that adds to the value.

Casey James (I keep thinking of that old folk song “Casey Jones”) (It sounds a little like Jessie James too) having a DUI and related charges isn’t exactly my idea of a “criminal past.” Everyone’s allowed a mistake, hopefully that won’t disqualify him.

Casey James (I keep thinking of that old folk song “Casey Jones”) (It sounds a little like Jessie James too) having a DUI and related charges isn’t exactly my idea of a “criminal past.” Everyone’s allowed a mistake, hopefully that won’t disqualify him.

I wonder if he was drunk when he had the accident that he used as his sob story. Ha! Between that and taking his shirt off for Kara, guy seems like a real winner.

Considering the engagement ring was Jonathan Arndt and as a designer I’m sure he was only too happy to be the designer of Carrie Underwood’s engagement ring seeing as it probably means she’s more likely to go back to him for red carpet stuff (she already said she loves JA anyway) – I’d guess Mike was able to get a discount on the ring. That having been said, I was surprised the ring was so big because they both have understated personalities. Attractive or not, Mike’s got the reputation of being a truly great guy and as long as he’s treating Carrie right and they’re happy, that’s what matters. I get the sense Carrie looks up to the kind of guy Mike is and he has inspired her a lot.

I keep seeing Danny fans bring up national promotion and I don’t know why anybody would expect that this early. Record labels always save that for a lot closer to the album release date. Adam was the only S8 Idol who got a lot of advance national promotion and that had a lot to do with the fact that there was already a ton of media interest in him. For Kris and Allison things didn’t really get going until their albums came out. I’m sure Danny will get his share when the time comes and he’s obviously going to be helped by the AI connection when it comes to booking gigs.

Sugarland is awesome live. I don’t know that their audiences will be that interested in Danny but he’ll get a chance. It looks like his single will be top 40 by the time his album is released but it’s going to take a push to take off because it isn’t doing that on its own.

Katharine keeps on getting gigs. Good for her, she’s putting in the miles and if she can deliver good performances, I hope her album catches on.

I really like All I Ever Wanted and would love for it to be Kelly’s next single. It doesn’t sound like stuff that’s out there right now.

mmb
02/05/2010 at 11:23 am

http://www.spin.com/articles/terrific-twitter-trio-week-21

Spin magazine tells its readers to follow Adam on twitter…OK

Wow — thanks for sharing that link. That’s actually really cool that Spin is recognizing Adam for providing informative, fun and worthwhile tweets. The boy is even eloquent in 150 characters or less (spelling and grammar aside – LOL)!

Any DUI is pretty serious in my book. Anyone else who’s had a loved one killed by a drunk driver will agree.

Whole Kris setlist.Heartless,CSA,BWCU, TT,MITM,WAOMF,RG,IIO,AWM,LLWD, ANS, and come Together. Forgot about FS

Here’s a picture of the crowd at Kris’ first concert in Cebu: http://img124.yfrog.com/i/4ayw.jpg/

Great crowd. How soon before we have idea how many people went? Or do we already know and I completely missed how many people are going to these concerts/size of venue?

We should just vids and pictures. At least one person said they got vids on tweeter and a couple said pictures. There was a big list that someone posted on tweeter but only a few were actually tweeting.

Kris on stage:

@josepherrero http://twitpic.com/11ii7y – Kris Allen @ SM Cebu for Musicfest ’10

Someone also tweeted that before the concert Kris ate balut. If you don’t know what that is see below. I couldn’t do it but it seems he will try anything.

A balut is a fertilized duck (or chicken) egg with a nearly-developed embryo inside that is boiled and eaten in the shell.

Someone on tweeter also said Kris sang CSA without guitar again. I love that song alot more without guitar. So am so happy.

Twitpic looks like Kris without a guitar…must be CSA? Good news!! Maybe the boy listened to his fans–ha! Thanks tripp_ncwy for posting!

wellhesback
02/05/2010 at 11:36 am
“Any DUI is pretty serious in my book. Anyone else who’s had a loved one killed by a drunk driver will agree.”

As one of those who have had a loved one killed by a drunk driver, a DUI is serious to me too.

updated set list from today’s concert:

1. Heartless
2. Can’t Stay Away
3. Before We Come Undone
4. The Truth
5. Man in the Mirror
6. Written All Over My Face
7. Red Guitar
8. Is It Over
9. Falling Slowly
10. AWM
11. LLWD
ENCORE!!!
12. Ain’t No Sunshine
13. Come Together

yeah, happy we’re getting some news about Kris’s concert in Cebu.

hahaha.. wow, he dared to eat balut! I couldn’t when i was there!

They dared David Cook to eat balut when he was there, but I can’t remember if he did.

Glad Kris’ concert went well; knew he’d be warmly received. Was he the headliner? How large was the audience?

Kris was the headliner. The venue was absolutely packed, but don’t know how many people it holds

The NFL LOVES American Idol

Earlier today when I read that Daughtry would be performing before Super Bowl XLIV and Carrie Underwood would be singing the national anthem, I thought, “Hmm, these Idol folks always seem to pop up at NFL games.” So I actually did something crazy and researched this phenomenon, but I didn’t research too deeply, because, quite frankly, who has time for that? Anyway, here’s what I came up with: Underwood performed the anthem at last week’s Pro Bowl. David Archuleta did the honors at last year’s Pro Bowl. Jordin Sparks sang the anthem before this year’s AFC Championship game and Kris Allen sang it before the NFL Championship game. (Last year, Sparks was on NFC title game duty.) Daughtry also performed at halftime of the Cowboys’ Thanksgiving Day game this past season and handled the national anthem for the 2007 NFC championship game. Jennifer Hudson sang the anthem at last year’s Super Bowl. Sparks sang it at the Super Bowl two years ago. And before anyone says this is Fox cross-promoting the show, many of these events were on CBS and ESPN. This is an NFL thing. And I’m not complaining. I’m a Daughtry fan and you can never have too much Carrie Underwood.

Sports Illustrated

Any DUI is pretty serious in my book. Anyone else who’s had a loved one killed by a drunk driver will agree.

That's true. It's a terrible thing to do but not so much deliberate as thoughtless. But it can lead to manslaughter. Yes I guess it is criminal. When I saw the headlines I expected a more sinister past, but that's not to downplay the seriousness of drunk driving. You're right.

but that’s not to downplay the seriousness of drunk driving. You’re right.

I find it pretty sad that a person’s history from 8 years ago is now pulled out and splashed all over blog sites. The man paid for his youthful problems and since nothing else has “popped” up he probably learned from them too. I can’t believe people feel it is their duty to put this stuff online and to “black mark” someone’s reputation. Geez, remind me never to put myself out in the public eye…my history sure isn’t all puppies and rainbows.

I hope Casey James has grown up and learned from his horrible decision to drive drunk. It was eight years ago though, and he doesn’t appear to have been arrested since. I’m not going to hold it against him, provided nothing comes out to indicate his recklessness behind the wheel is ongoing.

I find it pretty sad that a person’s history from 8 years ago is now pulled out and splashed all over blog sites.

Not that I like that people’s past gets pulled up but… Idol’s been on for how many years now? You’d have to kinda live under a rock to not know that if you have skeletons in the closet, someone is going to find them out if you go on Idol. Do I enjoy seeing that stuff brought up? No… but with everything you ever would want to find on the Internet… people are going to find out and spread the word.

On a completely unrelated topic, I was eating at McDonald’s with my mom for lunch before I got snowed in for who knows how long (who knew that VA would start to seem like… Wisconsin… lol) and Kris’ “Let It Rain” came on the radio or whatever they pipe in at McD’s. Sure did sound pretty! (Then I went to Kohl’s and Ryan Star’s “Breathe” came on and my 4 yr old started belting out the chorus… that was awesome. Idol related? Well, I saw him twice opening for Cookie?)

I can’t believe people feel it is their duty to put this stuff online and to “black mark” someone’s reputation. Geez, remind me never to put myself out in the public eye…my history sure isn’t all puppies and rainbows.

LOL. This is the deal. You go on Idol, your history is going to be splashed out for everyone to see. Deal with it, or don’t try out. And it’s not exactly a bulletin…it happens every. single. year.

Bo Bice had a drug arrest in his past, and it didn’t hurt him any.

I don’t think this will disqualify him. IMO it shouldn’t. Drunk driving is serious, but it was probably a youthful mistake.

When I was young people weren’t as aware of drunk driving, and the term “designated driver” hadn’t even been invented. Seemed to me like everyone drove when they’d had a few. I sure did. I was lucky that I never got arrested and nobody got hurt.

He probably knew this would come out, if it occurred to him. Maybe the producers think it adds a little spice to have these kinds of headlines. Hard to say.

Has anyone with an arrest or scandal ever won, maybe Bo would have won if he didn’t have the drug arrest.

Bringing this over from yesterday’s headlines thread, because it’s todays numbers. Nice to see a positive bullet return for LLWD on pop. Good spin increases on pop for both it and WYWFM today, too.

girlygirl
02/05/2010 at 8:37 am

Friday updates:

POP:
20 17 KRIS ALLEN Live Like We’re Dying 3840 3600 240 22.871
+62 Spins
+24 Bullet
+0.428 AI

HAC:
9 8 KRIS ALLEN Live Like We’re Dying 2889 2658 231 14.817
+24 Spins
-25 Bullet
+0.023 AI

POP:
27 22 ADAM LAMBERT Whataya Want From Me 2864 2478 386 20.378
+60 Spins
-21 Bullet
+0.377 AI

HAC:
33 29 ADAM LAMBERT Whataya Want From Me 597 488 109 2.023
+10 Spins
-32 Bullet
-0.009 AI

iTunes

#22 LLWD
#29 WWFM

maybe Bo would have won if he didn’t have the drug arrest.

I think Carrie had that in the bag from day 1.

Does anyone have the link for the dance CD that has Adam’s FYE on it along with Madonna, etc. I think SuBo is on it singing Wild Horses. I want to hear the snippet of Subo doing a remix!!! lol Peeps says her song is the 8th track on the list. I have to hear this.

RCA promoting the Lyndsey interview:

RCAMusic Check out a great Front Porch interview with @adamlambert on Yahoo! Music – Click here: http://bit.ly/buth4j half a minute ago from web

Lenders Seize Sillerman Resort

What is the Idol connection to this story? (Since I don’t subscribe to the WSJ, I can’t read it.)

I think Carrie had that in the bag from day 1.

Ah you beat me to it. Yeah, I agree. Even if Bo had been an Eagle Scout, there was no stopping the Underwood.

I think Carrie had that in the bag from day 1.

I gave up early on Season 4, but it seemed to me that the judges were pushing really hard for Mario to win. Of course, he dropped out after making it to the final 12 (and I can’t beleive that EW article on Idol scandals the other day missed the meat of that scandal), but I have always wondered if he might have challenged Carrie. Certainly, his album tanked in comparison, but by that time he was Mario Who?

Linda Holmes doesn’t mention Kelly Clarkson (or any of the Idols, for that matter) in her evisceration of Scott Borchetta, but it’s still worth checking out, if only to read some of the fuller Borchetta quotes you may have missed. They’re outrageous.

A Response To Taylor Swift’s Label: On Tuning, Hating, And Tearing Down

Has anyone with an arrest or scandal ever won, maybe Bo would have won if he didn’t have the drug arrest.

There was quite a broo-ha-ha about Fantasia having a child and many felt that made her unfit to be the American Idol. Things certainly have changed in the last couple of years because now being a single-Mom on American Idol is almost a requirement if you are not a child yourself. Lots of single Mom’s this year and no controversy.

Taylor Hicks won despite having been arrested for drug possession, but I’m not sure what ended up happening to the charges. I think he did a diversion program or the charges were dropped or something.

They manufactured a controversy about Cookie having an album for sale on Amazon, but that was hardly something new for Idol. That was the press just needing to stir something up.

I gave up early on Season 4, but it seemed to me that the judges were pushing really hard for Mario to win.

Yeah, they pimped Mario hard during the semis, but who knows, he might have been the early front runner fake out in order to allow Carrie to emerge.

In any case, Bo didn’t stand a chance, and it had nothing to do with his drug conviction.

None of the winners so far have earth-shattering skeletons in their closets, but America loves a redemption story, I don’t believe a sketchy past would keep a contestant from winning if they were talented…and really sorry.

maybe Bo would have won if he didn’t have the drug arrest.

I think Carrie had that in the bag from day 1.

She was farmbot after all. That’s what she does! It’s *all* she does! You can’t stop her!

Things certainly have changed in the last couple of years because now being a single-Mom on American Idol is almost a requirement if you are not a child yourself.

I noticed the EXACT same thing in auditions, particularly this year and last year. I’m completely WTH over every woman who makes it on AI now having to either be a single mother, or 16 years old.

What I’m over is people going on and talking about their dead best friend, wife, whatever. Makes me admire David Cook still more for never mentioning his dying brother on the show.

Someone posted this link

http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2010/02/a_response_to_taylor_swifts_la.html?sc=nl&cc=msb-20100205

I don’t really agree with the writer, but the link does show more of Borchetta’s statement, and yeah, he was over the top for sure. He should have waited until he was less emotional to put out a statement, if at all.

It was a very shaky performance. Taylor should never have sang with Nicks, for one thing. Apples and oranges. And Stevie’s a great singer, an icon even. It was unwise to put Taylor next to her. I wonder whose bright idea that was. Did Borchetta agree to it? Maybe he should be kicking himself for that, if he did.

That performance was regrettable, but I disagree that Taylor can’t sing at all, or that all her live performances are bad. Most of them I have enjoyed. Vocals aren’t her strongest point. Neither are they for Bob Dylan or Neil Young. They are songwriters and so is Taylor. Those of us who like Taylor aren’t just about the vocals. Yet I do like her vocals which are fresh and unique. It’s funny I don’t remember a big brouhaha when Cold Play sang terribly at two awards shows. Not a peep did I hear anywhere. And Dave Matthews’ vocals weren’t great either at the Grammys. But he was singing his own music, not singing with Stevie Nicks, which I think threw Taylor off. I have really liked most of her live performances so I just have to disagree that they are all bad.

There was quite a broo-ha-ha about Fantasia having a child and many felt that made her unfit to be the American Idol.

I forgot about that – people really were outraged, saying she didn’t deserve it, blah, blah. Such a non-factor now that it’s weird to remember that.

David Archuleta and Jordin Sparks are in the latest Funny or Die video titled “High-Five Superbowl!” They come on at the 2:53 mark. Other celebrities making cameos in the video include Kim Kardashian, Honor Society, Kimberly Caldwell, Don Johnson, Pamela Anderson, and Peyton Manning…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztgI8PkYfzw

It’s funny I don’t remember a big brouhaha when Cold Play sang terribly at two awards shows. Not a peep did I hear anywhere.

Well, I saw a lot of criticism of them. Then they got roasted for their absolutely disastrous performance of “Viva la Vida” on SNL (can nobody sing that song live?). I seem to recall, they didn’t see any kind of sales bump after that performance.

Another male group that gets roundly criticized for their live vocals is Fall Out Boy.

I think people largely ignored Taylor’s vocal issues until she started winning awards for being the best Vocalist. I can see the awards for best artist or best song or whatever, but when she started winning those vocal awards, I started getting annoyed. On a good day, she can sing adequately, but she doesn’t get too many good singing days. She is pretty and sweet and can write a killer hook, so all is not lost.

I think the most “scandalous” thing about any of the winners is Fantasia being a single mom. Which I never understood why that was a big deal to begin with. And I guiess Idol doesn’t think so either, given how many single moms make the Top 36/24/12 these days…

I forgot about the Taylor Hicks pot bust. Maybe because nobody really cared.

These Idol “scandals” have become part of the routine. It would be strange if there weren’t any.

Jason has a headline on CNN’s homepage, in the Entertainment column:

“‘Idol’ Alum on his own.” It’s an interview with one of CNN’s reporters.

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/showbiz/2010/02/04/intv.cook.jason.castro.cnn?hpt=Sbin

Actual album sales numbers leaked. I posted them in this week’s Idol sales thread.

tierbee: Then I went to Kohl’s and Ryan Star’s “Breathe” came on and my 4 yr old started belting out the chorus… that was awesome. Idol related? Well, I saw him twice opening for Cookie?)

That’s awesome. I can just picture a 4-year old singing “breathe, just breathe, take the world off your shoulders and put it on me.” Okay, little sir (or miss)! Aww, so cute.

Taylor Hicks won despite having been arrested for drug possession, but I’m not sure what ended up happening to the charges. I think he did a diversion program or the charges were dropped or something.

mj’s right, Taylor’s pot arrest was pretty much a non issue. As I remember it, though, a pot pipe was found in his car on a traffic violation stop when he was in college student. The charge was dropped, I think because the arresting officer didn’t show up.

At any rate, this came out before AI was over that year, but it didn’t seem to affect Taylor’s run at all.

I hope Casey James has grown up and learned from his horrible decision to drive drunk.

Casey was a teenager back when this all happened, and I’m sure he’s paid his dues and told AI about it. Radaronline is a trash rag site and loves pulling up stuff like this.

That’s awesome. I can just picture a 4-year old singing “breathe, just breathe, take the world off your shoulders and put it on me.” Okay, little sir (or miss)!

It was so cute. Well, more like “Bweathe! Just BWEATHE!” but he was really getting into it. He loves that song. Not as much as he loves “Light On,” but he loves it. Must be quicker on the trigger with my iPhone camera!

Finally found the link to the allstar dance CD coming out that has Adam’s FYE on it. But, check out Subo’s #8 Wild Horses remix. Not bad actually.
http://www.amazon.com/Thrivemix-Presents-Dance-Nation/dp/B0032BWL0Q

David Archuleta and Jordin Sparks are in the latest Funny or Die video titled “High-Five Superbowl!”

The link above no longer works. You can watch it here…
http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/284e551abf/high-five-super-bowl

Glad to see more news coming out on tour dates for Danny with Sugarland. Hopefully he will stop teasing about his undisclosed “major tour announcement” and let people know when and where his tour dates are–I see a lot of folks who would want to get tickets. Way back when news was coming out that Danny was in talks with country labels, I saw quite a few people who were discussing that who were fans of Sugarland (me among them). Suspect they have quite a few fans in common. Both Jennifer and Danny have those “big” voices, for one thing.

That’s also good news about Danny appearing again at the Opry. I see he’s on for both shows that night. It was only 2-3 weeks ago that he made his debut there, nice for him that he’s already invited back. Does seem his team has had a gameplan they’ve been running ever since Danny emerged from the studio in November at CMA week, and then went onto his radio tour. Bit by bit, it’s been unfolding. And they certainly haven’t stinted on press releases. RCA Nashville has put out quite a few press releases on Danny, more than any of their other artists over the past 3 months. http://www.rcarecordslabel.com/

About the national promo spotlight for anyone on AI8–well, it’s not solely been on Adam — Kris had a ton of that also ever since the AI finale, it came with being the winner. I’ve seen a rumor about Danny possibly being booked for Good Morning America but don’t know if that’s true. The one about AI9 on March 4th or thereabouts seems pretty plausible. And he told fans last month he’s booked on Regis & Kelly, haven’t heard a date.

Some Q&A videos of Danny are out, they were collecting questions from fans at his official site last month.

http://www.ainow.org/index.php/tidbits/2000-danny-gokeys-debut-album-press-tour-continues

This is cool, don’t know if already posted. American Idol Greatest Performances.

http://www.hispanicbusiness.com/newswire/2010/2/5/american_idols_adam_lambert_dominates_idols.htm

This is cool, don’t know if already posted. American Idol Greatest Performances.

http://www.hispanicbusiness.com/newswire/2010/2/5/american_idols_adam_lambert_dominates_idols.htm

13. Tracks of My Tears, Adam Lambert.
12. Alone, Carrie Underwood.
11. Heartless, Kris Allen.
10. In the Ghetto, Taylor Hicks.
9. Respect, Kelly Clarkson.
8. Superstar, Ruben Studdard.
7. Hallelujah, Jason Castro.
6. A Change is Gonna Come, Adam Lambert.
5. You Give Love a Bad Name, Blake Lewis.
4. Billie Jean, David Cook.
3. Imagine, David Archuleta.
2. Summertime, Fantasia Barrino.
1. Mad World, Adam Lambert.

These lists are so subjective. No Bo Bice “In a Dream”, Clay Aiken “Solataire”, Melinda Doolittle “My Funny Valentine”, or Kelly Clarkson “Stuff Like That There”. And Adam’s “A Change is Gonna Come”? Really? Not his best effort, IMO.

That list does seem Adam-centric, and tilted to the last two years of performers also.
Out of 8 years of performances to date, would look for more balance than that.

Most of them I have enjoyed. Vocals aren’t her strongest point. Neither are they for Bob Dylan or Neil Young.

I’ve seen Neil Young dozens of times, on TV and in concert. His vocal style may not be your cuppa but he sings in tune. And so does Bob Dylan, any pitchyness he displays is part of his unique vocal style.

Taylor has no vocal style to speak of. Just a lot of tuneless singing.

That American Idol Greatest Performances list has no more worth than any other individual fan’s individual list. I would have included Cookie’s “Hello” and “Always be my Baby” along with “Billie Jean” , of course, but my list would have no more weight than his.

I agree with mj about Neil Young, have always loved him. He’s got a very rough raw style of singing (he’s a rocker after all) but he’s a strong singer nonetheless and on tune.

I had to mute Taylor at the CMAs, it was completely unlistenably off on both of her songs. Even Taylor’s recorded tracks with all the production help available don’t sound all that great to me vocally, just passable in a thin warbly sort of way. It’s more her personality and the songs themselves that work for her, I think. More power to her, I suppose, but it’s a lot of success for an early age for what she’s done so far.

Hispanic Business is HEAVILY biased toward Adam.Most of my email alerts are from them…

Hispanic Business is HEAVILY biased toward Adam.Most of my email alerts are from them…

Not sure I’ve ever heard, does Adam speak any Spanish? maybe he should do a Spanish language promo or even a version of one of his songs sometime if he’s got a lot of Hispanic / Latino fans.

That American Idol Greatest Performances list has no more worth than any other individual fan’s individual list. I would have included Cookie’s “Hello” and “Always be my Baby” along with “Billie Jean” , of course, but my list would have no more weight than his.

Yeah… as an all-time list, it was pretty thin. Especially for missing “In A Dream”, which pretty much legitimized another realm of performance on the show. I mean, that’s just egregious. It just kind of rings on convenience, really.

Not sure I’ve ever heard, does Adam speak any Spanish?

I don’t think so -he’s never mentioned it.

Btw-I don’t agree with Hispanicbusiness’ list wither-not enough Adam

According to a thread on ontd_ai, the Sony P.R. people are trying to arrange for Adam’s promotional visits to the UK in March and April to be greeted by “mass hysteria”.

Um, what?????

I’ve seen Neil Young dozens of times, on TV and in concert. His vocal style may not be your cuppa but he sings in tune. And so does Bob Dylan, any pitchyness he displays is part of his unique vocal style.

Taylor has no vocal style to speak of. Just a lot of tuneless singing.

mj:
That’s what I was thinking! Yes, Bob Dylan’s voice is different and unique (I love it!) but he didn’t have consistent problems singing live or staying on pitch! Of course, as we age the voice will usually suffer some. (This has happened to Dylan.) But Taylor is young.

girlygirl: More info on that! Sounds awesome!

And for those of you further north of the border, Adam will be doing a full regional radio tour in March, starting in Glasgow and working his way down the country via all the big cities. I will let you know exact times and places when it’s all confirmed!

mj
02/05/2010 at 7:22 pm
I’ve seen Neil Young dozens of times, on TV and in concert. His vocal style may not be your cuppa but he sings in tune. And so does Bob Dylan, any pitchyness he displays is part of his unique vocal style.

Taylor has no vocal style to speak of. Just a lot of tuneless singing.

Thank you MJ. It drives me nuts when people say that Neal Young, Bob Dylan, etc. can’t sing. They may not have much range, and they certainly have unique tones and phrasing, but they know how to control their vocal instruments well, and can stay in tune. Stevie Nicks, ironically, is another good example of an unusual voice, but an excellent singer. You either like her tone & style or you don’t, but she is a good singer either way.

Sugarland’s FB page is saying Danny is also going to be with them at this New York date in June.

Sugarland’s “The Incredible Machine Tour” at CMAC in Canandaigua, NY, June 13, 2010 with special guests Luke Bryan & Danny Gokey!
Tickets on sale, Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 12pm!

Vonda Shephard is showing up for another date in April and one I saw for September, and Luke Bryan and Jake Owen also show up in the mix. Maybe Vonda being in the tour both early and late means they have a rotating group of supporting acts, and Danny could be part of the tour through the duration vs. just April – June timeframe for his dates we’ve heard about so far. Was glad to see Danny will be at the Salt Lake City date, it’s not near me but Salt Lake radio has been pretty supportive of Danny. They seem to like him there.

nvm

Apparently Sugarland & Danny & Luke B going to Canandaigua, N.Y is big doings in that area. Local news affiliate has a story posted on it. I lived in NY for a while, have to say never heard of Canandaigua–had to look it up. Outside Rochester. Good for Danny, that’s same area where they had a big crowd of somewhere close to 500 peeps come to see him for a workday evening concert earlier this week.

http://www.13wham.com/news/local/story/Sugarland-Ringo-Starr-to-Perform-at-CMAC/v6CN-B_E6EKEtdaPhB3-gg.cspx

(B) “mass hysteria” should be organic

The RCA promo team is trying to get some fans together to get things organized. They probably want to make sure fans have a way to communicate and know when Adam will be coming to their area. No one said he was one of the Beatles, but the PR team is doing a good job if they are laying the groundwork for Adam’s trip to Europe NOW. It seems like a smart move to me.
Organic? Right…it’s called promotion and advertising. Everyone has fan groups, why not try to get them organized?
Actually, nothing about AI is “organic”. It’s not like these idols have had to start at a grassroot’s level by selling their cds from a table after a gig. They have that “American Idol” tag in front of their name. It helps them skip a lot of the grunt work. None of the winners or runners-up have had an “organic” start to their music careers.

And so does Bob Dylan, any pitchyness he displays is part of his unique vocal style.

I don’t think Bob Dylan is pitchy either, his voice sounds like crap. Or it did the one time live I heard him, but not pitchy. He just wasn’t what I wanted to hear doing that, at that time. Oh and it’s not that I need only pure-ass vocals to enjoy stuff. I love plenty of people with questionable voices, and am not a huge fan of things like opera, which are all about the pure-ass vocals.

But that isn’t what Taylor does.

Taylor has no vocal style to speak of. Just a lot of tuneless singing.

Don’t forget she also strums on a guitar while doing so. Next up, walking and chewing gum at the same time.

According to a thread on ontd_ai, the Sony P.R. people are trying to arrange for Adam’s promotional visits to the UK in March and April to be greeted by “mass hysteria”.

Um, what?????

It’s PR, it’s what they do. I mean I agree, just having it happen, would be best. But the “P” in PR isn’t about actually leaving things to the public, it’s about shaping the public. (as an aside, wasn’t that a locked thread on ontd_ai? and do they still have that policy about taking stuff out of locked threads?).

Truthiness

IDK if it was locked or not — didn’t notice. But it was in the O.P., not within the comments section. I just think the idea of trying to manufacture “mass hysteria” for anyone is ridiculous and rather calculated. Nothing against Adam himself — I’d think the same thing if Kris’s p.r. team tried it, or anyone’s p.r. team tried it. And I think they can create a nice buzz for Adam’s promotional campaign without this idea. Maybe my problem is that when I read this, I immediately got a vision in my head straight out of “A Hard Day’s Night”, with screaming girls chasing Adam through a train station…

JMO, though. As always, YMMV

Meanwhile…
LLWD is back up to #20
WWFM is at #30

It was Simon Fuller who asked Kris if he wanted to go to Haiti…

In other celebrities-helping-Haiti news, Kris Allen tells us he will make a trip there, but he promises not to turn it into a photo op. “I’m going to go in March,” the American Idol winner says. “Simon Fuller asked me, ‘You want to go to Haiti?’ and I was like, ‘Absolutely!’ I want to help out in any way I can.”

http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/marc_malkin/b165945_kristen_stewarts_help_haiti_continues.html

Danny’s music video just debuted at #8 on one of the CMT countdowns.

Pretty good considering the urban legend I’ve seen that he has only 10 or 20 online fans (sorry, couldn’t resist)

Danny’s #8 on the 12 Pack Countdown on CMT Pure Country channel. It’s his first time on one of the Country music video countdowns.

According to a thread on ontd_ai, the Sony P.R. people are trying to arrange for Adam’s promotional visits to the UK in March and April to be greeted by “mass hysteria”.

LOL, you mean, the mass hysteria has to be arranged ?
Good to know, so next time I watch ET, extra, etc and read things in the news about it, I know that it is not real.

What voting thing did Danny keep tweeting about today?

steph, lol, that’s funny! I know I am completely exhausted, how are you holding up?

Mary, there are a number of different country countdowns and his fans have encouraged Danny to tweet about them. It’s hard to keep them all straight but I am managing so far.

Danny was tweeting today about the GAC (Great American Country) countdown. He didn’t make that one yet. It’s not that easy to get on it, the only video new this week on their list was Tim McGraw’s song that’s been near the top of the radio charts.

There’s also a CMT Top 20 countdown, Danny’s not yet eligible on that. His My Best Days video just started running at GAC last weekend, and it was only earlier this week I heard anyone say they saw it on one of the CMT channels.

I saw someone say also today they saw the MBD video on VH1? I suppose that’s possible, but thought maybe that person was just confused about what channel they saw. Of course, I thought the first person I saw saying it was running on CMT was mixed up too, lol.

steph, lol, that’s funny! I know I am completely exhausted, how are you holding up?

Josie, I’m doing pretty good…considering. It sure is a lotta work, lol.
Between you, me and aek, we have a big percentage of that 10-20 peep online fanbase here. Hope we are all ok and resting up for the next round!

I saw someone say also today they saw the MBV video on VH1? I suppose that’s possible, but thought maybe that person was just confused about what channel they saw. Of course, I thought the first person I saw saying it was running on CMT was mixed up too, lol.

I think that person was confused as well. When I saw that Tweet, and checked the time and channel music wasn’t playing on VH-1. I think they saw Danny’s video on one of the country music channels but accidentally typed VH-1 instead.

I am glad that Danny has been getting a decent amount of airplay on GAC. His video plays on that channel at least twice a day and I think sometimes more than twice.

I don’t think Bob Dylan is pitchy either, his voice sounds like crap. Or it did the one time live I heard him, but not pitchy. He just wasn’t what I wanted to hear doing that, at that time. Oh and it’s not that I need only pure-ass vocals to enjoy stuff. I love plenty of people with questionable voices, and am not a huge fan of things like opera, which are all about the pure-ass vocals.

As a classical musician (and opera lover) who tends to be a bit of a vocal purist (and pretty picky about what I consider good singing) – I nevertheless consider many singers who don’t have the most pure, perfect tones to still be excellent singers. In many cases, and as it fits the particular genre, they can offer “unique” sounds and voices with personality that help make sure all music doesn’t just sound the same (which would really suck!)

However, the basics of singing, not unlike what any classically trained person would learn – pitch, rhythm, and phrasing predominantly, are the things that I need to have pretty spot on to consider someone a good singer. Hence, why Taylor’s issues, particularly with pitch, bug me so much. And why people like Dylan do not.

JosieX
02/05/2010 at 9:41 pm
Mary, there are a number of different country countdowns and his fans have encouraged Danny to tweet about them. It’s hard to keep them all straight but I am managing

Ahh, thanks for the clarification. When I clicked on the link, it looked like a similar video countdown, so I wasn’t sure if it was the one mentioned in the thread.

Big surprise that I’m not that up on what’s going on in country

LOL

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/karaoke-idol-all-stars-in/id352782227&partnerId=30&siteID=X3Th4gZi_iQ-H2_SKr0Fdgc.QsEPnuqtCw

Yeah I think the tweeter was confused — VH1 doesn’t play country music videos unless the song is a big crossover hit, like Taylor Swift or Carrie Underwood have had in the past. So unless MBD suddenly becomes a pop or Hot AC hit, I can’t see the video on VH1 anytime soon.

But good for Danny at being #8 on the country MV countdown

VH1 wouldn’t make sense to me either. We haven’t seen any sign that RCA Nashville has been trying at this early point to present Danny as a crossover artist. If anything the opposite. Most of their emphasis has seemed to be establishing him credibly in the Nashville community–touring all the country stations, limited hyping of his AI branding, appearing at the Opry with another date coming up, etc. And the Sugarland tour, which is really quite fabulous for Danny

A couple of AC/HAC stations have invited Danny to appear on air when they heard he was going to be nearby but I don’t know of any that were sought out by Danny’s team.

week-end is always good for LLWD … it’s now at #18

regarding the discussion about whether Bob Dylan or Neil Diamond can sing …. wow !! this question never crossed my mind! of course they can and the rest is a matter of tastes.

A couple of AC/HAC stations have invited Danny to appear on air when they heard he was going to be nearby but I don’t know of any that were sought out by Danny’s team.

Danny’s song “I will not say goodbye got at least one spin on an AC station, and I think that “My Best Days” might have gotten a spin on an AC stations as well. But it’s true that we really haven’t seen Danny’s team seek those type of statons out.

I am glad that Sugarland has posted some of the dates mentioning Danny touring with them on their facebook. I wonder when he will make the official announcement about touring with them? Maybe early next week after they work some more details out about the tour.

I think that think touring on a major tour with Sugarland and other supporting country acts will be a fantastic experience for Danny. I hope that he gets to tour with Sugarland on as many dates as possible, preferably the whole tour or at least most of the tour.

RE: Casey what’s his names DUI and all the past Idol scandals. Isn’t it a matter of timing? If I’m recalling correctly, Bo and Taylor’s “drug scandals” didn’t come out until they both were so well-established in the competition that there was no way their fans were going to turn their backs on them.

Remember Scott Savol and the Baby Mama Scandal? He threw a cell phone at his ex, and she called the cops and had him charged with assault. I think if that story had come out pre-Top 24, he’d never have made it to the Top 12. As it turned out, it bought him an extra week. I think his fans went into overdrive and other people felt kind of sorry for him for having his past dug up. So, you never know what a good scandal, timed properly, can do.

I do agree about the single mom thing, though. Poor Fantasia. I remember reading HORRIBLE things about her over at TwoP.

I think that think touring on a major tour with Sugarland and other supporting country acts will be a fantastic experience for Danny. I hope that he gets to tour with Sugarland on as many dates as possible, preferably the whole tour or at least most of the tour.

When there was speculation earlier among Danny fans as to what a dream tour might be, Sugarland was right there at the top of everyone’s list.

Top-grade tour, and really wonderful opportunity for Danny to continue getting experience and to make new fans as well as bring his AI fans out with something to be really excited about. The news certainly justifies what that country DJ was telling a call-in listener a week or so ago — that he knew what the tour would be, and she and other fans would be “thrilled” once they learned about it.

There’s a new gig listed for Kris on his official site — April 17
Paradise Island, Bahamas , Atlantis Paradise Island Resorts

Evidently Kelly’s played there before. Anyone on here ever been there? I’ve always wanted to go to the Bahamas…

Sugarland & Danny are coming to city near me. I think I’ll try to get tickets.

I am watching GAC’s show “On the Streets” right now. The host just mentioned Danny and talked a little about his video shoot. She said that the day he shot his music video it was so cold they had to bring in heaters to warm things up. And his video is playing right now on this show. I am glad that Danny is getting talked about on this show on GAC.

Top-grade tour, and really wonderful opportunity for Danny to continue getting experience and to make new fans as well as bring his AI fans out with something to be really excited about. The news certainly justifies what that country DJ was telling a call-in listener a week or so ago — that he knew what the tour would be, and she and other fans would be “thrilled” once they learned about it.

I’m a Danny fan and I am absolutely thrilled! This is exactly what his team needs to do. No Idol will survive on their Idol fans alone and teaming Danny up to tour with such a hot new country act like Sugarland is just what the Dr. ordered! Once they see Danny live he will gain new fans, just like he did on the Idol tour.

And congrats to Danny for getting on the CMT 12 pack countdown. He is in good company there and came in right above Keith Urban =)

LOL

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/karaoke-idol-all-stars-in/id352782227&partnerId=30&siteID=X3Th4gZi_iQ-H2_SKr0Fdgc.QsEPnuqtCw

is this a joke?

LOL

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/karaoke-idol-all-stars-in/id352782227&partnerId=30&siteID=X3Th4gZi_iQ-H2_SKr0Fdgc.QsEPnuqtCw
.

That is lulztastically funny. If I thought I could find any way to use it, I would totally buy that. Plus, 4 different versions of NoBo is 4 times the inspiration! or is it desperation? Some -ation thing.

That guy doesn’t look like Kris, more like someone who leaves literature at your door. And the Adam looks like that onces he’s done eating that microphone…he’s coming for your FACE!

So I guess Kris’s trip to Haiti is part of IGB?

In other celebrities-helping-Haiti news, Kris Allen tells us he will make a trip there, but he promises not to turn it into a photo op. “I’m going to go in March,” the American Idol winner says. “Simon Fuller asked me, ‘You want to go to Haiti?’ and I was like, ‘Absolutely!’ I want to help out in any way I can.”

http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/marc_malkin/b165945_kristen_stewarts_help_haiti_continues.html

“girlygirl
02/05/2010 at 10:40 pm

There’s a new gig listed for Kris on his official site — April 17
Paradise Island, Bahamas , Atlantis Paradise Island Resorts

Evidently Kelly’s played there before. Anyone on here ever been there? I’ve always wanted to go to the Bahamas…”

It’s reeaallly nice at Atlantis. Performing at the casino theatre, I guess. You may not want to come home. And we’d miss you here. heh heh.
Kris and Adam must be exhausted. I’m exhausted reading about their gigs and promos. Kris is going to have major jetlag when he gets back. He will definitely need some R & R.

I’m major sadface now. I was looking up that resort and the surrounding hotels, and I don’t think I can afford to go to the Bahamas for even a day…let alone for a real vacation (sniff…). Unless I hit the lottery or decide its worth going into temporary credit card hell…

girlygirl- there are excellent deals now down in the Bahamas and the entire Caribbean. Hello, we are in a recession. Go on Expedia and look for packages. It doesn’t have to be at Atlantis. That’s expensive, but Nassau is a small island. You can stay at any reasonably priced hotel and get there fairly quickly. What city are you in? I’ll check around for you.
Sorry MJ, if this is offtopic. Just trying to help.

Girlygirl- Here’s a package example out of Baltimore to Nassau. $727 for 2 nights,a few minutes away from Atlantis complex
Paradise Island Harbour Resort All Inclusive

Set on Paradise Island’s south shore, this waterfront resort overlooks the harbor and ocean inlet and welcomes singles, couples, and families; Nassau’s central .
Hotel promotion – Stay 1 Night and Save 25% on Your Stay!

tipTotal Price: $727

includes: Flight + Hotel, Taxes & Fees AND ALL MEALS

2.5-star Paradise Island, Nassau
Island View
Includes: All-Inclusive
Check in: 04/16/10
Check out: 04/18/10
Nassau is only 7miles wide by 21 miles long. Paradise Island is connected to Nassau by a bridge and is a little over 1 square mile in size.

According to a thread on ontd_ai, the Sony P.R. people are trying to arrange for Adam’s promotional visits to the UK in March and April to be greeted by “mass hysteria”.

:lol

Considering the fact that hardly anyone knows who he is yet (as with any new Idol grad) they’ll have an uphill battle.

But he does have some devoted fans here (as do many other Idols) and I’m sure if they can create ‘mass hysteria’ out of a handful of fans for their new ‘superstar’, then they will do!

IDK if it was locked or not — didn’t notice. But it was in the O.P., not within the comments section. I just think the idea of trying to manufacture “mass hysteria” for anyone is ridiculous and rather calculated. Nothing against Adam himself — I’d think the same thing if Kris’s p.r. team tried it, or anyone’s p.r. team tried it. And I think they can create a nice buzz for Adam’s promotional campaign without this idea. Maybe my problem is that when I read this, I immediately got a vision in my head straight out of “A Hard Day’s Night”, with screaming girls chasing Adam through a train station…

It’s called street teaming and I think it’s a common PR trick. I thought both Kris and Allison had street teams?

Well Sony can always offer incentives to the local high schools to insure a huge turn out for Adam. Sort of like when AI shipped in bus loads of sorority girls to fill the mosh pits on AI.

Not saying he’ll need that kind of help; he’ll most likely have a pretty decent turn out.

It’s called street teaming and I think it’s a common PR trick. I thought both Kris and Allison had street teams?

Well then why don’t they simply call it street teaming? The idea of a manufactured ‘mass hysteria’ just sounds extremely um…manufactured to me.

If it’s fans going out to get other fans (street teaming?) then that’s one thing, but if incentives are offered…

Ultimately, it doesn’t matter to me, but I hate the disillusionment that comes with thinking that my faves may have had some things ‘set up’ to make them seem more popular. I just hope the organic process is still in place somewhere.

Eh, I’m blabbering. LOL.

Well then why don’t they simply call it street teaming? The idea of a manufactured ‘mass hysteria’ just sounds extremely um…manufactured to me.

Ehh, I think they DO call it that? And street teaming is often organized by the label/management I thought… (hence the PR trick comment).

If it’s fans going out to get other fans (street teaming?) then that’s one thing, but if incentives are offered…

The poster above you just made that up to make a joke. The Sony PR team did not say this. This is how rumors get started.