Idol Headlines for 03/01/09

This, is presumably the same Dave White who writes for the Advocate, yes? LOL

AI Rules to voting public:

You will vote an even 6 females and 6 males into the final 12!

You will vote at least 1 black male and 1 black female into the final 12!

You will make sure that hispanics, orientals, middle easterns are represented.

You are required to have religious diversity and must include a jewish contestant, an agnostic, an aetheist, a devout Christian, a muslim, a buddist, a hindu.

You must vote in a single mother, a widow or widower, a homeless person, someone under 18, a “beautiful” person, an “ugly” person, an “out of the closet” gay person, an adrogenous person, a drama king or queen, someone totally unstable who cries alot.

Have I covered everything? Now, maybe the internet press might be happy.

I do need to point out that the second article is incorrect….Allison is Hispanic, not Caucasian.

Anyway, since when are there “rules” about who to vote through? If the best singers/performers are Caucasian (or African-American, or Hispanic, or any other race), then so be it. It doesn’t matter.

Just because a lot of them are the same race does not mean they are all the same.

According to R&R, Kellys 2nd single ” I Do Not Hook Up” goes for adds on April 7th.

a preview video and pictures of Kellys Walmart Soundcheck
http://soundcheck.walmart.com/kelly-clarkson

I agree Tess. I always roll my eyes when I see articles like that. When are we going to move beyond this? The truth is that the 6 who have made it to the stools so far genuinely deserve to be in ‘em. This season has been promoted to have (arguably) the hottest talent ever. Personally, I’m not so sure about that yet, but there’s no denying that those already moving forward have earned their spots fair and square. Besides, we’re only half-way through the Top 12. There’s more diversity ahead, I’m sure, so the press needs to chill.

The white male domination is visually quite obvious. But also, musically, the current six people appear to be easily categorized into a predominantly soul-infused pop genre. Perhaps that has to do with the lack of guitar/piano playing during the semifinal. Perhaps these people will show more musical diversity as they go along. But right now, none of them has a distinct sound. Contemporary folksy chic sound (like Megan perhaps), straight-up R&B (like Anoop), and bluesy rock (like Jesse) have so far been shut out.

I think the show would still be interesting to watch if you just come to the understanding that this is a reality show rather than a music show. However, as far as the music goes, there is very little they are offering this year at least at this point.

Yeah, I’m not every fond of that article that mentions about diversity in the top 12. It’s like they expect us to pick someone different just to make it diverse in ethnicities. The group should be diverse in personalities and singing styles instead.

Also, Krazeek already pointed out that Allison is hispanic but isn’t Danny hispanic too? I know my hispanic people when I see them. :ponder_tb:

Im sure the interview was posted before but KRZ didnt post up the video part below,

Archie saying the first thing that comes to mind game, hahaha Epic

Worst bad habit? Cinnamon
Famous person you would most want to see in a bikini? Mozel Tov

its all sorts of funny!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42w6jJf0zFY

Am so glad that Kelly will have a WalMart Soundcheck I love those. Thanks.
Hope she does one with AOL Sessions one too. I really liked the Davids’ respective AOL ones, I like to see ‘live’ recordings.

I haven’t decided which format is better à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  the one that spares singers who have one bad song choice or performance, or the one that spares me week after week of enduring another Kristy Lee Cook.

I don’t like this format but it’s a good point. :laugh_tb:

If they pick Anoop as a wildcard there be more diversity but I want him there because I like him best. I don’t think there’s any worry about the show being too “white” if you look back at the winners and former contenders. Diversity in singing styles is something different because I’d like to see that also.

speaking of sessions… DA’s are still down… still no idea why they pulled them… :/

I can’t wait for Kelly’s WalMart session. I’m liking her more and more these days.

David Cook wouldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have won under this yearà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s new format, they argue. David Archuleta, the judgesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ early favorite last year, would have cleaned up à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  and Cook might have been sent packing the first week, as he started slow and his fan base ballooned over time.

That’s very true, and part of my problem with this year’s format – no room for growth. One performance dictates your fate, your fans don’t really have a chance to discover you over time. It’ll all change once we get into the Top 12, but I can’t shake the feeling that we’re losing some of the best talent right now before the finals even start. Mainly, it just makes me incredibly happy DC tried out last year. It would have been such a waste if he got lost in the shuffle.

David Cook wouldnt have won under this yearà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s new format, they argue

I read this a lot, but I disagree. Because imo David Cook would have choosen another strategy to approach Idol if this new format had in place last year.
I think I read somewhere David has mentioned himself, that during the semifinals he just tried to be good, but not too good.
But I agree that there are a lot of singer, who need to warm up and the old format gave them more justice.

Thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s very true, and part of my problem with this yearà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s format – no room for growth. One performance dictates your fate, your fans donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t really have a chance to discover you over time.

I sound (or my diarreah of the keyboard reads) like a broken record but I can’t stop reitterating the fact that we heard only 24 contestants the last few years. This year we get to hear 36 and make the choice based on that fact. So its a one time deal for most, but we wouldn’t even be hearing from 12 of them in the old format. And obviously, people who made it through to the top 12 last year were good from the start or they would have been casualties when the first 12 were booted. I guess I’m just one of those people who analyzes the basic logic of both scenarios and doesn’t really see much of a difference. I just like hearing 36 contestants and seeing how bad some of them really are.

Also the wildcard round does help in the fact that one or another of the 3 rounds could be overly stacked…but, amazingly to me, if you were to vote 6 or 8 from the first 24 we’ve heard, I think the final results would have been pretty close.

Six Caucasians have made it through so far. Is this what the new way of voting for the Top 12 is going to give us, the least diverse season ever?

I don’t see how this even matters, as long as the Top 12 are the most talented.

à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Maybe Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll be in a movie, let me just put that out there,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  he said. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“I follow the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Twilightà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ books and I love them.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

Can we just award Adam the title now? If he gets all the Twilight fans voting for him, no one else will have a chance.

à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll be costuming myself like crazy,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  he said.

What is that supposed to mean…?

Anyway, since when are there à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“rulesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  about who to vote through? If the best singers/performers are Caucasian (or African-American, or Hispanic, or any other race), then so be it. It doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t matter.

Yeah, it matters. Because the producers are casting a TV show that’s meant to appeal to a broad cross-section of people. Folks like seeing themselves on TV. I don’t think that’s weird or horrible–it’s human nature.

Every television show is cast with an eye to diversity. Why would American Idol be different?

I guess Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m just one of those people who analyzes the basic logic of both scenarios and doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t really see much of a difference. I just like hearing 36 contestants and seeing how bad some of them really are.

Well, IMO there’s a very real difference when you have a 5/6 chance to move on (as the contestants had last year in the first semifinal round) and when you have a 1/6 chance to make it like this year (I say 1/6 because each gender could get 2 places out of 12 at best, not 3, ergo each contestant had 2/12 chance of moving on).
I don’t see any way in which 5/6 and 1/6 is comparable odds. We cannot compare the later semi final rounds, because this year there’s really only one round, done over 3 times with different people. That’s what I meant by no room for growth – no 2nd chances, no 2nd performance to give us another taste.*
Yeah, we get to see more people perform, but heck, I’d rather the porducers/judges work a little harder to weed out the fodder so I can actually have the time to get to know the worthy contestants. I really think this format creates a less deserving Top 12.

* – I’m not talking about the wild-card round, as the public has nothing to do with it.

I’ve seen 24 people perform, so far. I’ve voted for 2. Last year, each round, I voted for my favorite only. I don’t pass my votes around, I chose my favorite and that is how I vote. I guess there are a lot of people who must vote for lots of people each round. For me, I change my vote only when I come to the conclusion that my favorite isn’t as good as I think they are, or when they are voted out. So, with either format, I’m relying on other people to keep in the others that I like hearing.

Every television show is cast with an eye to diversity. Why would American Idol be different?

I think it’s because other reality type shows are cast by the producers, so yes, you would expect to see a diverse cast.

And the top 36 of AI should and does include a diverse group of people. But once they put it in the hands of America, if America wants to see all the same race/genre/whatever of singer, that’s fine. If that’s what America chooses, then it shouldn’t matter, IMO.

Folks like seeing themselves on TV. I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s weird or horribleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s human nature.

Agreed.

I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t see how this even matters, as long as the Top 12 are the most talented.

When has this ever happened?

You will vote an even 6 females and 6 males into the final 12!

Nope, when the public does it, they don’t have the gender balance, only when it’s done by the producers.

You will make sure that hispanics, orientals, middle easterns are represented.

If this were the case, what is so bad about it? Orientals?

Just because a lot of them are the same race does not mean they are all the same.

I agree, but it certainly seems like it when African Americans are the focus. Chikieze was dubbed Ruben 2.0 and Jasmine was dubbed Vonzell Solomon, or Latoya London And we know those three divas of season 3 were so similar they almost cancelled each other out. They were just as diverse as the top 6 we have now. Maybe they will cancel each other out too? Lol!

Considering over 7 seasons we have had: young white female pop star, big black male r&b singer, single mother black r&b singer, young white female country singer, older white male undefined singer, very young mixed-race female pop singer, eyeline wearing white male AC/rock singer I think we have had a diverse group representing American Idol. And if you throw the runners-up into the mix it becomes even more diversified.

I don’t think AI viewers really care what color someone is, or what gender. If they do, it hasn’t been apparent with their past choices.

That Bob Payne guy, in my opinion, doesn’t know anything about American Idol.
To have Arianna Afsar ranked ahead of Adam in his list is a total joke. I’m even going to go ahead and say that Arianna is going to pull a Stevie/Casey next week. And i know lil rounds is a good singer, but anyone who knows anything about idol knows that the girls wont win because there is nothing unique about her. It happens all the time, the black chick with the great voice is a “surprise” boot. And unfortunately for her, i think Lil’ is even less of a star than mandisa/melinda/tamyra/latoya. Honestly, i dont even want her in the Top 12 because i havent seen anything marketable or current from her and i dont think she has a prayer at winning.

And I really did like Danny and his voice from the moment i saw him, but unfortunately, he will not win imo. He peeked too early. And i dont think hes going to be mixing it up enough during the season for him to win. I think Him and Adam will be final 2, but i predict this will be S7 2.0 and Danny will be DA and Adam will be DC- except this time im rooting for the winner! Go Adam!

I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t see how this even matters, as long as the Top 12 are the most talented.

I completely agree and based on winners of past seasons, I do think that the most talented usually end up winning. However, I think articles about diversity come about when very deserving contestants like Anoop fall between the cracks. I’ve heard a few people mention (not on these boards) that the idea of an Indian contestant singing R&B is strange and I wonder if this plays a role in some people’s voting. If this is true then sometimes pushing for diversity is one way of making people more accepting of something that they weren’t accustomed to before. I certainly don’t think anyone is crying for a return of the guy who butchered Time of My Life.

However, I do think that musical diversity is important. I would be bored if all of the contestants were R&B performers or all of the contestants were rockers. I think the musical diversity of season 7 really made it the most interesting season for me (besides having David Cook) and I don’t see that happening as much with season 8.

I think the lack of diversity is becoming quite apparent at this point in the competition, but I am hopeful that will change soon, although that may hurt the chances of that next round of male white hopefuls. Ugh. I still hate this format.

Anyway, while MJ is still posting more Youtubes of Adam and company, I ran across an informal non-professional performance of Nathaniel doing a cover of “Bleeding Love”. I’m shocked but it’s my favorite you tube of the top 36.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Agvd2fqZzho

But for now ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“The Whitest Kids U Knowà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  on those stools,

I’m probably stepping on a landmine here but…what??????? Isn’t Allison hispanic? Or does it only count as discrimination when there’s no African-American representation?

I hope Lil Rounds sings up a storm on Tuesday. Not because she’s a member of a minority but because, when she’s not screaming, she’s a great singer. We’ve seen a lot of our initial favorites crash and burn during the semi’s. The voters are just being honest. If this creates a problem for AI, then I guess they’ll have to fix it during the wild card round.

In an effort to diversify, I’m betting Lil Rounds and Jorge Nunez will be pimped next week. And Anoops chances of getting a wildcard slot are getting better every moment.

ETA: Ariana Afsar (Middle Eastern) and Taylor Vaifanua (Samoan) will probably get some love too.

I think Him and Adam will be final 2, but i predict this will be S7 2.0 and Danny will be DA and Adam will be DC

I agree. The producers figured out that inspirational guy vs. edgy guy works, so they’re doing it again. IMO that’s not the best idea because people will get bored if it’s just another Season 7.

To have Arianna Afsar ranked ahead of Adam in his list is a total joke. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m even going to go ahead and say that Arianna is going to pull a Stevie/Casey next week.

I’m with you on that one. She’s a sweet girl, but she won’t make the Top 12.

I think the musical diversity of season 7 really made it the most interesting season for me (besides having David Cook) and I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t see that happening as much with season 8.

Exactly. Musical diversity is what’s important. The producers just don’t get it. Last year we had pop, rock, singer-songwriter, folk, R&B, soul, country… This year it’s back to the cookie-cutter contestants, except Adam.

Anyway, while MJ is still posting more Youtubes of Adam and company, I ran across an informal non-professional performance of Nathaniel doing a cover of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Bleeding Loveà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ . Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m shocked but ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s my favorite you tube of the top 36.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Agvd2fqZzho

I always forget Nate can actually sing. With all the crying, dramatic stuff I expect him to not be good, but he actually is. Thanks for posting the link!

mycentraljersey.com has 25 pics up from Starland Ballroom in NJ

I do believe I see Rickey there too haha

However, I think articles about diversity come about when very deserving contestants like Anoop fall between the cracks. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve heard a few people mention (not on these boards) that the idea of an Indian contestant singing R&B is strange and I wonder if this plays a role in some peopleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s voting.

I thought it was more of a result of him not doing so great that night, kind of ala Matt G. Wrong song choice or whatever. I never once personally thought it strange for an Indian contestant to sing R&B. What are Indian contestants supposed to sing? *shrugs*

Jocelin thanks for the link to Nate singing. Very, very good! Wow! And what a sweet video.

And the top 36 of AI should and does include a diverse group of people. But once they put it in the hands of America, if America wants to see all the same race/genre/whatever of singer, thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s fine. If thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s what America chooses, then it shouldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t matter, IMO.

But it’s not really in the hands of America, ever. The producers are pimping and highlighting the contestants they want to go through. So far all the pimp spots have been given to caucasions, for instance.

I don’t see a ton of musical or ethnic diversity in the crew that’s been assembled so far. The producers have their work cut out for them.

I’ve liked Nate ever since he sang “Disturbia” during the Hollywood rounds! .

I never once personally thought it strange for an Indian contestant to sing R&B. What are Indian contestants supposed to sing? *shrugs*

OK, and I personally don’t think it’s strange either….that wasn’t my point. But I’ve heard other people (who I generally consider sensible) say that in discussions. But I’m glad that you don’t think that way. It’s very comforting.

Anyway, while MJ is still posting more Youtubes of Adam and company, I ran across an informal non-professional performance of Nathaniel doing a cover of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Bleeding Loveà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ . Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m shocked but ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s my favorite you tube of the top 36.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Agvd2fqZzho

I like this kid a lot. His performance in Hollywood was my favorite that week. I’m afraid AI is using him more for the drama, maybe next week’s Tatiana and Nick. But Nate does have talent, he sings well and he does cool stuff with the songs.

Some DC related stuff – CBTM has a CHR release date – March 17th. Hooray!
Also – this is just gorgeous. A new Israeli promo using David’s Billie Jean.

Well, that short clip of Anoop singing Bobby Brown, Matt singing Georgia, and Nate singing Disturbia have been the only sweet spots for me this season. Now, I’m just hoping there will not be another epic fail for Nate like rounds 1 and 2 were for Anoop and Matt for, like the discussion above, there are few slots left. Nate reminds me of Josiah a little.

Cute Nate video! The little girl he’s singing to is adorable. Well at least Nate doesn’t make small children cry like Von does! LOL!

This is where the problem lies with AI. Who cares about diversity if the intent is to find the best singer in America? How can the show be credible if it’s expected to randomly insert various genders, ages and ethnic groups into the mix? I agree with the post upthread that states so far we have a very diverse group of winners. I want to believe, though, that it’s had to do with selecting the best and most deserved talent from the bunch as opposed to political correctedness. Up here in Canada, our problem with Canadian Idol voting has less to do with diversity and more to do with regional voting. “Fair” voting is an issue everywhere. The bottom line is the public is going to choose who they’re going to choose and there’s little that can be done about it when giving them the privilege to vote at their discretion.

But Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m glad that you donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think that way. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s very comforting.

Oops, I how I stated that was kinda awkward, but you know, it’s all about me.;)

Well at least Nate doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t make small children cry like Von does! LOL!

Haha, so true! And I think Von makes EVERYONE cry, not just small children.

Exactly. Musical diversity is whatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s important. The producers just donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t get it. Last year we had pop, rock, singer-songwriter, folk, R&B, soul, countryà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ This year ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s back to the cookie-cutter contestants, except Adam.

And that is a direct result of the semi-final format they picked, IMO. Every week, the same group of voters get to vote and if they prefer a certain style, people who fit those styles will go through each week. Under last year’s semi-format style the votes of the “majority” were split amongst numerous contestants while the votes of the “minority” supported contestants of other styles until they could prove themselves.

After Season 3 when so many big-voiced female singers got through (and Randy added another one), they changed the format. I think the producers forgot why they did that.

Yeah, it matters. Because the producers are casting a TV show thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s meant to appeal to a broad cross-section of people. Folks like seeing themselves on TV. I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s weird or horribleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s human nature.

I think people who complain about ethnic diversity would have more of case if they made sure to also do it during years when minorities were statistically over-represented in the Final 12 and not just when they are under-represented. I can understand griping about lack of diversity in singing styles, but I think that the AI voting public have demonstrated that they are open-minded in who they select as finalists and winners. To accuse otherwise, I think, is unfair. This year, most of the contestants of all ethnic backgrounds have stumbled. It’s just a coincidence that so far, the very few that didn’t stumble and made it through are caucasian. I think the producers could have done a better job of picking quality semi-finalists, but that die has already been cast. It’s not the voter’s fault.

I do need to point out that the second article is incorrectà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.Allison is Hispanic, not Caucasian.

Eh. The author is probably using the Anthropological definition of the word instead of the “American slang” version of the word. It’s easier to make your case for lack of diversity with it. Using the Anthropological definition, Anoop wouldn’t even be considered diverse.

Kelly has the #1 song in the UK.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/chart/singles.shtml

Haha, so true! And I think Von makes EVERYONE cry, not just small children.

I hope Von ignores his parents’ advice and listens to how real humans sing. The guy has a good voice if he tones it down a LOT.

Juà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢Not Joyner hopes heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s the next à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹American Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢

I REALLY liked his take on “Hey, There Delilah” in Hollywood. I hope that he lives up to my expectations.

And, is it just me, or is it harder for the semi-pimped this year? If you are one of the mega-pimpees (Danny, Adam, Lil), you are fine, but it seems that the semi-pimped aren’t living up to expectations. It’s almost easier for the barely seen (Alexis, Allison, Kris) because the expectations are so low that they are bound to impress (not to take anything away from their performances because they, unlike many, did manage to stay in tune). Sometimes, momentum counts. The exact same performance can be viewed quite differently depending on whether people think you are doing better than expected or worse. I wonder if that didn’t hurt Anoop? (meanwhile, Matt G and Jeanine were just terrible by any measure)

Cute Nate video! The little girl heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s singing to is adorable. Well at least Nate doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t make small children cry like Von does! LOL!

I quite like that video!

This is where the problem lies with AI. Who cares about diversity if the intent is to find the best singer in America? How can the show be credible if ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s expected to randomly insert various genders, ages and ethnic groups into the mix? I agree with the post upthread that states so far we have a very diverse group of winners. I want to believe, though, that ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s had to do with selecting the best and most deserved talent from the bunch as opposed to political correctedness.

American Idol NEVER stacks the semi-finals with the best singers in America. Like it or not, it’s fairly obvious that this show is cast. There might be some truly talented people who make it through, but do you really think Nick/Normund would have made as far as he did without his comedy routine?

*snip* nvm

Also – this is just gorgeous. A new Israeli promo using Davidà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Billie Jean.

I loved that clip Jolene. It still amazes me that a version of a song that’s not even on an album or released as a single can gain such widespread popularity. I wonder who gets the royalties?

Because imo David Cook would have choosen another strategy to approach Idol if this new format had in place last year.
.

I agree with this, about David Cook. I think he could have still done well, especially since this year, they are allowed to pick more current music in the semi finals than they were last year. When I was watching the show last week, I was thinking that he would have sounded terrific on that song by Tonic. I also think Brooke would have done terrific on Love Song. I think it depends on vocal ability and song choice, and in particular, David Cook for the most part knew what to choose for himself.

I still liked last years format better, because there were many singers that I think could have grown if they had a couple more weeks. I think that this format has more producer involvment, because of the way the groups are set up and voted on, and even picking the wildcards.

It will depend on who makes it through next week, but I think there is no way the producers don’t use the wildcard round to increase the ethnic diversity of the top 12. I think they will mix it up based on broad classifications.

This is about TV ratings and selling Idol tour tickets, and both will improve if more Americans feel like they have skin in the game. And like it or not (and despite Obama’s election) we tend to like skin that is most like our own.

Also impacting this will be a desire to have an Idol in the recording style they are looking for this year. Early on, they wanted female pop or R&B and loaded up on those candidates. Then it moved to country and they loaded up there. Last year it was Disney pop, although most fell in the semis, but it was also more diverse and “musician” vs “singer” focused in an attempt to reclaim some musical credibility, IMO. Season 6 hurt the show quite a bit.

I think we all do mostly what the producers want. They clearly seem to want a man to win – since really no serious female contestant has been pimped that much. But all 4 of the men were hand selected and we followed along and voted them in. Don’t think just Danny and Adam were the ones they wanted. Simon told America to vote in Michael Sarver and Kris Allen and so we did.

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not talking about the wild-card round, as the public has nothing to do with it.

Actually, I’m wondering if the public will have more to do with it than we realize. Every semi-final performance is up on iTunes, and even though we don’t see the sales numbers, you can bet that the AI producers are watching them carefully. My guess is that the 3 who go through in the wildcard round are the 3 top sellers on iTunes who aren’t already in the Top 12. Even the Group 3 contestants will have had 2 days of iTunes preorders/sales before the wildcard show starts on Thursday. So, in a sense, we are still voting, just with our wallets instead of our phones.

This year, most of the contestants of all ethnic backgrounds have stumbled. It’s just a coincidence that so far, the very few that didn’t stumble and made it through are caucasian.

Kris and Michael stumbled, but had Simon in their corner. The producers are going to have to make adjustments for all that when the wildcard comes around.

I wasn’t reading Dave White at the time to know whether he was complaining during Season 3 about that year’s lopsided racial and gender balance, but there sure were plenty of Idol fans around the internets who complained.

They also complained with their dollars when the tour came around–by staying home.

Well, if the producers wanted America to choose a more varied top 12, they needed to put better varied people in the top 36. America isn’t going to vote for SUCK no matter what variety it comes in.

Kris and Michael stumbled, but had Simon in their corner. The producers are going to have to make adjustments for all that when the wildcard comes around.

Is it fair to assume that Simon is generally channeling TPTB? So perhaps the producers are hoping for creating a white male, soul-infused pop star out of this season.

Thanks for that Nate “Bleeding Love” video! I quite liked his performance of “Disturbia” in Hollywood (and I also think he did well in his group song too), so I’m looking forward to seeing what he does this week. I agree that under all the drama and crying and stuff, he can sing.

I’m also really curious about Von this week. Will he tone it down or go all out? And I just know that I hope Felicia kills it.

About the ethnically diverse seasons – in season 6, it seemed like TPTB intentionally made the top 24 pretty ethnically diverse – especially on the guys side – and yet we still pretty much ended up with the same ol’, same ol’ even WITHOUT this current semi-finals set up. So, I’m not sure that this particular format has anything to do with it.

Crush wins Favorite International Music Video at the MYX Music Awards. MYX is the equivalent of MTV in the Philippines. A representative from SONY BMG accepted the award on David’s behalf. She announced that Manila will be the first stop on David’s Asia tour. Congratulations David!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYfMAl0hJZA&hl

^ Yay for David! I’m glad he’s catching outside of the US.

Is it fair to assume that Simon is generally channeling TPTB? So perhaps the producers are hoping for creating a white male, soul-infused pop star out of this season.

If that’s true, I din’t know why they’re pimping Danny. He might think he’s soulful, but he’s not. You could be right, though. White male soulful pop singer is one stereotype they haven’t added to the list of winners yet.

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m also really curious about Von this week. Will he tone it down or go all out?

Heh. I’m sure he will go all out. Clearly he’s had some improper training when it comes his singing, which is going to hurt him a lot. It’s too bad, because he might have done okay otherwise.

Here’s another gorgeous use for Billie Jean. It looks like some sort of Dance show. Does anyone know if it is SYTYCD?

Mac, I have absolutely no idea where it’s from but that IS gorgeous! It looked a lot like SYTYCD or something like that, but I’m not sure.

ETA: I clicked around and it looks like Malaysian SYTYCD but I could be wrong.

FOD and Snarkies report that Archie’s Utah venue is SOLD OUT. The arena will be set up for the full capacity configuration, meaning some 12,000 seats.

I heard the Utah arena is at a 3,700 capacity. Heard that at quite a few places, actually, this is the first I’ve heard about full capacity. Is this verified?
Good for Archie either way.

^ The way I understand it, the E Center can be set up for either 3700 or the full 12,000 seating. Word is that it will be set up for full capacity. However, there are also reports that Jeff mentioned that some of the upper levels will be closed off so that there won’t be any nosebleed seats. So, it isn’t actually the full 12000 seating.

source: Snarky Archies

Hereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s another gorgeous use for Billie Jean. It looks like some sort of Dance show. Does anyone know if it is SYTYCD?

It was mentioned on DCO as Israeli SYTYCD I believe. Jolene?

America isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t going to vote for SUCK no matter what variety it comes in.

America has voted for SUCK quite a few times, often times it comes in an attractive package but it is still SUCK.

It’s strange to me how so many people seem to think Kris was “saved by Simon”. I honestly had him down as one of the top three singers of the night with Jesse and Mischavonna. Sure his making into the Top 12 would not have happened without Simon’s promotion, hell, no one in the Top 12 would be there without THAT but I thought it was quite good.

Man In The Mirror is not an easy song to sing, by any means, and I thought it a good cover of a song that few would even consider attempting, especially, with the pressure and baggage Micheal Jackson brings.

Conversely, Micheal Sarver was pretty bad and clearly Simon went to bat for him in a big way.

Aww for Nate Marshall’s vid, sitting on the carpet getting filmed by a friend with a toddler. This show is like a nightmare version of the Westminster Kennel show where some poor hopeful mutt from the pound is placed next to a bunch of thousand dollar purebreds all groomed and shiny.

I know he wants to be there, and er, doesn’t necessarily have someplace better to be, but I am going to be sad when America doesn’t pick this puppy. Even though he’d shouldn’t have howled and chewed up so many shoes in Hollywood, to extend and kill the metaphor. I hope he comes in and does awesome next week, cause his chances of getting wildcarded seem low.

Conversely, Micheal Sarver was pretty bad and clearly Simon went to bat for him in a big way.

Do we have a good explanation for why Simon did this? I am very curious to know why Simon (who presumably channels TPTB) thought Michael would be a good ratings magnet worthy of some last minute pimping…..

It was mentioned on DCO as Israeli SYTYCD I believe. Jolene?

I’m not Jolene (obviously), but I just checked and it definately is.

This show is like a nightmare version of the Westminster Kennel show where some poor hopeful mutt from the pound is placed next to a bunch of thousand dollar purebreds all groomed and shiny.

I know he wants to be there, and er, doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t necessarily have someplace better to be, but I am going to be sad when America doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t pick this puppy. Even though heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d shouldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have howled and chewed up so many shoes in Hollywood, to extend and kill the metaphor. I hope he comes in and does awesome next week, cause his chances of getting wildcarded seem low.

That made me laugh because it’s SO TRUE. :happy_tb:

Do we have a good explanation for why Simon did this? I am very curious to know why Simon (who presumably channels TPTB) thought Michael would be a good ratings magnet worthy of some last minute pimpingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦..

I would love to know what Simon was thinking at that moment. I kinda of think he was doing one of his reverse-psychology things to get America to NOT vote for Michael, but it didn’t work. If you saw his face when Michael got through, he definately wasn’t happy.

What I noticed about Kris Allen’s performance last week is how comfortable and happy he is onstage – natural and unforced. Unlike say, Matt G, who although he has the better vocal chops (YMMV etc) looked and felt really uncomfortable. Kris’ reaction to being in the Top 12 was wonderful. I hope he finds his feet in interviews and learns to loosen up a little.

Can’t stand Nate’s dramaqueen histrionics in Hollywood week but I did notice 2 things: one, he did seem to be popular with the other contestants. Two, his backstory touched me more than any other contestant in all the time I’ve been watching AI (his grandmother’s words were simple but really moving). And yes, add me to those who loved his acoustic Disturbia. Actually thought it was the best of Hollywood week.

So far, my vote is still with the girls: vocally, Alexis was the best in Week 1, and Allison the best in Week 2. The boys may get more press and pimping, but the girls are bringing it in the competition.

I miss the musicianship of Season 7. The Missing Band and not allowing instruments really bug me. I’ve actually skipped watching the show and just checked in with MJs updates instead.

And finally, I agree with those who said David Cook would have found a way to adapt to this season’s format. He had great instincts about song choices and arrangements and never faltered (even when he flopped when he picked Innocent for Inspirational songs week, his studio version was brilliant). He could’ve simply pulled out Hello earlier to make an impact.

Unlike say, Matt G, who although he has the better vocal chops (YMMV etc) looked and felt really uncomfortable.

I was a huge Matt G fan but last week he looked like he was on the last note of a jack in the box. I dont know if he was terrified or hyper or both but he looked so nervous, I just wanted it to end. I’m sad too because I REALLY liked him. I still haven’t figured out how Michael Sarver made it through. I don’t like this new format at all.

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Aww for Nate Marshallà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s vid, sitting on the carpet getting filmed by a friend with a toddler. This show is like a nightmare version of the Westminster Kennel show where some poor hopeful mutt from the pound is placed next to a bunch of thousand dollar purebreds all groomed and shiny.

So true, so true, like putting Nate next to someone like the pimped Adam who is coifed and groomed to a self-conscious degree.

Thanks, Jocelin, for the link and I agree with what you said, Nate also reminds me of Josiah. He’s going to have to cut the drama, get a sympathetic revisionist edit, be as awesome as his Disturbia/Bleeding Love renditions, then he’ll need major “you bring hope to all” pimping, Simon’s wish that America votes for him, the pimp spot, special lighting, and the band/ sound mix will also have to suspiciously sound better than for other contestants to advance or make the wildcard. That’s a tall order, yo.

Yes, Nate Marshall is a drama queen, but it doesn’t bother me I love my queens to be dramatic. I also love his voice. What I don’t like is the face piercings. They just are so distracting. I find my mind wandering to the possible pain during the procedure, and the healing time, and the reason behind it. By the time I’ve sorta gotten over it, the song is over, and I missed it. :ponder_tb:

I feel the same way about the arm tats on the female contestants. First of all the two who had them weren’t exactly buff, and it just looked like the USDA stamp on a ham or something. I know they might love them and they are trendy and even possibly have significance, but they just look horrible. I love ya Carly, but I always thought your tats might have cost you a few votes as well.

Something I want to throw out here, what will happen with the wildcard slots if the balance of male female continues to be skewed? The girls I didn’t recognise most of them, cept for lil rounds. Two generic blondes, one of who was in the bitchfest with Nate. SO, if the voting trend goes on, as we haven’t seen much of the girls and two boys make it, would the judges really put thru three more males in the wildcard round? We have Matt, Anoop and possibly Ricky Braddy hot contenders for the deserved wildcard slots to advance to the top 12. I don’t think any of the girls we’ve seen so far have outsung these three, taking into account Hollywood rounds with Matt and Anoop. But would Idol really make a group balance with 3 girls?? Some girls might make it thru to even up numbers. So doesn’t look good for the boys, and looking better for batshit crazy girl!

First of all the two who had them werenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t exactly buff, and it just looked like the USDA stamp on a ham or something.

Hahahahahahaha…. too funny!!!!!!!

America has voted for SUCK quite a few times, often times it comes in an attractive package but it is still SUCK.

Yes, one only needs to remember the disaster that was “8 Days a Week”. That performance still gives me nightmares.

Canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t stand Nateà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s dramaqueen histrionics in Hollywood week but I did notice 2 things: one, he did seem to be popular with the other contestants. Two, his backstory touched me more than any other contestant in all the time Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve been watching AI (his grandmotherà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s words were simple but really moving).

I’m hoping that Nate isn’t going to be jerked around this week like Tatiana and Nick were. Nate may bring the drama, but he does appear to have a troubled past and I don’t really want to see somebody like that being the producer’s pinata. It was bad enough with Tatiana who seems to have a fair bit of self-esteem (and Nick was doing an act). I’m not saying that the judges have to go easy on him, but if they start goading him to act more crazy or group him with Lil for the final elimination (ooo! scarey person is going to get in. Better make sure you vote!!!!), I’m going to be gritting my teeth.

Kris and Michael stumbled, but had Simon in their corner. The producers are going to have to make adjustments for all that when the wildcard comes around.

They stumbled a little. They didn’t stumble as badly as some (Matt G, I’m looking at you). Watching it back, Kris was one of the better performances out of a bad lot (I still Jesse was the best that night).

Do we have a good explanation for why Simon did this? I am very curious to know why Simon (who presumably channels TPTB) thought Michael would be a good ratings magnet worthy of some last minute pimpingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦..

I’m pretty sure that they wanted somebody to represent the bad economy. A blue collar worker we can all “root for”. I also think they may try to shove him into the country box. In a way, I think Anoop might have always been intended for the wild card round to show how the magnanimous judges corrected the mistake that the voters made. The producers really do care! *cough*

BTW EW’s Idolatry is up. There are actually two episodes. In the first one, they discuss what went down this week and in the second they talk wildcards.

EW Idolatry

Kris was one of the better performances out of a bad lot (I still Jesse was the best that night).

I thought Jesse was the best, but imo, Megan and Mishavonna were both better than Kris that night. IMO, two girls should have gone through last week.

I thought Jesse was the best, but imo, Megan and Mishavonna were both better than Kris that night. IMO, two girls should have gone through last week.

I agree about the two girls, but I think it should have been Jesse and Allison. Maybe Megan distracted me too much with her toddler-have-to-go-to-the-bathroom-dance, but I don’t remember her being as good as Jesse and Allison. Mishavonna was fine, but I think she should have done more to be memorable. I didn’t vote for Kris (or give him a good review). You know me, I just complain. I never vote for AI . You could have knocked me over with a feather when Kris got through. It’s not that he was OTT terrible. I just never even considered he’d get through with that performance. It was good (and mostly in tune), but just not that much of a stand out (granted, there were a LOT of BAD performances that night so any not bad performance did kind of stand out). Maybe Slezak is right and people voted for him because he wasn’t terrible and he is fairly good looking.

It’s hard to say how well last season’s contestants would have done in this format because it would have been 36 and you never know who they’d be up against in each group.

Kim Caldwell interview Ken Warwick on Idol Wrap and asked him why the format change this season. He said that the top 12 drags on forever and wanted to speed things up. I think he must have meant getting to the top 12 but even so wasn’t it the same 3 weeks to go from 24 to 12 as it is from 36 to 12? He also mentioned the wild cards to shake things up and that’s probably more the truth. It’s got to be them wanting more control of who makes it.

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m pretty sure that they wanted somebody to represent the bad economy. A blue collar worker we can all à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“root forà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ . I also think they may try to shove him into the country box. In a way, I think Anoop might have always been intended for the wild card round to show how the magnanimous judges corrected the mistake that the voters made. The producers really do care! *cough*

Now, *that* actually makes some sense.

Maybe I’m nuts, but I didn’t think Anoop gave a bad performance at all. Certainly nothing on par with poor Matt G.’s quite regrettable, and unfortunately unforgettable, epic fail. I thought Michael’s performance was inferior to Anoop’s and do think it was the Simon Says Factor that won Michael his seat.

I have said elsewhere that I like Nate a lot too. As much of a drama queen as he is, I found his backstory very touching, and I found him very humble and respectful when the judges asked him about that contemporary Christian (?) number he chose during Hollywood week. Re his piercings, surely someone has already pointed out that Nate is the slightly younger doppelganger of David Cook’s lead guitarist Neal Tiemann. Neal doesn’t do a whole lot for me lookswise, but a lot of women are crazy for him. Maybe Nate will have the same appeal!

Nate impressed me most when he went in for the chair episode. When asked “what are you wearing?”, he said something like “It’s me. I figure if I’m not going to make it through, I may as well be myself.”

He’s a drama queen, but he doesn’t to be self-absorbed and narcissistic like Tatiana, rather the opposite. I get the impression that he’s an emotional sponge who soaks up everyone else’s angst and gets out of sorts because if it.

Nate is the slightly younger doppelganger of David Cookà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s lead guitarist Neal Tiemann. Neal doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t do a whole lot for me lookswise, but a lot of women are crazy for him. Maybe Nate will have the same appeal!

Yes! We (Neal Tiemann fans) are hoping for a great performance by Nate so we can vote for him for 2 hours. He IS a great performer, so hopefully Ryan and TPTB choose not to instigate him to do something other than giving a great performance.

BAWAHHHH Bootstar that comparison between Neal and Nate is Hi-lar-ious.

Neal looks a little different lately. He’s rockin the blond look right now. Nate is the ultimate Diva and Neal is…an enigma.

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/5046/neal1tp1.jpg

But yes I do see the old physical comparison. They both rock the fangs and tats.

Neal is not the super deluxe model in the looks department but he plays the axe like a fuckin rock god.

CRB, I agree with you about Kris Allen and Michael Sarver.

I thought Kris did a very good job with “Man In The Mirror”. It’s not that easy to sing. However, he didn’t really change the arrangement or tempo, so for some, it comes off as merely karaoke. Here’s the 2007 Australian Idol winner, Natalie Gauci’s version, which was very well received. It was acoustic night so she was playing the piano as well. It’s interesting to note that she decided to slow down the tempo and tweak the arrangement slightly. Plus, since she’s a girl (obviously), direct comparisons to the original artist are perhaps more difficult to make.

OTOH, I thought Michael Sarver was fairly bland singing the Gavin DeGraw cover and bland along with zero displayed charisma on Idol usually means “bad”. For reasons that only Simon knows, he chose to go to bat for Michael while putting down the superior performance of Ricky Braddy.

I agree about the two girls, but I think it should have been Jesse and Allison.

I didn’t say Allison should not have gone through–I didn’t mention her because she wasn’t one of my personal favorites.

Jesse, Megan, Allison, Mishavonna were better than that entire group of boys, except for Adam–and Nick, maybe, for the entertainment value.

BTW EWà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Idolatry is up. There are actually two episodes. In the first one, they discuss what went down this week and in the second they talk wildcards.

Oh how much I love Idolatry, and I agree in 98% of their opinions, minus Misha or Megan I didn ´t like her…don ´t ask me why… they crack me up with the Brooke White and Archie shout out… and the comment of Idolatry Producer in the about Jesse I agree 100% she is the best female IMHO…

Kim Caldwell interview Ken Warwick on Idol Wrap and asked him why the format change this season. He said that the top 12 drags on forever and wanted to speed things up. I think he must have meant getting to the top 12 but even so wasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t it the same 3 weeks to go from 24 to 12 as it is from 36 to 12?

It might be the same length of time, but since the semi’s are different groups of people every week, it supposedly “keeps things fresh.” We’re not watching the same group of people perform for forever and getting bored with the group by top 6.

I remember reading something like this from one of the producers or maybe Simon a while back, and that was at least part of the reasoning they gave.

I also agree that Jesse should go through to the wildcard round.

I almost wonder if Simon’s “Too cool for school” comment = calling DC “pompous” or other similar things last season…

Great idolatry. I sure hope that Jesse, and maybe Mishavonna go through as wild cards. I have my doubts if Kris Allen really did get the next highest amount of votes. Based on everything I’ve seen and heard, those 2 girls both have alot more support than he does.

Could be that Idol wanted to make sure the Top 12 has enough eye candy for the predominantly female voting audience. On the other hand, there is a possibility that the 2 girl’s votes were split allowing Kris to step in. It’s not like he’s a bad singer, it’s just that those two were much stronger in their performances.

I do think that the “alternative” type girls (Megan, Mishavonna, Jesse) probably split votes this week, clearing the path for the next best guy to go through. I’ve tossed the thought around wondering if that was the point of putting them all in the same group.

I kinda didn’t love Megan but thought Mishavonna and Jesse were good enough to go through, but it wasn’t one of those OMGWOW performances like Allison’s was (for most people). Thus, Allison and Adam and Nick hogged a lot of the attention with their buzzworthy performances, and the girls’ performances were mostly forgotten. Kris wasn’t really splitting votes with anyone, unless you take Adam into account, but Adam had multiple other factors working in his favor that Kris didn’t – lots of previous airtime (so a big initial fanbase) pimp spot, positive judges comments, etc. It might even be that some of the voters who would have voted for Matt G, had he not bombed, switched their votes to Kris, since he’s more similar in style to Matt than Adam is. Does that make sense?

Anyway, as for those 3 girls… I’d bet that only one of the 3 makes the wildcard show… maybe two. And if it’s just one, she will be Megan. She’s already received Simon’s Stamp of Approval.

David Archuleta Collection…

:lol_tb: Slezak ilu.

Maybe Megan distracted me too much with her toddler-have-to-go-to-the-bathroom-dance, but I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t remember her being as good as Jesse and Allison.

Yep.

I too thought it should be two girls. I though Jesse was going to go through, I didn’t see two guys at all.

Ok, luved both idolatry segments. I have to say after watching I would rather see Mishavonna instead of Megan get one of those wildcard slots. She was must better than I remembered.

Also I hadn’t noticed that Kris was indeed rocking the David Archuleta collection. These contestants are getting smarter and smarter. Good subliminal messaged Kris!

Just watched the first Idolatry. Umm… I guess my comparison of Adam to Meatloaf in an earlier thread isn’t a unique thought!

Ok, luved both idolatry segments. I have to say after watching I would rather see Mishavonna instead of Megan get one of those wildcard slots. She was must better than I remembered.

There wasn’t much wrong with her singing. The problem is that it’s a terrible song choice for her. She can’t do southern-fried pop/rock. The interpretation failed.

New vlog from Archie…

I made a video quick backstage at the Crocodile Rock venue in Allentown, Pennsylvania. You can hear Lesley performing a little in the background haha. But I just talk a little about what’s been going on, and how I’ve been trying to stay healthy haha. I’ve been eating a lot more vegetables and fruits lately, thanks to Kendra haha. She’s keeping me in line. I’m trying to stay away from a lot of chocolate and unhealthy stuff to keep my health up, which kills me sometimes because I love that stuff so much! . But it’ll be worth it if I can keep it up! Thanks for coming to the show you guys! Can’t wait for the rest of the tour!

His amazing tags… lol

David Archuleta Allentown Pennsylvania Backstage Crocodile Rock Lesley Roy Treats unfortunately are unhealthy for you he

And I want to highlight this part:

I’ve been eating a lot more vegetables and fruits lately, thanks to Kendra haha. She’s keeping me in line. I’m trying to stay away from a lot of chocolate and unhealthy stuff to keep my health up

Oh yes this ship is going prety well… ;D

I also agree that Jesse should go through to the wildcard round.

I almost wonder if Simonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Too cool for schoolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  comment = calling DC à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“pompousà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  or other similar things last seasonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

I think Simon gets a bit insecure with contestants like Jesse, because she is somebody who clearly is a musicians musician and knows who she is. She won’t be pandering to him and, as she showed with Randy, she’ll speak up for herself confidently. Consequently, he hit her with the “too cool for school,” which I think is code for “you aren’t being needy enough and you seem to know yourself too well and can’t be shaped.”

Video spoofing the Slumdog Millionaire movie trailer called “Noop Dog Millionaire”:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=es5EDO0G0hc&fmt=18

Great video – fanmade! Woohoo. Go Anoop! Hee.

According to R&R David “Come Back To Me” goes for adds on pop radio on March 17th.
really sorry if this has already been posted.

The writer from the Baltimore Sun obviously hasn’t been to Darien, CT lately. CT doesn’t “look” anything like it did years ago. Very sad comment in today’s world. Blame America for the lack of diversity. They voted.

I agree that Megan is likely to be the one to go through to wildcard round because Simon obviously loves her. I think she had pitch problems, oversinging problems, faltered on the high notes … I was excited to see her, but disappointed when it came down to it. Jesse, yes, is so professional. Maybe they worry that she’ll be like Melinda and be too professional and therefore boring? She was pretty sassy, though, so at least her interview times wouldn’t be boring … This seems to be the year of the moms? Alexis, Megan, Jesse, Lil Rounds, am I missing anyone?

What about the ethnic mix? Will TPTB feel a need to even that up? We’ve got a bunch of white kids and a latina … I think this gives Anoop a good chance, but maybe spells disaster for some of the others. I think Ricky Braddy lost his chance since Kris made it through. Maybe Lil Rounds and Junot Joyner will be great and make it through on votes this week. Then they wouldn’t feel bad about bringing in some more caucasians.

Love the video clip, Widz. It seems that a lot of people want Anoop back. Both Kim Caldwell and Justin Guarini were talking about wanting him back as a wildcard on Idol Wrap.

It might be the same length of time, but since the semià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s are different groups of people every week, it supposedly à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“keeps things fresh.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  Weà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re not watching the same group of people perform for forever and getting bored with the group by top 6.

You’re probably right about that, Sarah. That’s the only way his comment makes sense. I don’t agree with him, though. We’re going to have a top 12 that we’ve barely heard. In a way the wildcards have an advantage because they get to sing again right before the finals start.

THeres some.. interesting.. pics of Adam over at dlisted.com

Frogcooke, you beat me to it! I was just about to post that. VFTW posted it sometime this morning. I’ve got the link to Adam’s actual profile – there’s supposedly like 40-something pictures – but my computer is being slow so I’ll post it in a sec.

ETA: Here’s the link. There are 49 pictures. We’ve seen some of them already. Expect them to be taken down soon since the producers will probably have a heart attack when they see this, haha.

Profile – http://people.tribe.net/6a8754d0-b038-41cd-b824-09d3c942255b

Photo Album – http://people.tribe.net/6a8754d0-b038-41cd-b824-09d3c942255b/photos

Those pictures of Adam are seriously disturbing. Yikes!

they are interesting.. lol but I dont find them disturbing lol (i ish weird)

Love, love the photos of Adam. I’m enjoying his “freak” flag more than I can say. I think he is the best thing to hit AI in a long time. Maybe the bus can leave the boring station and start heading down a new highway.

Maybe the bus can leave the boring station and start heading down a new highway.

I hope so. It’s been nothing but boring so far… I just hope these pictures don’t get him voted off when all the fans who are still in denial realize “OMG LYK HES GAYY!1!!” and that they don’t have a chance with him. It shocks me that there are still some that believe he’s not… does anyone else think this could hurt his chances? I think it might.

This is how the 3 Exclusive Bonus Tracks for Taylors album will be split up …

itunes = Yes We Can
Walmart = Hide Nor Hair
Target = Indiscriminate Act of Kindness

(source) TH.com