Idol Headlines for 05/03/10 – The Evening Edition

That zap2it article had a lot of thought provoking comments after it, especially this one about the state of rock ad roll:

Margaret Cho is mixing her genres. Gaga and Madonna are pop artists, not rock artists. Rock is no longer a rebellious genre, but a highly-conservative genre, especially in the radio format. Rock is often misogynist (just like rap and hip hop) and the ultimate insult is to be called feminine or gay. The days of rock=rebellion died with the advent of grunge as the ONLY acceptable form of rock. You’ll note that the rock stars who have raved about Adam are all older rock stars who ‘grew up’ in the days when rock=rebellion, as opposed to now when rock=the millionth iteration of Nickelback. That is a good reason for Adam to not bother trying to launch a rock-format single or album — he wouldn’t get radio support. He’ll have better luck in pop.

Millie | May 3, 2010 4:36 PM

I agree with the comment completely, but i think Adam does pop because he wants to. His voice doesn’t fit Nickelback/Daughtry, so he knew he can’t go rock route. he is not stupid.

ITA about the rock world (and for that matter,rap too) but Adam is not ROCK

Aftermath and Can’t Let You Go are definitley rock. Music Again and SFW are more glam rock, but it’s still rock. But I do agree, he would have better luck with POP.

I’ve always heard that David Bowie isn’t straight — he’s bi…

I also think that Adam is more of a pop guy than he is a rocker. He CAN rock, but that isn’t necessarily his first love in terms of music — or the direction he sees himself going

Adam Lambert was never a rocker. End of story. Totally ridiculous moniker.

I don’t think the point of the article was whether he is a rocker or not, but of the reluctance of some to play his music. She might have gotten the genre a bit skewed, and that comment is dead on, pop is way more broad minded than rock these days. Rock is conservative which is so far from it’s roots it’s insane.

Hmm, not that it matters since it is just my opinion but while Adam certainly could rock if he wanted to, I always have seen him more as pop, and he seems to like to go in that direction. But admittedly I’m not up to date on every song he’s done so I could certainly be wrong. Just a perception :)

Rock is conservative which is so far from it’s roots it’s insane.

Rock also is very resistant to playing the Idols, so he already has that stacked against him in the first place.

The misconception of Adam as being rock is because of Kara. She’s the one who (IMO) prematurely dubbed him a rock god and Adam has been stuck with that since. Every time he talked about his album and where he saw himself going it was much more of a Pop then Rock dirction. If Adam were to be any type of rock it would be glam rock, but I think most artists who could be called glam rock in today’s music scene are part of the Pop scene.

Adam can rock when he wants to; I think it’s that simple. I have been listening to Can’t Let You Go all day—that’s rock.

His voice doesn’t fit Nickelback/Daughtry

Thank God, we don’t need more of those. As far as Adam being rock/not rock I have several of the Citizen Vein demos which Adam co-wrote with Monte on my iPod and they ROCK! Adam does pop/glam rock now because that is what he likes and it is the direction he WANTS to go now, but I have no doubt that if he ever wants to go a more rock route he will and he will be successful at it.

Adam can rock when he wants to; I think it’s that simple. I have been listening to Can’t Let You Go all day—that’s rock.

ITA-Total rock, and so is Aftermath. Also SFW has very clever rock elements.

Nobody is saying Adam is a “Rock Gawd,” but it is ridiculous to say that he can’t rock.

From one who grew up in the 70′s I think Adam can rock out with the best of them. From previous discussions last summer etc about is he or isn’t he “rock” (or can he), it seems to me that for many the definition of rock has changed dramatically from when I grew up. I don’t get why only certain growly voices used by certain artists with very narrowly defined persona’s are they only thing that can be called “rock” today. Adam may choose to sing more pop than rock and that’s fine, but for me he does both styles well.

It is an interesting observation that he’s embraced by the older rockers. Maybe my memory is not so good but I remember listening to rock growing up and that encompassed a much broader mix of music than it does today.

Sassycatz:
05/03/2010 at 9:16 pm

Adam Lambert was never a rocker. End of story. Totally ridiculous moniker.

Ridiculous to you obviously and I respect that but I disagree I think Adam is a Rocker. The Citizen Vein was pure Rock IMHO. Which was Adam and Monte. Even Adam’s Album is pop, Electronic, dance and Rock. Aftermath, Sure Fire Winner, Down the Rabbit Hole Master Plan & Can’t let you go are all Rock songs to me he does deserve that Moniker Rocker but that is my opinion and works for me as yours works for you. The term Rocker is Subjective as far as I am concerned. Bon Jovi is considered Rock and So is Metallica They are so different. Glam Rock is Rock maybe not your WGWG rock but still rock. Anyway I could go on but I don’t think I would change anyone’s mind who believe Adam is not a Rocker as No one would convince me he isn’t. I really think that is what he does best IMHO :-)

Ha ha ha ha! So seriously! We really aren’t having the Adam is a rocker/Adam isn’t a rocker argument again for the zillionth FRICKING TIME are we? Y’all are actually kidding right?

*mj quietly sobs in a corner*

*mj quietly sobs in a corner*

Sad.

I’ll go into self-imposed retirement again. Thanks for playing, folks.

I’ll go into self-imposed retirement again. Thanks for playing, folks.

Really, not sure why you thought THAT was worth coming out of your so-called “retirement”.

That’s it folks. Lets move on.

YO MJ!, is lee really in TOY STORY 3D?… that rumor is doing rounds on twitter… he IS actually listed as the voice of twitch on IMDB.
can you dig up on this!?
thanks!

Oh well, Adam aside, I’m more interested in the fact that Time Of My Life is still getting lots of spins. Long live Magic Rainbow! :)

And also pretty interested in the new version of Terrified. Usually, new versions are not as good as the original (case in point: Kris’ The Truth) but we shall see…

Really, not sure why you thought THAT was worth coming out of your so-called “retirement”.

It wasn’t. I decided to post again in the thread covering David Cook’s involvement in the Race for Hope since I was also there and I wanted to celebrate the occasion with my friends, who are on this board. I guess you weren’t reading there.

You know, for those of you who bitch about my blog, I post about all kinds of Idols. Look at what I’ve posted in this thread right here. Stuff about Siobhan, Glee, Dancing, Melinda Doolittle Kat McPhee. Y’all could start conversations about the many topics I try to start here on the blog. It’s a thought.

To be honest, I’m close to revamping the Headlines thread. I spend a lot of time looking for all sorts of articles, but when I read the conversation, it’s the same ole same ole, over and over again. Same topics, same players, Same arguments. Always.

MJ. I love the headlines thread and appreciate the effort to which you go to find articles on past and present AI contestants. I know it must be time consuming. As this is only the third season I’ve kept up with the show I usually don’t feel qualified to post anything about the earlier years, but it has been fun reading about some of those folks.

Well I tried to take it somewhere else, but can’t force folk to play along.

I’d be interested in a new version of Terrified if and when they ever come out with a recording by Didi. Seriously, I’ve heard Cat’s live and studio versions, and two of Kara’s live versions, and a bunch of Didi’s live versions, and Didi’s IMO blows theirs away. It’s just the perfect song for her. Too bad she didn’t make it higher to get more industry attention, or she could totally do well making an album with stuff like that and have a shot at it doing well even. At 10th place, though, I’m not sure what her prospects are. I’m sure she’ll make an indie record, but not sure it’ll make much of a splash.

For what it’s worth, I always read the headlines whether or not I comment on them. They’re one of my favorite parts about this blog, and I appreciate the legwork you put to find the latest Idol news for us.

Sorry MJ, we appreciate all of your time and effort you put into your blog. It just seems that a lot of the headlines seem to turn into discussion about Adam a lot of the times. He’s certainly the most polarizing Idol and every discussion about him brings brings about some deep discussions and sometimes fervent opposing views. I can’t speak for someone else, but I will try in the future to discuss some of the other subjects in the headlines, besides Adam Lambert. I hope you know we appreciate your blog and what you do to maintain it.

I have my fingers crossed that I will be able to get a ticket for the Toronto show.

Sorry, i let myself get carried away by the first comment. I actually read the headlines (at least some of them) and it’s often one of my favourite threads!

Hey, how bout that Mindy Doo, huh?

Melinda Doolittle, David Archuleta and Leona Lewis have all written books, but I have to ask, why. Have any of them really done anything that the buying public would be interested in spending their hard earned money on to read about. I just don’t see an interest in these people and their stories.

I’d be interested in a new version of Terrified if and when they ever come out with a recording by Didi.

Oh how could I forget? Didi did a great job with that song too! :)

Sorry MJ, we appreciate all of your time and effort you put into your blog. It just seems that a lot of the headlines seem to turn into discussion about Adam a lot of the times. He’s certainly the most polarizing Idol and every discussion about him brings brings about some deep discussions and sometimes fervent opposing views. I can’t speak for someone else, but I will try in the future to discuss some of the other subjects in the headlines, besides Adam Lambert. I hope you know we appreciate your blog and what you do to maintain it.

I don’t think that it’s that it always turned into a discussion about Adam, but the same things about Adam that have been discussed ad nauseum. It’s like a merry go round and nobody wants to get off. I say we try the teeter totter next time.

Melinda Doolittle, David Archuleta and Leona Lewis have all written books, but I have to ask, why. Have any of them really done anything that the buying public would be interested in spending their hard earned money on to read about. I just don’t see an interest in these people and their stories.

ITA- I would really be interested in ready an autobiography about Clay. I think that would be fascinating.

ETA- Oh and Paula as well. I would love her insider stories about AI.

Adam Lambert Rocks!

Melinda Doolittle, David Archuleta and Leona Lewis have all written books, but I have to ask, why.

Because they can? :)

Have any of them really done anything that the buying public would be interested in spending their hard earned money on to read about. I just don’t see an interest in these people and their stories.

I’m buying Archie’s book. I like that guy. He’s special. All I know is what I read and see (plus the vibe I got when meeting him on the AI tour), but he seems so dang sincere and committed to trying to hold himself to some values that are all too rare in this tough world (and I’m not talking about his religion). So I want to support him. Even bought his Christmas album and I don’t like Christmas music. I did like Pat-a-Pan and Riu Riu Chiu on that album, though, very much.

I would really be interested in ready an autobiography about Clay. I think that would be fascinating.

Been there done that…..something about Finding Your Voice, or some such. It was a bunch of drivel, but probably sold more than your usual ghostwritten idol tome. I think I saw one recently being sold by the dollar used book vendors in NYC.

Actually I might eventually read Mindo Doo’s and Archie’s, simply because I like them, not that I think they are gonna spill any idol secrets, but because I am interested in reliving their idol journey. Of course I will not pay retail, lol, that’s why I have a library card and a Sony Reader!

HappyDaisy, I understand where you are coming from on that. I have no doubt that if my favorite Idol wrote a book I would buy it.

I think they are all a little young to be writing biographies. Most people’s lives aren’t interesting enough by age 30 to be writing a book about it. There are exceptions, of course, but in general there is a reason why biographies and autobiographies are written about people who are middle-aged or older (or, in the case of biographies, often long dead).

bridgette12:…I understand where you are coming from on that. I have no doubt that if my favorite Idol wrote a book I would buy it.

Who’s your favorite Idol? I can’t say that I have a favorite. So far, I have albums by David A., David C., Adam L., Danny G., and Blake L. and a few songs from others. However, I follow the two Davids most closely. I don’t visit any fan boards and rely on MJ’s for 99.9% of my Idol news and online chat. Thanks MJ!

abbysee:
05/03/2010 at 10:45 pm

I would really be interested in ready an autobiography about Clay. I think that would be fascinating.

Been there done that…..something about Finding Your Voice, or some such. It was a bunch of drivel, but probably sold more than your usual ghostwritten idol tome. I think I saw one recently being sold by the dollar used book vendors in NYC.

Learning To Sing was the only AI memoir that was #2 on the New York Times Bestseller List and was recommended for teens by Dr. Phil on his show on bullying. It was in no way drivel. It went to paperback after the hardcover sold out and is still available on Amazon.

I think I saw one recently being sold by the dollar used book vendors in NYC.

ROTFL I did too! On 8th street and 6th Avenue not long ago there are stands that have magazines and books and Learning to Sing was there for $2. I read it when it came out but thought it was boring. i’m interested in Archie’s though.

I look forward to hearing Meat Loaf’s “Teddy Bear”. I list several of his songs among my all-time favorites.

Ann Wilson: [Laughs] Well, I don’t think that there’s any one thing that could ruin the music business. I think the music business is evolving because of “American Idol.” It’s helped it to evolve in a different way. “Idol” changed it. … It’s good to see kids up there. I think it’s a classic American-spirit type of show. It’s taken the place of “The Ed Sullivan Show. …”

I liked the article with Ann and Nancy, it makes me wonder who would do well on idol and who wouldn’t. Also, this new show that Simon is going to have, would it allow groups, duos, etc? Might actually add a little something that idol missed the boat on.

Ann Wilson: [Laughs] Well, I don’t think that there’s any one thing that could ruin the music business. I think the music business is evolving because of “American Idol.” It’s helped it to evolve in a different way. “Idol” changed it. … It’s good to see kids up there. I think it’s a classic American-spirit type of show. It’s taken the place of “The Ed Sullivan Show. …”

Have you noticed that those artists who are secure in their talent have no problem with American Idol and those lip-synching electronically manufactured singers like Usher are threatened by it.

Learning To Sing was the only AI memoir that was #2 on the New York Times Bestseller List and was recommended for teens by Dr. Phil on his show on bullying. It was in no way drivel. It went to paperback after the hardcover sold out and is still available on Amazon.

Books, like all products, are in no way validated by their quality from their commercial success. Yes, it may have been successful, but plenty of complete drivel hits the top of the Bestseller list, and I don’t think this was an exception. Honestly, are there any ghostwritten autobiographies that are actually quality pieces of literature by any reasonable standard?

It was in no way drivel.

I can’t be bothered to read it, so for all I know it was great, but plenty of books have reached the top echelons of the NYT Bestseller list and/or have been recommended by Dr. Phil that I would consider the very definition of drivel.

I have to agree that people need to have some significant life experience before I’m interested in any kind of memoir. Good luck to Doolittle, though. She’s a sweetheart.

Well, thanks for trying peeps. :).

My post was directed, mostly, to all the peeps bitching at me (daily) on twitter and some stuff I’m reading on other blogs.

But I have been wondering lately if the regulars were reading through the headlines.

Have you noticed that those artists who are secure in their talent have no problem with American Idol and those lip-synching electronically manufactured singers like Usher are threatened by it.

Interesting note. I’m not sure it’s jealousy… but maybe the posturing is seen as necessary for some form of credibility? I don’t know.

Then again, there are some people who I would consider “secure in their talent” who have taken a swing at shows like AI and AI itself. So… hmm.

But I have been wondering lately if the regulars were reading through the headlines.

Does reading about half of them count? Not a big DWTS person. Hehe. I love having them here, without question; it’s a valuable resource.

Ha ha ha ha! So seriously! We really aren’t having the Adam is a rocker/Adam isn’t a rocker argument again for the zillionth FRICKING TIME are we? Y’all are actually kidding right?

*mj quietly sobs in a corner*

It’s deja vu all over again. Still better the “h” word discussions.
I don’t even want to say the word for fear of bringing out the BSCs.

Sadly, S9 just isn’t that engaging. I can’t remember an Idol season where people were less invested in the contestants. So it’s back to chewing the same old cud. I do look at the headlines but I’m really interested in just a few past Idols. If the new season was more of a grabber, I’d def be reading all S9 stories but…. oh well. And overall the show just seems less interesting and almost like it’s losing its way abit.

Mark:
05/03/2010 at 11:07 pm

Books, like all products, are in no way validated by their quality from their commercial success. Yes, it may have been successful, but plenty of complete drivel hits the top of the Bestseller list, and I don’t think this was an exception. Honestly, are there any ghostwritten autobiographies that are actually quality pieces of literature by any reasonable standard?

I have read the book and so has Dr. Phil. He did a show specifically about teen bullying with Clay as his special guest because he felt that Clay’s book was not only well written, but had valuable lessons and insight to offer. It was not ghost written even though he did write it WITH Allison Glock who spent a summer traveling with him on the tour bus while they were writing it.

girlygirl:
05/03/2010 at 10:53 pm

I think they are all a little young to be writing biographies. Most people’s lives aren’t interesting enough by age 30 to be writing a book about it. There are exceptions, of course, but in general there is a reason why biographies and autobiographies are written about people who are middle-aged or older (or, in the case of biographies, often long dead).

I agree with you. To write biographies at such young ages is sort of strange. On the other hand two of the three are very interesting and even though they are young have had a lot happen to them in the young lives. I am eager to read the David Archuleta bio and Melinda Doolittle’s. Sorry to say Leona Lewis doesn’t interest me and I don’t find anything with her life all the compelling to read. But to be fair I don’t follow her career at all and I find her to be a boring entertainer. Unlike David and Melinda who are both exciting and talented and who both have compelling back stories. David alone had been in both Star Search and American Idol. I would just read his experience in these two show alone. (loving the cheesy show and all) :-)

MJ sorry I let myself get pulled into the Rocker discussion. Just so you know I do read all the stories in the headline thread. (Except Dancing with stars don’t interest me this year) I post on some of them but maybe not as much as I could. I will do my best to be part of getting other stories discussed as I do love most of the idols. (Oh and Glee & SYTYCD too)

Love Carries beauty tips….She is one great looking lady.

I have read the book and so has Dr. Phil. He did a show specifically about teen bullying with Clay as his special guest because he felt that Clay’s book was not only well written, but had valuable lessons and insight to offer. It was not ghost written even though he did write it WITH Allison Glock who spent a summer traveling with him on the tour bus while they were writing it.

I would consider any autobiography with a “with” to be an effectively ghost-written piece. Autobiographies otherwise don’t lend themselves to co-authorship. And I don’t think that a TV daytime host’s endorsement validates quality, either. (Maybe just the opposite!) But, clearly, mileage is going to vary between the two of us on this.

Does reading about half of them count? Not a big DWTS person. Hehe.

Oh yeah, haha. I forgot to qualify my “I read the headlines” statement. Yeah, I skip all the DWTS stuff. I have no idea who’s even on it right now. I do read the Glee stuff, and I do watch the show, just haven’t gotten into a habit of commenting on the Glee stuff for some reason.

I have read the book and so has Dr. Phil. He did a show specifically about teen bullying with Clay as his special guest because he felt that Clay’s book was not only well written, but had valuable lessons and insight to offer.

It sounds like some people liked it and some thought it was boring. Just a guess, but I bet if he wrote a book now, it’d be potentially more interesting, with even more valuable insight, now that Clay’s a few years removed from his record deal with RCA, as well as any connection with the Idol peeps, not to mention having come out, had a kid, etc.

P.S. This is apropos of nothing, really, but I just saw this pic from the Race for Hope on Twitter, and it made me smile, and okay maybe tear up a little as well. For those who don’t know, everyone wearing a yellow shirt at the Race for Hope is a brain cancer survivor. The Race was really beautiful and uplifting overall, but seeing precious little ones in those yellow shirts breaks my heart a little as well.

Sadly, S9 just isn’t that engaging. I can’t remember an Idol season where people were less invested in the contestants. So it’s back to chewing the same old cud. I do look at the headlines but I’m really interested in just a few past Idols. If the new season was more of a grabber, I’d def be reading all S9 stories but…. oh well. And overall the show just seems less interesting and almost like it’s losing its way abit.

I don’t know if its not all that interesting for me its just the ones that interested me are gone. I was a huge Didi fan, really like Alex Lambert, Tim was growing on me Lily Scott was compelling, Katie was coming into her own and growing and finally why the hell Angela Martin was not in the top 24 is inexcusable. IMHO I like Crystal but she is just so much better then the men left with her, even if she doesn’t win there is really no competition. again IMHO I would have loved to see a Crystal, Didi, And Siobhan top 3 but alas that was not meant to be. :-(

Mj, I read about half the headlines too–although I do scan the topics. I only started watching Idol at Season 8, so I’m only somewhat familiar with the most of the previous contestants. Also, I don’t watch Glee or DWTS. I only have time for one thing, and that truthfully (please don’t moderate me) is to follow Adam Lambert.

ETA: Oh yes, I’m pretty much interested in Season 9 Idol too.

And, thank you for all you do for us!!!!

sma11ie:
05/03/2010 at 11:25 pm

It sounds like some people liked it and some thought it was boring. Just a guess, but I bet if he wrote a book now, it’d be potentially more interesting, with even more valuable insight, now that Clay’s a few years removed from his record deal with RCA, as well as any connection with the Idol peeps, not to mention having come out, had a kid, etc.

No doubt but the book didn’t get into Idol or anything like that. It was about growing up. There’s not much point talking about it with people who haven’t read it.

I just saw this pic from the Race for Hope on Twitter, and it made me smile, and okay maybe tear up a little as well. For those who don’t know, everyone wearing a yellow shirt at the Race for Hope is a brain cancer survivor. The Race was really beautiful and uplifting overall, but seeing precious little ones in those yellow shirts breaks my heart a little as well.

Awww. It really does give one Hope.

I don’t know if its not all that interesting for me its just the ones that interested me are gone. I was a huge Didi fan, really like Alex Lambert, Tim was growing on me Lily Scott was compelling, Katie was coming into her own and growing

ITA- I do think the most interesting people left early on, like before top 12, which is quite surprising. I just don’t know what happened. I find Alex more interesting than Lee, although their styles are similar.

I didn’t know Clay had written a book, but I think if he wrote one today, and he really could talk about the past 5 years, now that would be interesting.

I’m going to get some of those Animal Rescue: Adopt a Shelter Pet, stamps. So thanks for sharing this article and I’m always happy for the work done to try and help in this area by all sources, so go USPS and of course to Ellen with her continuing work on this. Plus it has cute dogs and cats on it, so what’s not to love?

Which is really the only headline that really caught my eye, which I gather wasn’t the case for everyone? Eh. I’ll just look again at the cute pictures of kitties and puppies.

There’s not much point talking about it with people who haven’t read it.

Well I haven’t read it, but I just just musing on the general idea of a Clay book. I wasn’t about to go into an all out debate on something I haven’t read, LOL.

I didn’t know Clay had written a book, but I think if he wrote one today, and he really could talk about the past 5 years, now that would be interesting.

^^Basically the same thing I was saying. I don’t get the big deal about saying that without having read Clay’s book.

I would bet Adam’s autobiography at age 28 would be rather fascinating! His European tour, being naked on stage the first time, what he thought if Burning Man on his first visit, being out his whole adult life, the change in the last year. It’d be pretty cool I think.

ROTFL I did too! On 8th street and 6th Avenue not long ago there are stands that have magazines and books and Learning to Sing was there for $2. I read it when it came out but thought it was boring. i’m interested in Archie’s though.

Hey, it wasn’t like I was talking out of my ass butt.

Books, like all products, are in no way validated by their quality from their commercial success. Yes, it may have been successful, but plenty of complete drivel hits the top of the Bestseller list, and I don’t think this was an exception. Honestly, are there any ghostwritten autobiographies that are actually quality pieces of literature by any reasonable standard?

Hey MJ, can we get a ‘like’ button like on Facebook? J/k….but what Mark said!

My post was directed, mostly, to all the peeps bitching at me (daily) on twitter and some stuff I’m reading on other blogs.

Damn, I am out of the loop, you mean I can bitch at you on Twitter? Seriously, you are why I even have Twitter…..you were my first ;) ..for the record, I skim the headlines everyday during the week, on the seventh day, like God, I rest :)

ave you noticed that those artists who are secure in their talent have no problem with American Idol and those lip-synching electronically manufactured singers like Usher are threatened by it.

I see where you are going but Usher is a strange case. His performance on idol notwithstanding he is uber talented. I think his big problem is that he is finding it difficult to match his early popularity, and that mess of a performance was just his way of trying to compete with those electronically manufactured performers who are blowing up all over the place. He finds himself sort of behind the curve. I think that very few people who are charting today could have made it to the top of the heap on idol. The show requires a particular set of skills, they may not always translate into album sales, but you will almost never say damn that was just awful after hearing them perform, on the other hand, week after week we pan so many of the pop stars performances. Are we a tough group, or are they missing something?

mj, I don’t really post anymore, but I read the headlines thread everyday! I’m interested in hearing about all of the idols, just don’t want to get dragged into the same ol, same ol back and forth about Adam and Kris. I enjoy seeing how Cookie is doing, even Danny tho I am not a fan. I also enjoy the other articles, such as the one about the stamps. I’d be very disappointed to not have access to the diverse information provided here. Don’t let it get you down! Tangientially, how is your water situation?

I read the Adam articles in the headlines thread MJ. I also skim the other articles and read them if the catch my interest.

Hopefully this isn’t lost in the long posts tonight!!!

Wow, I just watched most of Siobhan’s performance on Letterman. “Painted Black”. They didn’t cut to commercial during the song and David Letterman came over to her to shake her hand, and then they cut to commercial. Not bad, not bad at all!!!!! :D

I see where you are going but Usher is a strange case. His performance on idol notwithstanding he is uber talented. I think his big problem is that he is finding it difficult to match his early popularity, and that mess of a performance was just his way of trying to compete with those electronically manufactured performers who are blowing up all over the place. He finds himself sort of behind the curve. I think that very few people who are charting today could have made it to the top of the heap on idol. The show requires a particular set of skills, they may not always translate into album sales, but you will almost never say damn that was just awful after hearing them perform, on the other hand, week after week we pan so many of the pop stars performances. Are we a tough group, or are they missing something?

Interesting thoughts. I’d say, on the whole, that, yes, AI fans are a tough crowd on the show, because the nature of the beast is so dog-eats-dog. You’re encouraged to look for every flaw in a performance art whose growth has not been towards perfection, but towards uniqueness, and when you have performers who were groomed to become unique studio voices stepping out onto that stage (not by any means a flattering venue) with the expectations of technical perfection… well, it’s a rough go. Even the people who get called “talentless” or “not actually good singers” (the low-to-mid card) on AI are, IMO, by other standards really damn good singers, if not engaging artist, so when favorite artists turn up only to par by those people at best, it’s not good.

(And I don’t mean that just as a refrain for say, Ke_ha (yes, she has no value for me today) or Britney, but for the entire history of pop music, including those who might be called good singers off the show but maybe not in a way that signifies technical perfection or strength)

So maybe the reason that singers who are so technically strong on stage, like Heart, know how damn hard those standards are, and appreciate others who can live up to them even if the venue isn’t exactly the most hip on the planet. It’s a sign of grace regardless, but I bet that perspective is worthwhile.

Ok, hopefully that makes any sense at all. I’m probably the wordiest person on the planet.

HappyDaisy:
05/03/2010 at 10:54 pm
bridgette12:…I understand where you are coming from on that. I have no doubt that if my favorite Idol wrote a book I would buy it.

“Who’s your favorite Idol? I can’t say that I have a favorite. So far, I have albums by David A., David C., Adam L., Danny G., and Blake L. and a few songs from others. However, I follow the two Davids most closely. I don’t visit any fan boards and rely on MJ’s for 99.9% of my Idol news and online chat. Thanks MJ”

I am a big fan of Daughtry, Cook and Adam. I talk more about Adam because because he’s the latest and certainly is the most interesting contestant ever on Idol. Cook and Daughtry seem to keep stuff to themselves and don’t talk a lot. Adam is not exactly the shy,quiet retiring type.

Here’s a little interview w/Cookie from Washington yesterday. Short but nice; did not see it posted in the Race4Hope thread
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iV33lkjlDrs&feature=youtu.be

He was also mentioned here (photo #8 in this slideshow)
http://wonderwall.msn.com/movies/the-good-news-round-up-for-may-3-7746.gallery?photoId=28572

OT – Hope Zac Maloy and all other musicians in Nashville are hanging tough. what a horrible situation in music city.

and MJ – I love the headlines thread.

MJ, honestly, I gave up on the headline threads awhile back (well, except I’m here now). Not the headlines, but the comments. I can no longer see all of them at once. Sometimes there are so many comments that I would prefer to be able to load them all on one page and do a “find” to see the discussion on the headline or two that I’m interested in discussing. Does that make me lazy? :-)

I know you work hard and spend a lot of time on it, and I’m glad to see that people appreciate it.

I think its valid to write a memoir at a young age, but not a true autobiography. I also agree with Mark that that anything with a ghostwriter isn’t going to knock any literary socks off…

On another note, all new rock isn’t like Daughtry and Nickelback. Not at all. You just have to know where to look for it.

LMAO @ this:

Ke_sha (yes, she has no value for me today)

Ha! Clever. I would totally steal that to use except I haven’t gotten to the point where I really need to hate on her too much, cuz I actually love Tik Tok and don’t mind Blah Blah Blah. The new one I could do without, though. But I will save “Ke_sha” for future use when she gets to that point! Love it.

Ok, hopefully that makes any sense at all. I’m probably the wordiest person on the planet.

It makes perfect sense to me…..and btw, I am sorta wordy myself, when the opportunity presents itself.

didn’t know Clay had written a book, but I think if he wrote one today, and he really could talk about the past 5 years, now that would be interesting.

That book might actually be interesting in 10 years when he’s has some perspective of living openly and honestly for some length of time. I think however, he probably won’t want to write that book.

Clever. I would totally steal that to use except I haven’t gotten to the point where I really need to hate on her too much, cuz I actually love Tik Tok and don’t mind Blah Blah Blah. The new one I could do without, though. But I will save “Ke_sha” for future use when she gets to that point! Love it.

Not my idea! Remnant from reading the Jim C. twitter thread, I think. But I use it when I don’t like her, and then upgrade the values when I’m feeling less grumpy.

I can’t imagine how dreadfully boring a Melinda Doolittle autobiography would be. There isn’t anyone on Idol I would want to read an autobiography from. I am sure Simon has interesting stories, but he does not seem to have the emotional depth to be very self critical which I think is necessary for a good autobiography.

I hate Ann Wilson’s quote about how idol is the easy way out. Most people on the show have put in their requisite bar playing, what difference is it between catching the eye of some label exec and having them push you into the public consciousness and working through the show for several months?

MJ, honestly, I gave up on the headline threads awhile back (well, except I’m here now). Not the headlines, but the comments. I can no longer see all of them at once.

Like I said, I skim headlines every day, but as for the comments, fo r years since season 5 I read every single comment on headlines and the show recaps etc. I just have reordered my priorities and they don’t include reading thousands of comments every day. I actually miss being a part of the everyday flow, but I had a wake up call last season…..and realize that I don’t have to know every single thing going on in the idolverse.

and finally why the hell Angela Martin was not in the top 24 is inexcusable

They will never be able to explain that to me, especially since Paige made it. What exactly did she have that Angela did not?

I hate Ann Wilson’s quote about how idol is the easy way out. Most people on the show have put in their requisite bar playing, what difference is it between catching the eye of some label exec and having them push you into the public consciousness and working through the show for several months?

I didn’t like that either. I think they think that these kids are sitting in a classroom one day and then they decide that they wold rather be a singer. Most of the winners and runners up have been dues paying just a much if not harder than folk who come up any other way. The fame might be overnight, but the work certainly is not. That’s a total misconception.

They will never be able to explain that to me, especially since Paige made it. What exactly did she have that Angela did not?

To be fair to Paige, she in theory (and in the majority of her post-Idol media stuff, in practice) this soul/rock sound that really differentiated her from all of the other singers this year. So there is that… that said, there should have been a space for Angela somewhere. (Personally, I would have taken her over Ashley R.)

They will never be able to explain that to me, especially since Paige made it. What exactly did she have that Angela did not?

I still think the unresolved situation with Angela’s mother was the reason she wasn’t put on the show, especially the way the judges reacted to her being cut. I didn’t follow the situation closely but I think they eventually discovered her mother had left on her own free will, but what if they had discovered her mother dead a few weeks into the show? I remember how hard it was for Jennifer Hudson, I couldn’t imagine something like that playing out on national television.

abbysee:
05/04/2010 at 12:31 am
I think they think that these kids are sitting in a classroom one day and then they decide that they wold rather be a singer. Most of the winners and runners up have been dues paying just a much if not harder than folk who come up any other way. The fame might be overnight, but the work certainly is not. That’s a total misconception.

Idol promotes that image to the detriment of the contestants. I don’t think they give a damn about launching careers. They would rather have a few disposable albums made as souvenirs of the show to be replaced each year by the new crop.

I hate Ann Wilson’s quote about how idol is the easy way out. Most people on the show have put in their requisite bar playing, what difference is it between catching the eye of some label exec and having them push you into the public consciousness and working through the show for several months?

I hated that comment too, gangrene, and abbysee. Just taking the example of my fav idol, David Cook worked as a musician eking out a living and gaining experience for around 10 years, in his own band, playing backup in another band, doing acoustic gigs, putting out an indie record. He went on Idol and went through quite a nonstop work experience there. And he has been working his butt off ever since. How is that taking the easy way out?

Idol can give these contestants a short term boost, but after the 1st year off the show I don’t know if there is really much difference between the ex-Idols and every other new musician struggling to try and make it. The media attention generally fades away pretty quickly once the debut album/single is released (unless, like Adam, the media considers you a hot topic or you become a big success) and then it’s just a grind with promotional appearances and gigs, trying to build a fanbase and make a living in music. I don’t know if some of these musicians who rip on the show fully understand that the ex-Idols still have to work very hard — not everything is simply handed to them. Look at someone like Anoop or Matt Giraud, for instance — they may have a few more connections, but they still have to scramble to try and build a career — it’s not being handed to them.

Idol promotes that image to the detriment of the contestants. I don’t think they give a damn about launching careers. They would rather have a few disposable albums made as souvenirs of the show to be replaced each year by the new crop.

Oh, totally. Albums as souvenirs of show may be the best description I’ve ever heard of them, even if I’m quite fond of some of them.

But, yes, the “from-the-farm” romantic thought does really harm these singers. It’s understandable, yet also silly, that people’s minds avoid “wow, these people are really talented!” to “what, they just get to sell that talent now?”, as if talent was ever something that didn’t have to be developed somewhere, somehow. I’d wish merit would just be merit.

Remnant from reading the Jim C. twitter thread, I think. But I use it when I don’t like her, and then upgrade the values when I’m feeling less grumpy.

Jim C! I should’ve known. It’s brilliant. I will use it the way you do as well and upgrade/downgrade according to how I feel about her on a particular day ;)

hated that comment too, gangrene, and abbysee. Just taking the example of my fav idol, David Cook worked as a musician eking out a living and gaining experience for around 10 years, in his own band, playing backup in another band, doing acoustic gigs, putting out an indie record. He went on Idol and went through quite a nonstop work experience there. And he has been working his butt off ever since. How is that taking the easy way out?

I think so too. And I think the reason for his success after Idol is because he had the experience he had prior to Idol. I don’t think he could have pulled off cowriting his own cd, and a 10 month tour without the experience he had pre-idol.

If you are so inclined to vote, Kris’s new single is up against someone named Bob Schneider on this new music poll on Radio Sophie in San Diego.

http://radiosophie.radio.com/2010/05/03/vote-on-sophies-challenge-may-3-2010/

Thanks girlygirl. I don’t know who this Bod Schneider is either but he sounds very country[ as are the words]. Kris is quite a way ahead . I am glad they didn’t go in with the bridge with Pat & just used the chorus!

MJ I love reading about what ALL the idols are doing & really appreciate your efforts doing this. I don’t have time to go all over the internet looking – so this is my major source of information.
As I don’t live in the US I don’t look at the Dancing with the Stars info as we don’t have it telecast & Glee is not my thing.
I try to not comment too much- only when I have something useful to say .
I understand your frustration though[ especially when old issues are rehashed] – when you go to so much trouble sourcing articles but just because people don’t comment on certain articles doesn’t mean they are not read.

Well gonna chim in on the book thing. I haven’t followed Idol but I would love for them to write a book of stories from the crew. Like Ricky, Cory, Debbie even Ryan (hehe let him have some spot light time don’t want him to wither away). Even as a non Idol watcher I would totally buy that book. I know Ricky is coming out with something but I would love to read stuff from all the crew.
And of course if Adam ever wrote a book I would totally be getting that. I think Kelly’s would be interesting as the first Idol. anywho YMMV

P.S. MJ I like reading the headlines I read at least half of them everyday. I hope you don’t discontinue them cuz I am looking forward to SYTYCD I have been told you do the same for that show as you do DWTS. Please keep posting, I really appriciate it thanks

I hate Ann Wilson’s quote about how idol is the easy way out. Most people on the show have put in their requisite bar playing, what difference is it between catching the eye of some label exec and having them push you into the public consciousness and working through the show for several months?

I’m not saying I agree with Wilson, but last year many people were complaining about Adam having too much experience. They said the show was about “plucking” someone from a small town with talent but virtually no experience. I think they had Carrie in mind.

I’m not saying I agree with Wilson, but last year many people were complaining about Adam having too much experience. They said the show was about “plucking” someone from a small town with talent but virtually no experience. I think they had Carrie in mind.

Carrie had plenty of experience. I think she had a band and toured.

I guess it’s relative. I don’t think Castro had much singing experience, but even he played drums in a band which had to help some.

*Goes through the headlines*

How sad is it that I’ll already waiting for the AI Season 10?

Allison is here in Manila! I heard her interview on the local radio around noon today (89.9). I heard her songs being played first, and then heard her voice! She sounded great and the two lady djs were excited to interview her. Just FYI. :)

I’m a bit late on the local concert news so had to google her gigs here – she’s doing a one-day only event and that is for today! :(

It’s 36degrees here right now so i guess that is okay.. else, she’ll probably melt. :)

MJ, count me in as a lover and reader of the Headlines Threads. Obviously I am more invested in some idols than others (Cook, Yamin & Clarkson) but as an avid watcher since Season One, I honestly love and am interested in how all of the idols are doing. But as much as I love all these kids, I am first and foremost a fan of the damn show, infuriating though it be! In a way the individual idols are just cogs in the machine.

Speaking of the other articles that people read but don’t comment on – noticed in the USA Today Mediabase airplay chart that Crystal has moved up to #83 (from #90) with 32 spins of “Holy Toledo.” Only reason I mention it (well, ok, there’s a couple, not the least of which is that I’m a huge fan), is that as of last week it was one station in Toledo playing the song they said twice a day. Well 32 spins in a week is more than double what they would have done playing it twice a day – so did another (or several other) stations pick it up? Those who know how to find out such things, any way to know? Just curious. It’d be interesting if a couple other stations have played it a few times now too, cause I imagine that sort of thing can catch on pretty quick.

mj, I saw that you were wondering if we read the Headlines threads. I almost always scan the list of articles and scan through the comments quickly. I am mainly interested in Danny but I like to keep up with what many of the others are up to. You are right that there is a lot of repetitive back and forth, I’m not interested in the Adam vs Kris stuff so I just quickly page through it, don’t resent it though b/c I assume many of those fans aren’t particularly interested in the repetitive back and forth stuff with Danny, which although less frequent certainly does take place sometimes. I do read some S9 stuff, although not even close to the extent as last year. I guess the contestants this year haven’t inspired the passion (for better or worse) as the ones from last year, and so in a way in seems like S8 just goes on and on and on. On the fan sites we talk about very current things, but here it seems like the old, old stuff comes up quite a bit. I guess it must primarily relate to the competitive nature of the whole AI deal. Maybe as we’re into the Top 5, people will get more engaged with S9. But in any case, thanks for all you do. I like reading your recaps and your studio version reviews very much. I read your recaps even for shows I don’t watch, like Dancing with the Stars.

Just chiming in very, very late but I do read the headlines thread every day and clicky on most of the articles. I just need to stay away from the comments when it’s something that’s going to get me cranky – it really does seem like Season 9 hasn’t generated enough interest to dampen down the Season 8 fanwars. I was back in the archives a bit yesterday and it seems like the David/David fanwars only started to fade when Season 8 got rolling plus with Archie and Cook singing “Daily Anthem” together in Manila after David’s brother had passed away… I think that thawed some hearts. So hopefully the Adam/Kris fanwars will fade away eventually. Just think, maybe soon it can be Crystal/Lee (or whoever finishes 1/2) fanwars! Woohoo!

MJ, I always enjoy headlines, from the comments I have learned a lot about past idols, it’s very interesting, especially for a person from outside the US.
I read everything Adam-related first, of course ;)

I’m not saying I agree with Wilson, but last year many people were complaining about Adam having too much experience. They said the show was about “plucking” someone from a small town with talent but virtually no experience. I think they had Carrie in mind.

And, of course, that was true of Carrie only in the sense of being a, you know, *lie* repeatedly told or at least repeatedly strongly implied by the producers. Jerks

I agree with you. To write biographies at such young ages is sort of strange. On the other hand two of the three are very interesting and even though they are young have had a lot happen to them in the young lives. I am eager to read the David Archuleta bio and Melinda Doolittle’s.

On the other hand, they’re all *way* older than the gymnasts, for example, who have written autobiographies. This may be a hyperventilating hallucination on my part, but I actually think there may be a gymnast or two that have written multiple autobiographies while still in their teens. Just like Idol, it’s never about what will make sense. It’s all about what you figure some group of people will shell out money for. And Idols, like gymnasts, have proven that they have at least moderate sized fanbases that will move their units.

I use the headlines thread as a research for info about the idols/seasons I’m interested in. I also try to read whatever comments catch my eye. Like someone else also metioned they do, I avoid the Kris-Adam debates.

So hopefully the Adam/Kris fanwars will fade away eventually. Just think, maybe soon it can be Crystal/Lee (or whoever finishes 1/2) fanwars! Woohoo!

I thought we had evolved to inter season fanwars by now! Danny/Carrie, Adam/Archie, Kris/Cook etc…

Okay, not sure if I should put this here or the Adam thread.

Sleepwalker- full and totally different:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ngzERXxoGE&feature=player_embedded

I emailed SW and WWFM to MJ… did he perform any more songs than that?

I was going to put WWFM on there but it looked like the very beginning was missing?

I don’t think there were any more yet.

I like the headline threads alot MJ. I enjoy reading about all the idols from time to time.

Okay, not sure if I should put this here or the Adam thread.

Sleepwalker- full and totally different:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ngzERXxoGE&feature=player_embedded

Wow, he really twists things up, doesn’t he? I loved it.

this is absolutely stunning rendition of Sleepwalker, wow, goosebumps!!!!

Wow..just wow with Sleepwalker via Zurich. Adam does the absolute best “covers” of his own material. This is a skill that very few Artists have….many, many Singers have trouble enough just trying to recreate their own studio versions (see Swift, Taylor) without being able to sing a whole new version. This is a demonstration of really Mad Talent.

Maybe Adam will do an ep of cover versions of his own Songs. I’d be first in line to purchase it.

I just got back from Allison’s concert here in Manila. She did 6 songs (I cant remember the titles since I’m not very familiar with her album).

Impression: Wow. She really has a very very powerful voice. Her best performance IMO is “Cry Baby” and “Scars”. Her stage presence is out of this world. She didn’t have a band with her so they just played the instrumental tracks of her songs. So, basically it’s just her and an empty platform. She moved around so much, I think she used every inch of the stage. Hahaha.

You gotta give Monte credit for that arrangement though- it was so different, almost country.

they truly make beautiful music together :)

My post was directed, mostly, to all the peeps bitching at me (daily) on twitter and some stuff I’m reading on other blogs.

But I have been wondering lately if the regulars were reading through the headlines.

**looks guilty**

**hugs mj**

LMAO!

I read the headlines every day. I don’t get to every article all the time but I at least scan them.

I will usually throw a comment into the headlines too, trying to do my part. If there is a good discussion going on I will jump in and mix it up if I have time.

I’ve been bored with old Idol talk lately. I really want to talk about the new crew but sometimes there doesn’t seem like there’s a lot of interest so I don’t try that hard. But I will now!

As always, I appreciate all you do mj. :)

You gotta give Monte credit for that arrangement though- it was so different, almost country.

I’m having a flashback to Kara last year ‘So Adam does country’ LOL

Monte is genius, I really hope they get to write more in the future.

Kat McPhee’s new version of ‘Terrified’ dueting w/Zachary Levi is now available on iTunes and currently streaming on EW Music.

mj:
05/03/2010 at 10:12 pm
You know, for those of you who bitch about my blog, I post about all kinds of Idols. Look at what I’ve posted in this thread right here. Stuff about Siobhan, Glee, Dancing, Melinda Doolittle Kat McPhee. Y’all could start conversations about the many topics I try to start here on the blog. It’s a thought.

To be honest, I’m close to revamping the Headlines thread. I spend a lot of time looking for all sorts of articles, but when I read the conversation, it’s the same ole same ole, over and over again. Same topics, same players, Same arguments. Always.

I just had to put in my two cents about this. First, one of my fav things about your blog, MJ, is that you talk about everything idol (as well as tangentially related idol stuff, like Glee and SYTYCD and DWTS, etc.) I really appreciate that because it keeps me keyed in on all sorts of things about the current season (spoilers!), old contestants, tours, albums, promo, etc.

That said, I will join with some who say, there are certain contestants and/or actions that will just be more worth spending pages and pages discussing than others. I too get a bit sick of the retread (heck, as a huge Adam fan, I’m full of DNW when it comes to, say the whole “is he a rocker or isn’t he” argument, or the “who would have won S8″ argument, etc.)

However, tbh, this year’s crop really is very dull (I’ve seen a lot of Siobhan articles posted, even before her boot, and sorry but I just don’t care what glass blowing in MA was really like). Even Crystal is mainly a snooze and a half (unless she’s back-talking on twitter or something).

So, yeah – I’d say the same thing about some people in other years as well. For instance, Anoop and Matt are fun, but I’d hardly need to spend 10 pgs discussing them either. That’s not to say this is all about Adam, but it just tends to be all about anything that is more controverisal, surprising, noteworthy, etc. (e.g. Kris’s single discussion, etc.)

So, I think that’s the same for any blog, really. People will naturally gravitate toward the more polarizing subject matter.

You gotta give Monte credit for that arrangement though- it was so different, almost country.

LOL – and “I Just Love You” will always be like Adam doing folk, imo. Very very cool, and just highlights how incredibly versatile he is.

I thought we had evolved to inter season fanwars by now! Danny/Carrie, Adam/Archie, Kris/Cook etc…

LOL, sometimes… well, then, we can add some new veggies to the pot – spice it up with some Crystal/Lee/Casey whatever. They HAVE to have over-invested fans out there somewhere, don’t they?!

tierbee, I truly, truly tried to get even a little bit invested this season, but cannot :(
I like Casey, he is an eye candy ;) and can play very well and sing, but I just like him, and it’s not enough for me to spend time reading more about him….. I have a full time job reading everything there is about Adam, lol

MJ – this comment is coming late in a dying thread, but I wanted to chime-in and say that as a fan of the show since season 1, I too come to your blog primarily for the headlines thread (and yes, I’m interested in S9 as well).

One thing I will say is that I think some community self-policing over what actually belongs in the headlines thread could help it stay more on-track with the actual news of the day. Fake “news” like fan-reviews, Examiner/Associated Content tongue-bathings, and blogs dedicated to glorifying a single contestant are continuously posted and quoted in the comments. A new development during the S8 post-season seems to be using the headlines thread to live-blog iTunes placements, chart movements, Mediabase spincounts, and adds. Those things used to be reserved solely for the biweekly numbers threads, but now they clutter the headlines threads, not only muscling-out more substantive discussion but also fueling never-ending fanwars about who’s doing better and what the nuances of every number means. Don’t get me wrong – It’s no secret I love the numbers. But honestly I find them distracting out of context, and a not-so-subtle form of thread-jacking.

Mileage, of course, but definitely something I’ve noticed.

LOL, sometimes… well, then, we can add some new veggies to the pot – spice it up with some Crystal/Lee/Casey whatever. They HAVE to have over-invested fans out there somewhere, don’t they?!

Anybody? **crickets**

ladymadonna, I understand your point of view, seriously, but sometimes there is a piece of news that will not end up in a separate thread and fans want to share it as fast as possible :) Well, overexcited fans, like yours truly ;)

They HAVE to have over-invested fans out there somewhere, don’t they?!

They do… just throw a bash out there, they’ll come a runnin.

mj, I love the headlines.

A new development during the S8 post-season seems to be using the headlines thread to live-blog iTunes placements, chart movements, Mediabase spincounts, and adds. Those things used to be reserved solely for the biweekly numbers threads, but now they clutter the headlines threads, not only muscling-out more substantive discussion but also fueling never-ending fanwars about who’s doing better and what the nuances of every number means.

Huh. I never thought of that but you are so right. It’s extended the number-spinning fanwarring into the headlines thread much more than previous seasons. It’s also freaking boring for those of us who aren’t into the numbers as much.

LOL, sometimes… well, then, we can add some new veggies to the pot – spice it up with some Crystal/Lee/Casey whatever. They HAVE to have over-invested fans out there somewhere, don’t they?!

The last couple weeks I’ve probably gotten in 300-500 votes a week for Crystal by dialing (don’t have AT&T for texting or I’d power text). Last week I was using both my cell phone and the home phone. I had downloaded all of her demos to my computer after finding them online somewhere (how, I’ll never know), before all but a couple of them were available on YouTube. They’re the most played songs on my iPod. And I can’t stand Lee at all (but I really think someone who can actually hear pitch would realize he’s quite often off…I think?). Casey – I’d actually kinda like him if it wasn’t for the vibrato. I’ve defended her in forums when people had been going on about her attitude and wanting to leave and all of the Facebook stuff. Lol…am I getting close to over-invested? I just try to keep from being obnoxiously annoying on any forums so I don’t really bring others into it.

FYI, I’d only cast two votes before for any contestant, back in season 2. So I’ve only just this season got this invested in AI. I’m hoping I don’t need a therapy group or something after this season :-P