Idol Headlines for 04/06/09

By On 04/06/2009 · 62 Comments · In Uncategorized

Underwood, Swift, Hough: Women rule the ACMs

Carrie Underwood captured entertainer of the year Sunday night at the Academy of Country Music Awards, winning the top honor that has eluded women for nearly a decade, while Taylor Swift won album of the year and Julianne Hough snagged top new artist.

Country music’s boys’ club was adjourned for the year when Underwood broke Kenny Chesney’s four-year win streak and became the first woman to hold the title since the Dixie Chicks in 2000. The significance wasn’t lost on the 26-year-old superstar.

“I accepted that award on behalf of myself and my fans, but also on behalf of other women who came before me that kicked butt but never got the recognition they deserved,” Underwood said. “I can’t wait (for) the day, which I hope is in the very near future, where having females in the category is no big deal whatsoever.”

Associated Press

More Idol Headlines after the JUMP…

Carrie Underwood breaks Chesney’s streak at ACM Awards

LAS VEGAS à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  Carrie Underwood became the first female act to win entertainer of the year at the Academy of Country Music Awards since the Dixie Chicks did it back in 2000.

Underwood’s victory Sunday interrupted Kenny Chesney’s four-year streak of winning the award. If Chesney had won, he would have tied Alabama for most wins in a row. Underwood became only the seventh female act to win it, putting her alongside Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Barbara Mandrell, Reba McEntire, Shania Twain and the Dixie Chicks.

USA Today

Strait, Swift show diversity of country at ACMs

LAS VEGAS (AP) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  The music of George Strait and Taylor Swift couldn’t be more different and still be called country, and yet they are two of the genre’s hottest stars heading into Sunday’s Academy of Country Music Awards.

With six nominations, the 56-year-old Strait is tied with Brad Paisley as the leading nominee, while Swift, 19, has four.

How hot is Strait? His latest single, the jaunty “River of Love,” is poised to become his 57th No. 1 country single. He won his first Grammy this year for his album “Troubadour,” and he’ll be honored Monday as the ACM’s Artist of the Decade.

Associated Press

Carrie Underwood Subtly Prepares The Public For Her “Difficult” Third Record

The big story going into last night’s Academy of Country Music Awards had little to do with the actual winners; instead, the press leading up to the event focused on the gown that country Idol Carrie Underwood would wear during her performance, thanks to an embargo on photos, video, or descriptions of said frock. (This did not stop Underwood from telling the AP that it was “Kind of like water, maybe? Like red water? That sounds scary, doesn’t it? Maybe like lava. It’s like lava. Or icing. Red icing.”) A picture of the dressà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ and its possible roots in the American Idol canonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ after the jump.

Idolator

1986: A good year for Anoop?

For Chapel Hill’s Anoop Desai, zero hour is here. He was the last of eight contestants to make it through last week’s “American Idol” round, and the judges have been consistently critical of his song choices.

So this week’s show comes at a make-or-break moment for Desai: Either make a strong statement, or go home. Fortuitously, this week’s theme plays to his strengths.

Contestants are to sing a song from the year they were born — 1986 in Desai’s case. And given his tastes and inclinations, this should be less of a stretch for Desai than for his rivals. Throughout the competition, he has shown a fondness for Bobby Brown, Boyz II Men and other R&B acts whose heyday came during Desai’s own childhood years.

News Observer

American Idol Betting Odds (Updated April 5, 2009)

The latest American Idol betting odds have been released and Adam Lambert remains the near even favorite. Last week, BetUS.com had Lambert at even odds. This week he would pay $1.35 for every $1.00 bet.

Danny Gokey continued to be listed with the next shortest odds, this week +225 for a payout potential of $2.25 on every $1.00 bet.

Gambling911.com

From boy to man

AFTER a stunning run in American Idol  ­Season 7 in 2008, young David Archuleta who was only 17 then, was a strong favourite to win. However, majority of voters preferred the edgier David Cook who won the American Idol title that year.

But being first runner up wasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t that bad as almost every record company wanted to sign him up. He eventually signed with Jive.

Archuleta proved that his run on Idol was no fluke when his first single Crush, released in August 2008, became a hit. His debut  ­album was released in November the same year, hitting the number two spot on the  ­Billboard charts.

The Sun Daily

Singer/actress Jennifer Hudson: ‘I’m fine, I’m happy’

Jennifer Hudson still gets nervous when she has to perform, at least on certain occasions.

February’s Super Bowl “was too big an event to take in. I had to step out of it, to be like, ‘I’m just singing to myself.’ ” Appearing on the Grammy Awards later that month brought on “a whole other basket of nerves” as Hudson was nominated for three awards à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  she won best R&B album, for her self-titled debut à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  and faced an audience of her peers and idols. “I’m thinking, ‘Am I going to win?’ Then I looked out and saw Whitney Houston, and I lost it.”

USA Today

The Ultimate, All-Time ‘Idol’ Rankings

Alright, America. You asked for it, you got it! OK, maybe you didn’t ask, per se, but I knew you wanted it, so here it is: The Ultimate “American Idol” Power Rankings.

That’s right. Like Dr. Frankenstein, I’ve been working in the “Eye on Idol” lab for weeks to pull together this unstoppable force — a collection of all 82 “Idol” finalists, from Season 1 through Season 7 — ranked from the worst (OK, I’ll just tell you it’s Corey Clark) to the best (OK, fine, I’ll tell you it’s… psych!).

Where did your favorite “Idol” land? Who’s No. 1? Who just missed the Top 10?

Comcast.net

Simon Cowell loves what?!: The ‘American Idol’ judge shares his odd obsessions on ‘Must List Live!’

We were psyched when American Idol judge Simon Cowell told us he wanted to share his Celebrity Must List picks with us. And he didn’t disappoint with some very offbeat selections. However that’s not all you’ll find on this week’s episode of Must List Live!

Entertainment Weekly

Simon v Simon

TWO middle-aged men called Simon with dyed hair and high waistbands donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t immediately sound like material for a titanic battle.

But when millionaire music moguls SIMON FULLER and SIMON COWELL go head-to-head this week for silverware honouring the greatest music executive ever, I predict the gloves will definitely be off.

On Wednesday the two Simons are up against each other at the 50th anniversary Music Week Magazine Awards in London.

Both music bosses à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  Fuller at 19 Entertainment and Cowell at SyCo à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  are nominated along with 18 other industry legends for a pretty incredible bragging right.

The Sun

Was Steve Wozniak Unfairly Eliminated From Dancing With the Stars?

One of our more educated readers has chimed in on The Woz’s Dancing With the Stars elimination. If he’s right, let the Internet masses descend on ABC with the white-hot intensity of a thousand suns.

Says Giz reader (and dancer?) Dallas in an email to Gizmodo from this morning:

Gizmodo

 
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  • t2

    Was Steve Wozniak unfairly booted from DWTS? — uhhhh — do these people even watch the show…?!?!

    And Congratulations Carrie on the Entertainer of the Year. And bless Kenny Chesney, he was a complete and utter gentleman to Carrie and to her mother.

  • poporange

    Congradulations to Carrie Underwood for for win….

    Taylor Hicks gets a namedrop on the Dailyshow sort of–
    http://blog.al.com/nightlife/2009/04/the_daily_show_namedrops_taylo.html
    Also preforming the NA in Sanfranisco baseball opener..ok I admit I overall like his latestest cd and also think maybe being considered a joke is worse than being a dousch like constintine..

    “Simon vs. Simon pay for view boxing match only -49.99 order now” The battle of the egos

  • widz

    2008 was David vs. David, 2009 is Simon vs. Simon?? LOL jkjk
    I’m gonna choose Fuller..heh.

  • frogcooke

    LOL widz

  • http://everyopinion.blogspot.com Terrie

    This morning Drudge has a photo of Adam in the leftmost column to front the story that he is still the odds on favorite.

  • hicksaholic

    Poor Taylor can’t catch a break but perhaps any mention will cause people to realize he has not fallen off the face of the earth- the old any publicity is better than none. The spot didn’t pan the album’s quality more just the lack of sales numbers, which given the fact that Taylor is not a popular music genre artist is not that terribly surprising, although the numbers are pretty low so far. I had hoped an AI appearance might help but I’m not counting on that happening.

    But I will still be attending any Taylor concert in my area- he is an incredible live performer and worth every penny.

  • penzap

    Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not sure if this belongs here so MJ I apologize if it doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t. I know there are some Jesse fans here. Here is a link to an interview she did on FOX KMSP Minneapolis with Megan. It seems like her, Megan and Adam are real close.

    http://www.clipsyndicate.com/publish/video/893548/idol_out_megan_reunited_with_jesse_on_f?wpid=2541

  • http://myspace.com/susanatfox sumidol

    Has anyone else seen this DBS shoe commercial that plays over and over ? I swear Brooke is in it?

  • Skylark

    Thanks for the David A interview …. somehow I don’t think he used the word “whilst” haha.

  • primeminister

    Matt Giraud singing Chariot/I Don’t Wanna Be pre-Idol
    More videos of his piano-dueling days have surfaced. JT’s “What Goes Around,” “R. Kelly’s “Indignation,” “With a Little Help from My Friends.”

    He has MAD piano chops. Why can’t he sing like this on the show? Even his JT cover was solid. He could/should have sang some Gavin last week.

  • hicksaholic

    I love Matt Giraud. I know he doesn’t stand a chance in hell of winning but I really hope he gets some doors open due to AI. I keep thinking maybe he will loosen up on the show but he seems to be getting more stiff or nervous or something.

  • yeahyeahsure

    I just came across this from a Daughtry fanboard:

    http://www.krock1055.com/

    K-ROCK 105.5 FM Updates
    Here we go! Fest of Lights to include Simple Plan, Theory of a Deadman, Two Hours Traffic, Daughtry and more

    Apparently, Daughtry will be headlining the July 4th date so I guess their album release would play around this date as well?

  • May

    He has MAD piano chops. Why canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t he sing like this on the show? Even his JT cover was solid. He could/should have sang some Gavin last week.

    I hope he makes it far in the competition. I don’t think he has the greatest voice, but I love his piano skills, and if he proves to be a decent songwriter then he could put out some great music. Also, unlike the judges, I prefer to see him doing Fray/Gavin type music than “Let’s get it on”.

  • sma11ie

    Also, unlike the judges, I prefer to see him doing Fray/Gavin type music than à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Letà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s get it onà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ .

    Word. He sounds great doing the soul stuff, but I don’t see huge commercial success for Matt if he’s forced to do stuff like Let’s Get it On or Georgia. He’s also not a great fit for modern R&B. I disagree with the judges– I think his voice really suits the rock-pop-sung-with-soul genre ala Gavin DeGraw. The problem with his You Found Me performance was that it was a decent song choice in theory, in terms of being the type of song he could do post-Idol, but that specific song wasn’t the best-suited for an AI performance, and the execution fell a little short– it kind of reminded me of DC’s Dare You to Move. It sounds like a good choice on paper, but in execution wasn’t.

    Matt is hands down my favorite, and I honestly think he is the most talented all-around musician of the bunch– except maybe Kris, but he suffers from performance anxiety or something. I thought he was amazing for So Small and Human Nature, but most of the time his performances fall just short of his massive potential and that’s frustrating.

  • soundscene

    Tons of interviews of David A. from Singapore at David Archuleta International.

  • flicker

    Matt taught himself to play piano just 4 short years ago. I really do think there’s some awesome talent in him. Michael Orland was on Idol Wrap a couple of weeks ago; he said Matt’s piano skills are ridiculous, he doesn’t read music, and that he (Michael) is embarrassed to play in front of him. He’s really good. I so want him to burst out of whatever is holding him back on stage and KILL it. Because I know he can.

  • primeminister

    I keep thinking maybe he will loosen up on the show but he seems to be getting more stiff or nervous or something.

    Two words: Phil Stacey. And just like Phil did when his days were seriously numbered, Matt needs to loosen up and give it his all. He’s mad talented, but terrible at playing the Idol game.

    Michael Orland was on Idol Wrap a couple of weeks ago; he said Mattà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s piano skills are ridiculous, he doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t read music, and that he (Michael) is embarrassed to play in front of him.

    Of course, this hasn’t been mentioned on the show yet. Blind piano-playing always trumps cant-read-music-but-I’m-not-blind piano playing. heh.

  • flicker

    Two words: Phil Stacey

    Yup. I’ve thought about Phil a lot in regard to Matt and his nerves. I remember when that switch flipped inside of Phil, and I was so surprised by how really good his voice was. I was very sad when he was voted off.

    I’m hoping for the same breakthrough tomorrow for Matt. He really did seem less nervous on the results show last week…maybe he’s getting there.

  • Michelle

    Matt taught himself to play piano just 4 short years ago.

    That’s craaazy. I had 5 years of lessons, with a teacher, when I was a kid, and…yeah, not playing the piano on nat’l TV :)

    I wish Matt could find a way to shake the nerves for his live performances. He has a lot of potential.

  • Tess

    I think Matt’s days are numbered just because of his nerves and his inability to “go with the flow”. He is much too uptight and wears his emotions on his face, whether upset or angry. He needs to take some lessons from Adam and learn to just nod and smile and act like a perfect gentlemen.

    I know Matt has skills but he doesn’t have the IT factor. The ability to set himself apart from Matt the person and become Matt the performer hasn’t surfaced yet. I feel the same way about Danny…He has the singing skills but He can’t express comfort on the stage. It always looks forced and contrived.

    And, playing the piano by ear isn’t really that hard if someone is lucky enough to be able to “hear” the notes. My nephew, with no musical training whatever, can sit at a piano and pound out music…pretty much note for note.

  • http://www.myspace.com/gwendolyndiane GwendolynD

    Michael Orland was on Idol Wrap a couple of weeks ago; he said Mattà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s piano skills are ridiculous, he doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t read music, and that he (Michael) is embarrassed to play in front of him.

    Of course, this hasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t been mentioned on the show yet.

    Blind piano-playing always trumps cant-read-music-but-Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m-not-blind piano playing. heh.

    I seem to remember Matt talking about this on the show.

  • Lu

    Still love Matt. I just wish he could lose the nerves and sound like he did during group week… that was all kinds of awesome.

  • Kirsten

    Michael Orland was on Idol Wrap a couple of weeks ago; he said Mattà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s piano skills are ridiculous, he doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t read music, and that he (Michael) is embarrassed to play in front of him.

    Matt is amazing on the piano. He is just such a natural talent. There are people who can play notes on the piano and there are people who can play music on the piano. Matt is in the music category. He’s not going to pull of a Rach III at any moment, but he’s definitely got mad skills for playing pop/rock piano.

    Scotty is a pretty decent piano player, but he’s not anywhere in Matt’s league. Kris’s piano playing kind of reminded me of Chikezie’s harmonica playing last year. “Oh, you wanted to pull out another intstrument, did you?” I’ll give him that he can play some chords on the thing, but that was pretty funny. Still, major props for daring to do that. LOL. I love Kris, but I think that he’s much more convincing on the guitar. And he’s the king of re-arranging (Adam is the king of finding good arrangements from others). Everybody has their talents.

    I just hope that Matt has one moment performance before he goes. I don’t think he has enough time anymore to gain fans to win this thing, but it’s much better to leave people wondering what else he could have done than to say “it’s about time he left”. He just needs to control those nerves. When Matt goes, I hope his votes go to Kris and he can overtake Go-Go-Gokey.

  • primeminister

    I seem to remember Matt talking about this on the show.

    He talked about teaching himself piano during his Louisville audition, but never mentioned not reading music and playing everything by ear.

  • flicker

    I agree with all of that Kirsten, except I still hold out hope for him to go deeper. Foolish, maybe.

    When Matt goes, I hope his votes go to Kris and he can overtake Go-Go-Gokey.

    IF Matt goes, I’ll vote for Allison if she’s still there. If she’s not there, I’ll vote for anyone who is not-Gokey.

  • sma11ie

    Krisà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s piano playing kind of reminded me of Chikezieà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s harmonica playing last year. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Oh, you wanted to pull out another intstrument, did you?à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll give him that he can play some chords on the thing, but that was pretty funny.

    Haha, it wasn’t that bad! Much more laughable was Allison’s “guitar playing”. She fingered the intro to Don’t Speak and that was it. I love her, and I appreciate her attempt to take a bit of a risk there, but it seems that at her skill level, she needed much more time to practice than she had to play convincingly. I’m bummed we never got to see Alexis whip out the guitar, cuz it seems like she actually plays frequently. But even she said something about the fast pace of the show being a factor in why she hadn’t brought out the guitar yet.

  • AnoopFan

    So this weekà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s show comes at a make-or-break moment for Desai: Either make a strong statement, or go home. Fortuitously, this weekà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s theme plays to his strengths.

    Contestants are to sing a song from the year they were born à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  1986 in Desaià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s case. And given his tastes and inclinations, this should be less of a stretch for Desai than for his rivals. Throughout the competition, he has shown a fondness for Bobby Brown, Boyz II Men and other R&B acts whose heyday came during Desaià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s own childhood years.

    Good stuff!!

  • http://myspace.com/susanatfox sumidol

    “I know Matt has skills but he doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have the IT factor. The ability to set himself apart from Matt the person and become Matt the performer hasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t surfaced yet. I feel the same way about Dannyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦He has the singing skills ”

    Miss Tess, I agree with your assessment here on these two – they can sing – but neither are really good looking, charismatic, have kinda lumpy dumpy bodies and this IS show business, to make it, you need at least something else besides the fact that you do have a nice voice – they just don’t have “IT” – I guess more think that Danny has “IT” than Matt for some reason that I just cannot fathom though??!?

  • soundscene

    IF Matt goes, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll vote for Allison if sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s still there. If sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not there, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll vote for anyone who is not-Gokey.

    I’m kind of at the point in my sadistic feelings towards Idol that I would vote for Gokey just because I want TPTB to be stuck with a winner who probably can’t gain mainstream success without spending a hella lot of money (and even then…).

    Actually, I’m not voting this year so I wouldn’t actually vote for Gokey. And I would feel bad for Kris or Allison if they didn’t get as far as they should go. But it would be delicious if 19 was stuck with Gokey. I mean, seriously, what the hey are they going to do with him other than push him into Christian AC?

    Miss Tess, I agree with your assessment here on these two – they can sing – but neither are really good looking, charismatic, have kinda lumpy dumpy bodies and this IS show business, to make it, you need at least something else besides the fact that you do have a nice voice – they just donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“ITà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  – I guess more think that Danny has à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“ITà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  than Matt for some reason that I just cannot fathom though??!?

    I’m still trying to figure out what “IT” factor Danny has. I’ve never been so perplexed at the incessant pimping of a contestant until Danny this year. I. Don’t. Get. It. Last year Cook wasn’t my favorite, but at least I got his appeal to others. It was fathomable–within my realm of understanding. When Danny sings I don’t hear a great vocal–I hear yelling. He tried to do a run last week–it didn’t go well. If he reminds me of anybody it’s Michael Bolton. Why in the world would TPTB want Michael Bolton to win, or to even make top 2? Because you know the runner-up will get signed too. Is it the glasses? Is it his widower status? Is it his hip thrusting? What, pray tell, is it? I must be missing something huge. Idol’s demographic must be veering further and further away from my musical taste if that’s what a good majority of people think is great music.

  • hardkandy

    Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m still trying to figure out what à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“ITà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  factor Danny has. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve never been so perplexed at the incessant pimping of a contestant until Danny this year. I. Donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t. Get. It.

    I really don’t either.

  • May

    And, playing the piano by ear isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t really that hard if someone is lucky enough to be able to à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“hearà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  the notes.

    I had tons of piano training growing up and Matt impresses me. It’s not just about having a musical ear but also about having the touch. Brooke also learned to play piano and guitar by ear, and although she was good enough, her technique didn’t come close to being as good as Matt’s. I think it would be awesome to have a winner or runner up who went the piano/alternative pop route like the Fray or Keane and based on what I’ve seen, the “it” factor carries less importance in that genre. Plus he’s at least more appealing to look at than Danny Goaty IMO.

  • Michelle

    Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m still trying to figure out what à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“ITà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  factor Danny has. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve never been so perplexed at the incessant pimping of a contestant until Danny this year. I. Donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t. Get. It.

    Me either. to the point that I think Adam was really supposed to be the chosen one and Danny just the competition to add some drama. An Adam win would prove that Idol is “edgy” and “relevant”. And those early sold!out!arenas!!!! critiques for Danny were so OTT and ridiculous maybe they thought it would inspire backlash. Unfortunately they miscalculated and now they have some work cut out for them if they’re gonna deflate Danny enough to make him not win.

    But yeah, if he does win, serves them right. :/

  • sma11ie

    Haha, I was just about to quote your entire post, May. I’ve played piano for years as well, and know a lot of people who play by ear, but my friends and I are very impressed with Matt’s skills. It blew me away when I rewatched his audition and learned that he only started like 4 years ago. That’s crazy talent. I totally agree with the piano/alternative pop route for Matt. IMO, he’s the most commercial (tm Kara) contestant of this season.

  • flicker

    Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m kind of at the point in my sadistic feelings towards Idol that I would vote for Gokey just because I want TPTB to be stuck with a winner who probably canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t gain mainstream success without spending a hella lot of money (and even thenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦).

    You know, Soundscene, I was totally on board with this idea at the start of this toxic season, until became so invested in Matt. And it’s still something to consider. If they want to pimp Danny so hard, at the expense of better contestants, then they deserve him.

  • frogcooke

    Nice little interview with the director of ALTNOY, Scott Speer

  • Anya

    “And, playing the piano by ear isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t really that hard if someone is lucky enough to be able to à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“hearà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  the notes. My nephew, with no musical training whatever, can sit at a piano and pound out musicà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦pretty much note for note.”

    I wonder why Matt discovered his ability so late, usually it demonstrates itself in childhood. I was able to play piano before I could read notes or letters. The so called good ear is genetic. Some music teachers subscribe to the Suzuki method and the whole philosophy of teaching/learning music by ear in a music friendly environment.

  • gingerly

    Matt has great piano skills. Mat has a very commercial, recordable voice. Unfortunately, Matt sucks (hard) on the Idol stage. Unless he can overcome that (for he lacks real charisma), he’s a goner. It seems to me that he resists singing those songs where he sounds god on stage. I am convinced that the majority of votes come from people who never listen to studio recordings. Matt won’t benefit by the things that make him amazing.

    I just don’t get anybody but Adam and Kris this year. They’ve both brought it, and both in a number of ways. Yeah, even Allison, who seems to be fairly beloved here, hasn’t shown me that she has more than one song.

  • mcm

    Michael Johns’s label has sent out a press release.
    Single on I-tunes 4/14
    Going for adds 4/21
    Album release 6/23
    Single co-written by Michael and John Shanks
    some of the info here: http://news.popstar.com/Article/816

  • soundscene

    Going for adds 4/21

    That’s a Tuesday–Michael is going for CHR adds? That’s interesting and unexpected. I figured he would try for Hot AC/AC.

  • LK09

    I agree with all of those above who don’t see an “It” factor in Danny. The only group I could see him appealing to after the show would be christian groups. He is a good, not fantastic singer but nothing all that unique.

    Frogcooke- thanks for the link to the ALTNOY interview. Everyone who works with David has nothing but glowing things to say about him. That was very interesting. I just wish the video would get more play. It is a great video.

  • http://www.myspace.com/gwendolyndiane GwendolynD

    The only group I could see him appealing to after the show would be christian groups. He is a good, not fantastic singer but nothing all that unique.

    “Christian groups” really aren’t all that “come one, come all.” People actually do have to have talent.

  • JudyOhio

    Regarding when people find out they have an “ear” for music…..

    My son was a drummer through school and then was introduced to the xylophone and marimba and various percussion intruments later in h.s. band. I play piano so always had a piano in the home, and one day (at age 16) he sat down at our piano just to mess around with it. He plunked around on the notes and couldn’t drag himself from the piano. By the next day, he was proficient and within a week.. BAM….suddenly skilled! He went on to begin impressing people at school and around town (tptb in local terms) and ended up receiving a music scholarship and majored in music performance. He sight reads and plays by ear. He’s been in a rock band (keyboardist), played piano bars, openings at malls and such, symphony orchestras, then by engagement at places. Went on to learn organ and was principal organist at a large church here. Also, restored an organ that was unplayable because it was in the 1912 flood in Dayton at an historical church and debuted the finish product when completed. I could go on an on about his talent and innate showmanship and performance skills but won’t and, although not famous, makes his living at this and still commands a high dollar to perform, arrange, write, etc. By the way, he can’t sing, lol………..strictly an instrumentalist.

    Anyway, I doubt anybody will read all of the above, but it just goes to show you that “some” people seem to be born with this sort of untapped, latent talent that they don’t even know they have unless introduced to a piano (or some other instrument). He plays everything from honky tonk to classical.

    Now, I said that to say this……I think this might be what happened with Matt. It starts with “the ear,” they go on to learn to sight read, and it just never ends. I personally think it is a “gift” because it happens suddenly and it doesn’t take long at all to be VERY good at it. These are the people also who if asked to play something by ear, they say……..hum a few bars, lol.

    Okay, ’nuff on that, just wanted to share.

  • LK09

    Gwendolyn- I wasn’t meaning to imply Christian music is open to anyone, even without talent. I just can’t see him fitting other categories–pop singer, rocker, etc.

    It was interesting tonight. Bill O’reilly gets a bad rap from the left but he has been #1 on cable tv for 100 months for a reason. He leans right but is independent. I personally think he too often sits on the fence.

    Anyway, he does cultural bits sometimes and brings on both sides to discuss what they think. Tonight he talked about American idol having a talented singer this year (Adam Lambert) who people say could win. He talked about the gay pictures coming out. His question was if America is ready to vote for someone who is openly gay. Both sides said that they thought America wouldn’t have a problem voting for him if he is talented enough. Bill said that he thinks if Adam is the best, people should vote for him. It was interesting and probably will get some people to tune in to see Adam.

  • frogcooke

    DA’s interview on Channel News Asia

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_BPz0TTa4U

  • hypertwink

    Bill O’Reilly is an ass.

  • LK09

    Bill Oà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢Reilly is an ass.

    I guess Mj would say YMMV. He drives me crazy at times, and other times I agree. That is why so many people from both sides of the aisle watch him.

  • frogcooke

    DA checks in from singapore! Been waiting for this haha

    http://davidarchuletanetwork.ning.com/profiles/blogs/david-checks-in-from-singapore

    Hey guys! I just wanted to check in here in Singapore! This is my first time ever coming to Asia, and it’s been great so far! I love the weather haha. It was snowing when we left Utah, so coming to a nice and humid place feels so good. It’s really good on my voice, and I have hardly had to use chap stick. It took me a little while to adapt to the time zone here, because I had major jet lag haha. I’m getting better though. I’ve just been keeping really busy here doing a lot of interviews and stuff, but I had a little bit of time yesterday to go to the mall.

    more at link

  • soundscene

    ^^ He sounds like he’s having so much fun. Awwww. :)

  • bean99

    I guess Mj would say YMMV. He drives me crazy at times, and other times I agree. That is why so many people from both sides of the aisle watch him.

    I don’t believe there’s ever been a time I agree with him but can’t make myself watch his show enough to find out. Mostly I find him so condescending and manages to insult pretty much everyone at one time or another.

    Thanks for the Michael John info, MCM. Can’t wait for the single.

    A lot of people out there like Danny. I don’t have a clue if he’ll be successful and don’t really care but do like his voice and don’t think he’s going to have to be relegated just to Christian music.

  • LK09

    I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t believe thereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s ever been a time I agree with him but canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t make myself watch his show enough to find out.

    You know, I think he used to be more condescending and still is at times, but IMO he has mellowed a lot lately, so much that he often doesn’t take a side as much anymore. I think it is because he knows he has a varied audience. You might try to watch him and see what you think.

    It sounds like DA likes that humidity in Singapore– easy on the voice.

  • JudyOhio

    That white type on black background is hard on the eyes!!!

    However, good to hear from DA. What a great experience he is having!

  • frogcooke

    ^^ ugg you have no idea.. I avoid that site like the plague… except to read his blogs… it needs to die.. lol

  • soundscene

    ^^ ugg you have no idea.. I avoid that site like the plagueà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ except to read his blogsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ it needs to die.. lol

    Official website ftl. He needs a better official website, or a fan club that you can join, that is constantly updated with accurate, timely information. Or else, what’s the point?

    It sounds like DA likes that humidity in Singaporeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ easy on the voice.

    That’s why he needs to do a concert in Hawaii. :|

  • frogcooke

    I could go on a rant about the site.. but I wont… errgggg.

    Yes he should go to hawaii. that would be cool. lol Maybe he can hula dance there too haha

  • Jabkmc

    Keep plugging Hawaii, Lisa. You’ll get your wish some day. haha!

  • http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=587900002&ref=name cruzceleste

    I love his blog… he is doing a great job keeping his fan to day about what he is op to with his pacmee…he is the most adorable and sweet human being… and IÂ ´m done fangirling over his writing ;)

    It has photos on it:

    I’m getting ready now for my photoshoot!

    More photos… :D

    Keep plugging Hawaii, Lisa. Youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll get your wish some day. haha!

    He wants warm weathing and humidity he has to come to Honduras them… we love him here…

  • soundscene

    ^^ David needs to twitter… like now.

  • http://www.myspace.com/rjveritas MrRJ

    David Karger on Idolatry is annoying. He loves Gokey, and dislikes Adam and Allison….nuff said. I hope he is NEVER on again.

  • dv

    Kelly has updated her blog
    http://iamkelly.wordpress.com/

  • frogcooke

    tmh, altnoy, atm, crush at the Iluma event in singapore. He just finished

  • frogcooke

    heres is a few pics from the Iluma event, from atm and tmh

    http://www.snarkyarchies.com/2009/04/singapore-show.html

  • spencer

    ^^^ Snarky’s has some vids up of DA performing… the crowd luvsss him!!