Idol Headlines for 05/22/07

By On 05/22/2007 · 46 Comments · In American Idol, Headlines

Message from MJ:   I’m re-organizing the blog a bit.   There will no longer be a Daily Chat Thread on the side bar.   There is a live chat room (check out the header tabs) that will  serve as  the spot for off-topic, personal chit-chat.

There will be a daily headlines post helmed by the  incomparable news goddess, Lisa B.   She posted news links in the now defunct Daily Chat Thread, but from now on her headlines will  have a space of their own.   As they should.

All of her links for the day will be posted here after the jump.   Comments will be open for discussion of the articles she posts.   Please stay on topic!   Thank You.

Idol Chat: Which Finalist Has the Most to Gain by Winning?

What is running through the respective minds of Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis, as American Idol’s big finale looms? Might Blake pull an upset and win this thing? And how does this Idol showdown compare to years past?….

TV GUIDE

‘Idol’ to settle the score
The beauty and the beatboxer compete for America’s affection

NEW YORK — “American Idol” finalists Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis are attractive, talented and have millions of adoring fans. That’s where their similarities end.The two telegenic singers — The Beauty and The Beatboxer, respectively — will try to out-sing, out-groove and out-charm one another in this week’s fairy-tale finale. Who’s gonna win? It’s a tough call. Though many argue that Sparks is the clear frontrunner, Lewis is full of surprises….Centre Daily.com

American idol judges have too much power?

Since “American Idol” seems to be the juggernaut force in pop music these days, and since there are only three “American Idol” judges, a question arises. Actually, three questions arise.Do these three individuals have too much power?

Are these the best three people to have this much power?

Are there any three people who should have this much power?…..

sbsun.com

PAULA ABDUL BROKE HER NOSE LAST WEEKEND: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ judge was trying not to step on her Chihuahua and fell

… Early reports had Abdul being rushed to the hospital over the tumble, but that was not the case, said her spokesperson Howard Bragman. He also said thereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s no indication that sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll have to wear any protective headgear as the final two contestants, Blake and Jordin, battle tonight for the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“American Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  crown.Euroweb.com

Is the thrill gone?
Win or lose, nearly all ‘Idol’ contestants are cashing in

This could be the least suspenseful drama in the history of TV.Tonight, Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis compete for the title of sixth-season “American Idol” winner, the glory of performing a treacly ballad amid a shower of confetti Wednesday night. The victor will get bragging rights for life and a picture in the background of next year’s opening credits.Oh, and an automatic contract with 19 Entertainment, the “Idol” producer that is a recording/management/merchandising juggernaut. But ask Chris Daughtry how much that matters…..

Boston.com

‘Idol’ runner-up McPhee projecting a new image

Taylor Hicks is headlining in clubs and casinos. Kellie Pickler is opening for Brad Paisley. Chart-topping Chris Daughtry is gigging all over the place.Last year’s “American Idol” finalists are working it harder than any of their predecessors.Runnerup Katharine McPhee, 23, is promoting her self-titled CD, which was a curveball to “Idol” worshippers. After showing off her big, Broadway-ready voice on TV, she gave herself a musical makeover, serving up a collection of dance pop, R&B and pop. Coupled with her new sex-kitten image, the sound suggests that she’d be a strong candidate for the Pussycat Dolls reality show….

Kansas.com

Beauty and the beat box

Perky teen Jordin Sparks and hipster Blake Lewis make the perfect duo for the Idol finals.It’s a travesty that Melinda Doolittle will not be singing for the title of American Idol tonight. However, in the big picture, it’s not a bad thing….South Florida.com

‘Idol’ showdown loomsJordin and Blake, the last two contestants, are ready for sing-off And then there were two. After four months of emotional eliminations, it has come down to 17-year-old powerhouse Jordin Sparks and 25-year-old, beat-boxing champion Blake Lewis who will duke it out tonight for the American Idol title…….Jam

Ayla reveals her ‘Idol’ predictions

…The Sun Chronicle spoke to Ayla Brown of Wrentham, last year’s local “American Idol” contestant and 13th place finisher, about who will win, who will sell records and how long “Idol” can last:

The Sun Chronicle

American Idol’s final two just happy to be there

American Idol’s two finalists, Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis, despite your personal preferences, deserve some credit. The dynamic, diverse duo survived an up-and-down season à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  Sanjaya silliness, the talented Melinda Doolittle and the wrath of Simon Cowell à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  to make it to this week’s finale at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood.The polished pair will slug it out Tuesday night with three songs each, including one chosen in an online songwriting contest. Wednesday’s season finale will reveal who gets the dubious honor of releasing that tune à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  likely a big, sweeping ballad à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  as their first post-Idol single.Listen closely, because you’ll likely never hear it again after that first promotional push….

chron.com

Is ‘Idol’ losing its worshipers?

Since the best singer has been kicked off American Idol, there’s a question more pressing than whether Jordin or Blake takes home the top prize on Wednesday:Is this the moment TV’s favorite talent competition hits the skids?…..SP Times

Ballads or the beat? Who will win ‘AI’?

Who’s it going to be? The bubbly girl next door who specializes in ballads or the cool hipster who’s all about the beat? Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis take Hollywood’s Kodak Theater stage tonight (7 p.m., Fox) for the last performance round of Season 6′s “American Idol” competition. The winner will be crowned in Wednesday’s finale (7 p.m., Fox). It’s a tough one to call before tonight’s round. Until then, let’s see how the remaining two stack up against each other….

Twin Cities.com

Who are these people?

At the start of this year’s “American Idol” semi-finals, I asked, in all seriousness, “Who are these people?” And three months later, I still have no idea. We’re down to beat-boxer Blake Lewis and pop princess Jordin Sparks for the Season Six crowns, and if there have been two more opaque “Idol” finalists, I can’t think of them.In Season Three, Fantasia’s daughter Zion was almost as big a presence as Fantasia herself. In Season Four, we visited the Underwood family farm about 17 different times. And by the time last season ended, I had the sound of Taylor Hicks barking out the words “Soul Patrol!” forever drilled into my brain……

nj.com

Yamin and two other Idols get some Sirius time

To tie in with this week’s “American Idol” finale, Sirius Satellite Radio has recruited Elliott Yamin, Taylor Hicks and Katharine McPhee to each host an hour of “Celebrity Shuffle,” airing on Sirius’ Super Shuffle (Channel 12).Yamin’s turn to spin will be at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. today, repeated at 3 a.m., noon and 6 p.m. tomorrow. Hicks will be on at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. today, repeated at midnight tonight and at 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. tomorrow. McPhee takes the mike at 1 and 10 p.m. today and 6 a.m., 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. tomorrow.inRich.com

‘American Idol’ top 2 square off
Sparks, Lewis dispense compliments, talk about jitters, styles and voting

After months of auditioning, performing and being judged, it all comes down to this:A professional neophyte who bubbles more than a can of soda, and a veteran beat-boxer who says he does things his way.Yes, it’s time for Fox to anoint its sixth American Idol, although many viewers may be thinking that the rightful winner, Melinda Doolittle, was denied her shot at the title.

Remember, no matter how many times Simon Cowell says it’s a singing competition, “American Idol” is a popularity contest…..

inRich.com

‘Idol’ down to the wire

After 18 weeks and the tearful eliminations of thousands of wannabe pop stars, a bubbly teenage diva and an edgy nonconformist will hit the “American Idol” stage this week for the top spot in the world’s biggest singing competition…..

The Washington Times

Leslie has some closing thoughts on the season’s highs (Blake! Melinda!) and lows (hellllooooo, Sanjaya!)

Depending on who you ask, the sixth season of Fox’s American Idol has been either the biggest collection of no-talents, unappetizing bores and goofballs ever to blight a reality show stage or an exciting festival of gifted singers who defy cookie-cutter typecasting and actually sing songs written this millennium.If you ask me – and thanks for asking! – both of those camps have a point…..Palm Beach Post

Obies, Theater World give kudos
Barrino, Nighy receive awards

Gotham ordered up another round of legit kudos Monday night, when two orgs — the Off Broadway-centric Obies and the Theater World Awards, given to a dozen thesps making their Broadway or Off Broadway debuts — announced their winners.
Biggest names to nab honors were Fantasia Barrino, the “American Idol” alum who garnered gushy reviews last week for her turn in “The Color Purple,” and Bill Nighy, who co-starred in “The Vertical Hour” on Broadway earlier this season. Each won a Theater World Award…….

Variety

Idol speculation: The final word from our coaches

The Idol season end draws near, and it’s time for our coaches to surrender their international celebrity and return to their humdrum lives. But before they left, they cast their votes and declared Jordin the likely winner while offering their final assessments of the two finalists….

USAToday

At Finale Time, ‘Idol’ Strains to Hit a High Note

…For Fox execs and competitors, the real drama will begin the morning after, when the Nielsen numbers come in. If the finale stats are down from last season, it will signal the start of navel-gazing at all the networks as to whether this year’s uninspiring cast of competitors is to blame or, as the other networks hope, it’s symptomatic of the show’s decline….

Washington Post.com

à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹American I-dullà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢
Plenty of blame to go around for worst season of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹AIà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ yet.

…For this final assignment, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve been asked to regurgitate what has been learned and discerned from this yearà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s competition, which has been widely regarded as the dullest ever. (And if another has been duller, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d like to know how the show survived its tedium.)A list of lessons learned:Kansas City.com

The Jordin factor: ‘Idol’ star leaves mark on the Web, around Valley

How has the Valley’s Jordin Sparks influenced American Idol viewers this season? Here’s a quick look:

The Arizona Republic

Grumbles trail Idol into finale

Could the country be ready to stop praying at the altar of “American Idol?”With the season finale of the No. 1 rated show airing Tuesday night, observers from the blogosphere to the office water cooler are buzzing with critiques over the way this year failed to measure up to Idols of seasons past.“This year there was less drama from the start,” said Michael Slezak, a senior writer for Entertainment Weekly’s ew.com….

am New York

UNDERWOOD MATCHES RIMES’ COUNTRY DEBUT SALES RECORD

CARRIE UNDERWOOD has become only the second country star to reach score six million sales with a debut album.
The former American Idol winner’s first release, Some Hearts, was certified sextuple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) last week (ends18May07).
Underwood’s feat is only matched by LeAnn Rimes’ 1996 album Blue.
The Jesus Take The Wheel singer’s hit album, which was released in November, 2005 has spent a total of 26 weeks at number one of the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.
Last week was a good one for Underwood – as well as claiming her new RIAA accolade, the singer also claimed three trophies at the Academy of Country Music Awards.

PRInside.com

When ‘Idol’ season is over, Seattle will be singing a happy song
It seems a certain judge hit all the wrong notes when he ripped Seattle’s lack of musical talent … Take that, Simon Cowell!

For a city with “absolutely atrocious” singers, Seattle has kicked some serious Simon butt on Season 6 of “American Idol.”We don’t expect to hear apologies anytime soon from Simon Cowell, but by now he surely knows he picked on the wrong city……Seattlepi.com

Predicting American Idol: Blake Lewis will upset favorite Jordin Sparks to win

I have a bold prediction to make. I think Blake Lewis will become the next American Idol winner when the votes are counted after Tuesday nightà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s finale. Oddsmakers at Bookmaker.com disagree as they predict Jordin Sparks will win the competition based on the -400 odds they have bestowed upon her. Lewis on the other hand is considered the underdog with +300 odds….

Point-Spreads

Britney Spears lip-synching disaster

…After arriving in Florida via another flight with leather seats, Spears made her scheduled appearance at the House of Blues. She took the stage at 9:30 p.m. and started the show with à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Baby One More Time.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  It wasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t until her performance of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Do Somethinà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  that à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“somthinà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  terrible happened. The back up CD began skipping repeatedly. Britney turned away from the crowd until technicians fixed the problem. However, the CD continued to skip four more times during the song. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“It was an ugly scene. The crowd started jeering and heckling her. Britney looked absolutely devastated. When the CD started skipping during the song ‘Do Somethin,’ Britney hid her face and turned her back. Then, when it resolved itself, she turned around with this look on her face like she was going to puke,” according to a concert goer.If the CD skipping wasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t enough, her headset microphone broke during a dance move. Not that is really mattered, Spears wasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t actually singing into it…

…Despite her lip-synching, people are lining up to see this train wreck perform. Rumor has it she may be performing on American Idol this week. Yippee!

Point-Spreads

Blake to Win ‘American Idol’ Based on Quepasa.com Poll

The vote is in and Blake wins “American Idol” — or at least is expected to win based on a
poll released by Quepasa Corporation (the “Company”) (Nasdaq: QPSA). In a poll sent to its approximately 1.2 million members, 60% voted for Blake and 40% voted for Jordin….

prnewswire

‘Idol’ Showdown
Will Sparks fly… or is Blake the one to beat?

OK, can we all take a deep breath and talk rationally about “American Idol” for a minute? Can we officially declare the Melinda Wars over (please)?Those maestros of high dudgeon, the blogs, have all had their say. Angry crowds around the office watercoolers have dispersed. We’ve moved on.Exhaled? Good, because here now are some basic points that probably most of us can agree on. Ceremoniously dumped last week, Melinda Doolittle was the most brilliant performer on the show this – or any other – season.

But she’ll do just fine. In the business, we call this “a given.”….

am New York

American Idol Songwriter Contest a Flop With Amateur Songwriters?

…But when will American Idol really look for commercially popular songs for the winning contestants? Every week, American Idol asks the contestants to take big risks. Yet, every season, they take a highly conservative road and actively search for a song that is about an eagle soaring, that big moment, their time in the sun, etc.I was expecting more songs focusing on the singers pursuing their dreams – the singers that really want to sing so much that they subject themselves to fierce judging and criticism every week. When will American Idol take the same risks that they ask their contestants to take each season?…PRInside.com

Weekend Sale at The Oaks ‘A Huge Success’; Taylor Hicks Greets Fellow Property Owners

…Just over 100 of these highly-coveted lakefront and lake access lots were released and “more than 60% sold,” said Mr. Patch. Alabama’s own Taylor Hicks of American Idol fame was on hand to greet customers and fellow property owners at both events. Mr. Hicks signed autographs and posed for photos. He also toured his own lot in the development. See pictures and video of the event at http://www.theoaks-gpi.com ….

prnewswire.com

THE LAST SONG
TONIGHT’S BALLAD IS CONTEST WINNER

THE winner of the “American Idol” songwriting contest will be unveiled tonight – with finalists Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis both crooning the winning tune. The identity of the victorious songwriter is being kept a secret until tonight’s show (8 p.m./Ch. 5).

But sources say it’s actually two people – a male songwriting team who’ve penned what’s described as a “ballad” for Sparks and Lewis to sing…

NY Post

The Kelly Bowlin Band from Corona to Perform With American Idol Bucky Covington

The Corona based Kelly Bowlin Band will be performing with country star and American Idol finalist Bucky Covington, May 29th at the Belly-Up Tavern in Solano Beach….

Top 40-charts.com

EU clears Universal, BMG music deal

…Vivendi SA’s Universal had resolved the issue by promising to sell several significant song catalogs – mostly the European rights to British and American pop hits owned by Zomba UK, 19 Music, 19 Songs, BBC music publishing, Rondor UK as well as the European licenses for the U.S.-based Zomba Music Publishing.The Zomba catalog owns songs written by Max Martin’s Swedish hits factory for Britney Spears and the Backstreet Boys that dominated the ’90s charts, while 19 has the rights to hits by the Spice Girls and other acts propelled to success by manager and “American Idol” creator Simon Fuller.

The selloffs go beyond what the Commission wanted because it was more viable to divest complete copyrights, including performance and print rights….

Myrtle Beach Online

Song Picks From Conor Oberst, Kelly Clarkson, Nick Lowe and Dave Matthews

…Read on to find out what everyone from Conor Oberst to Kelly Clarkson are name-checking these days…

Rolling Stone

 
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  • Lisa B

    Good morning. Sorry for the delay, slight teething problems.

    Many Happy Returns of the day Emeralgem!

  • jersey

    Good Morning, Lisa. Thanks for the headlines! If Britney Spears shows up on the finale, I will not be a happy camper. Bring on former idols, not former pop princesses!

  • http://www.myspace.com/mignonette33 purplesmile

    “Beauty and the Beat”

    I like that. :)

    Yay, Lisa! I got just a teeny bit anxious for a while there, but I knew you’d figure it out eventually. ;-D

  • RollTide

    Anybody but Britney, please.

  • Lisa B

    I think Britney will be a headline grabber, also good car crash tv.

    Can’t wait!

  • MaryS-NJ

    Thanks, Lisa B!

    “…When will American Idol take the same risks that they ask their contestants to take each season?à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦”

    Good question. My guess is they won’t – unless the formula starts to fail. The ratings are down a bit this season. If they took more risks they might spice things up.

  • Lisa B

    It’s worth while going onto the forum they suggest in that article, lots of interesting posts in the AI songwriting threads.

  • emeralgem

    Many Happy Returns of the day Emeralgem!

    ____________________________________

    Thank you LisaB, and good morning everyone..

    If Britney appears on the Finale, will she lip-sync?

  • Little Boy Blue

    Please let Britney appear at Idol as guest and LET THIS HAPPEN LIVE. That’ll be a great YOUTUBE event.

    BTW, I read someone post somewhere that it is acceptable to lip-synch to your own songs in a live concert/performance nowadays.

  • Who’sUrDaddy

    Thanks for the links LisaB.

    All riight, who is NOT going to be on the AI6 finale?

  • Stefunny

    I really like this new way of doing the links…much more streamlined and easier to scan. Thanks LisaB and MJ!

  • Desdemona

    MJ and LisaB,

    The headlines/news links look really great, thank you both. Love the “Beauty and the Beat”. This is it, hard to believe this season is already down to the final two. I look forward to tomorrow night to see all the idols back on stage. Will be watching DWTS finale tonight, but recording AI, ’cause I still love this cheesy show. :)

    Happy Birthday, Emeralgem!

  • sexygirl

    Please let Britney appear at Idol as guest and LET THIS HAPPEN LIVE. Thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll be a great YOUTUBE event.

    She should be the special suprise guest like Prince was last year. Now that would make for great tv. AI needs to do something to get back on the front page of our minds.

    Right now DWTS is getting full billing on most of the entertainment shows that I’m watching. There is not even a peep of the AI finals. I guess there will be some mentioning of it on tonight’s shows…

  • db

    LisaB, this is the equivalent of having your name in lights. Thanks for all the news links. :)

    Please let Britney appear at Idol as guest and LET THIS HAPPEN LIVE. Thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll be a great YOUTUBE event.

    Never in a million years did I think I’d be saying this, but yes, I agree. It would be a thousand times better than Ashley Simpson being caught lip-syncing on SNL and it would be the only means of redeeming an appearance of Brittany Spears on the AI stage.

    And happy birthday, emeralgem! Now everyone, go out and buy Sherman Pore’s CD!!

  • MaryS-NJ

    Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s worth while going onto the forum they suggest in that article, lots of interesting posts in the AI songwriting threads.

    Woah boy. Fascinating.

    Disillusionment? Check.
    Anger? Check.
    Bitterness? Check.
    A small dose of reality? Check.

    The reaction of many of the songwriters is like the reaction of first round auditioners for American Idol who claim some of the best voices didn’t make the cut at the cattle call complaining about “ringers” and those who got through because they were characters or pretty over better singers.

    I think it will be incredibly ironic if the lip-synch queen, Britney Spears, shows up to perform on a show that features live vocal performances. I think it will suck if Britney gets to perform while others associated with AI are shunted aside.

    I may watch DWTS and record American Idol… I’ve been replaying Apolo’s performance from last week on YouTube and I haven’t watched the show at all this season. I’m really curious.

  • sexygirl

    It would be a thousand times better than Ashley Simpson being caught lip-syncing on SNL and it would be the only means of redeeming an appearance of Brittany Spears on the AI stage.

    Honestly, you know almost everyone watching would already now she is lip-syncing. I would be watching just to see who would be partnered with her. It would be a historical first for a singing show where lip-syncing and actual singing is being done side by side.. I hope none of the contestants upstage her.

  • http://stores.ebay.com/BookWomanBlues-Book-Nook Bobbi

    No one needs to choose between AI and DWTS tonight. ABC is showing The Bachelor After the Rose while AI is on. DWTS doesn’t start until 9.

  • bean99

    I so don’t want Britney to appear on AI. I have zero interest her and try to never give her my attention in any way. I can’t imagine why they’d want her as opposed to someone who isn’t a has-been.

    DWTS is their finale tonight when they’ll give the winner the cheezy award so will get more press. I’m watching but not until after AI.

    I love that all of your links are in one place, Lisa B. :clap_tb:

  • db

    Honestly, you know almost everyone watching would already now she is lip-syncing. I would be watching just to see who would be partnered with her. It would be a historical first for a singing show where lip-syncing and actual singing is being done side by side.. I hope none of the contestants upstage her.

    Oh, yeah, I’m sure everyone knows that she does lip-sync, but it would be great if the backing CD skipped while she performed. I doubt they would put her with the AI6 Idols; she’d probably have her own time much like Prince did last year. And based on vocal ability, I think Antonella Barbara could upstage her… *shrugs*

  • sexygirl

    I canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t imagine why theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d want her as opposed to someone who isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t a has-been.

    Hey Bean, hush your mouth..LOL Britney hasn’t quite reached that has-been stage as yet. She’s on an express-train to it but hasn’t quite gotten there. Unfortunately, the media still seems very much invested in everything Britney..

  • MaryS-NJ

    One more note on the songwriting thing (I really need to get back to work – LOL), those songwriters posting on that board have put the pieces together pretty well, identified the songwriters of most of the top 20 in the AI songwriting contst, and determined a direct or indirect connection between at least 3 or 4 of the winning songwriters and various AI peeps (Randy Jackson, Ryan Seacrest, Paula Abdul, David Foster, etc.) Curiouser and curiouser.

    By the way, they’ve posted an alleged insider’s “rumor” about the winning song here
    http://spinme.com/bb/topic/178/page/29

  • radname

    I’d love it if Britney appeared on AI, she’d probably put on one hell of a show. But yes, she’d be lip-synching (which, if you’ve ever tried to dance like her, is probably the best thing to do instead of sounding out of breath 20 seconds into the song)

  • radname

    the AI songwriting contst, and determined a direct or indirect connection between at least 3 or 4 of the winning songwriters and various AI peeps (Randy Jackson, Ryan Seacrest, Paula Abdul, David Foster, etc.) Curiouser and curiouser.

    People are surprised about that? I don’t quite know what David Foster has to do with AI but whatev.

  • radname

    Here’s an article I’m sure some of you will get a kick out of.
    Meet America’s Sweetheart Kat McPhee

    2006 American Idol runner-up Katharine McPhee is set to release her debut album ‘Katharine McPhee’ on July 7, and the Billboard Best New Artist of 2007 is sure to blow you away with her sweet vocals and sexy look. Check out our interview with her here!
    The gorgeous Billboard Best New Artist of 2007 Katharine McPhee has loads of gems in store for you in her forthcoming self-titled album due out July 7.

    http://www.sonybmg.com.au/news/details.do;.tomcat2?newsId=20030829004570
    This is a press release for Australia. stating her album will come out on July 7, and I believe her single is released the next day although it has been getting some play there already.

  • MaryS-NJ

    radname,

    David Foster was a guest mentor last season (with Andrea Bocelli) and a fan of Katharine. He’s also a big-wig. That’s all I”m saying.

  • radname

    I know what you’re trying to say MaryS, and i’m not trying to dispute that. I’m just trying to understand the people at that site that think because someone has connections to someone already in the industry they’re not eligible for the contest.

  • Lisa B

    David Foster has also produced a few ex idols.

    The wording of the competition made people believe that they wanted amateurs rather than seasoned pros.

  • radname

    The wording of AI as a competition makes people believe that they want amateurs rather than seasoned pros. But we all see how well that turns out.
    I just find it so hard to believe there are people out there that are so neive that they think AI is actually out there to give people a chance in the industry instead of making a lot of money.

  • Lisa B

    “American Idol has been the vehicle for discovering so many great new artists over the years and now, with the launch of American Idol Songwriter, we are searching for great songwriting talent,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  stated Simon Fuller. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Having an undiscovered songwriter create the winner’s single seemed like a natural next step for our show. Not only do the fans pick their American Idol, but also his or her first single. This show has always been, and will continue to be, all about fulfilling dreams.”

    http://www.realitytvmagazine.com/blog/2007/04/american_idol_s_1.html

  • radname

    Didn’t they say they got 10k entries? Then they only choose 20?

  • radname

    Reading the bios of the top 20, it sounds like a lot of them aren’t really amateurs and have written songs before. It seems there’s about three people who haven’t had a record deal, recorded a record before, and had any connections to writing professionally before.

  • emeralgem

    “amateur” contest for “untapped” talent. There was never any mention of professionals being allowed to participate and, if you look at all the information we’ve all gathered on the final 20, they are all entrenched professionals.

    _____________________________________

    I, for one, am NOT surprised..
    I also found it interesting that four or five of the Top 10 this year have strong ties to the Christian genre of music.
    Hadn’t really connected the dots on that page until just recently..

  • Lisa B

    Christian has been the focus this year. They were top heavy with christian linked contestants.

  • radname

    It’s amazing how Christianity is the focus this year, but there hasn’t really been talk about it at all while the show is on. If you didn’t read the internet you would have no idea how religious Jordin is

  • emeralgem

    Christian has been the focus this year. They were top heavy with christian linked contestants.
    ____________________________

    I would say a Safety Net was definitely put in place..

  • Lisa B

    But there has in an indirect way Rad, the christian/gospel newsites/papers have been reporting heavily this year.

  • lynnie

    Didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t they say they got 10k entries? Then they only choose 20?
    —-
    à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“amateurà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  contest for à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“untappedà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  talent. There was never any mention of professionals being allowed to participate and, if you look at all the information weà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve all gathered on the final 20, they are all entrenched professionals.

    Looks like this was a windfall for 19E, with a $10 per song entry fee!
    Apparently the rules stated that the songwriter could not already have a publishing deal -now if this means they couldn’t have ever published anything, then the professionals should be out . But if it means the entered song could not already be in a publishing deal, then that is your loophole to let the profs in.

    http://spinme.com/2007/04/american-idol-songwriter-contest-rules-reviewed/

  • emeralgem

    Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s amazing how Christianity is the focus this year, but there hasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t really been talk about it at all while the show is on. If you didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t read the internet you would have no idea how religious Jordin is

    __________________
    Well, Jordin, isn’t the only one… Not much was revealed about Phil either…
    We knew he was in the Navy and that he missed the birth of his second daughter.. We did not know that he was the music director of his church or that he attended a religious affiliated college.
    The viewing public only found out his father was a minister and that he was not allowed to listen to specific genres of music about the time he was booted…

    EDIT: I knew he had attended Lee due to the fact that the college is located in my area, and my local Fox news interviewed some of the students that attended Lee.

  • MaryS-NJ

    I know what youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re trying to say MaryS, and ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not trying to dispute that. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m just trying to understand the people at that site that think because someone has connections to someone already in the industry theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re not eligible for the contest.

    You’re right, radname. As far as I can tell there was no restriction on submissions by professional songwriters, but some of the songwriters who who entered the contest felt the promotional materials were misleading because they claimed to be looking for a real amateur.

    It may simply be sour grapes, but there were numerous connections between some of the finalists and various people on AI. One guy played with Randy Jackson. One guy produced something for Paula Abdul. One guy was on several events with Ryan Seacrest. And then, the David Foster thing. Etc.

    I don’t think it really matters if they get a decent song out of it, considering the song submission guidelines, but it is noteworthy that so few of the finalists actually seem to be amateurs.

    à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Having an undiscovered songwriter create the winnerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s single seemed like a natural next step for our show. Not only do the fans pick their American Idol, but also his or her first single. This show has always been, and will continue to be, all about fulfilling dreams.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

    Yeah, well undiscovered by “America”, LOL, not undiscovered by the Music biz.

    But if it means the entered song could not already be in a publishing deal, then that is your loophole to let the profs in.

    Just like the contestants on AI, some will have experience as pros, but not signed to a record deal. Apparently, they got 25,000 song entries at $10 a pop.

  • pj

    Does Winning à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹American Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ Matter?

    Runners-up, top-five finishers have soared over the past few seasons.

    When I was on the show, I realized that after I got off I received so much press I really donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think anyone in the world would have known who I was [otherwise],à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  said Young, who is finishing work on his S-Curve Records (Joss Stone) debut,

    MTV News

    This is the first I’ve heard a specific label associated with Ace!!!! Hope it’s true. :clap_tb:

  • Kirsten

    à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Having an undiscovered songwriter create the winnerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s single seemed like a natural next step for our show. Not only do the fans pick their American Idol, but also his or her first single. This show has always been, and will continue to be, all about fulfilling dreams.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

    It certainly sounds like they were looking for an amature songwriter. Not some dude who has written multiple songs for soundtracks (as one contestant has). I’m not saying it should have been only for people who decided to write their first song ever, but the promo for this contest was misleading. Why not just bill it as a “songwriting contest” then instead of the search for an undiscovered songwriter.

    Well, this entire contest was mishandled. It was on and off again so many times. Then, when it was finally on, there was only a short period of time to enter and then a short time to vote. It didn’t get all that much attention. I wouldn’t be surprised to find out that Nigel had a roomful of interns parked in front of computers voting full-time for the song he wanted to win…no loo breaks allowed.

    ETA: Great news for Ace, pj!

  • jersey

    yea! Go Ace!

  • Little Boy Blue

    Well, Jordin, isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t the only oneà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ Not much was revealed about Phil eitherà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦
    We knew he was in the Navy and that he missed the birth of his second daughter.. We did not know that he was the music director of his church or that he attended a religious affiliated college.

    Let’s not forget Chris Sligh — who is worship leader at his church and has composed numerous worship songs.

    Melinda Doolitle is a devout Christian who has sang backup with gospel singers like Cece Winans, Yolanda Adams, Sandy Patti and even George Huff.

    This should not come as a surprise… we have had many people who sang in church before and a lot of them got their basic training singing in front of churches. The following come to mind :

    AJ Gill, Clay Aiken, Ruben Studdard, Kimberley Locke, Fantasia ( family was a gospel group ), Jennifer Hudson, George Huff, Carrie Underwood, Bo Bice, Paris Bennett, Chris Daughtry, Mandisa. I probably missed a few too.

  • sexygirl

    AJ Gill, Clay Aiken, Ruben Studdard, Kimberley Locke, Fantasia ( family was a gospel group ), Jennifer Hudson, George Huff, Carrie Underwood, Bo Bice, Paris Bennett, Chris Daughtry, Mandisa. I probably missed a few too.

    There were a couple from Season One..

  • WVIdolFan

    This new blog format is tricky. Not sure where to post this since its about Idol but not specifically under any headlines. MJ delete it of course if need be.

    I have the TV Guide channel on and they are doing a 2 hr pre idol special. A lot of past idols have been on and a lot of the current 12. Ace, Mandisa, Nadia, Scott, George Huff, Kimberly Locke, Anthony that I can think of right off. They had Josh Gracin and Paris on the other day. Mandisa has a new single released today.
    Nadia has a new movie out, Scott is going on tour with a group from Cincinnati, I missed most of Ace’s bit. Lisa T. on now talking about her upcoming tv show. Brandon Rogers on earlier as well as Jared Cotter talking about his own tv show. Sounded like it was a local show. So far, all liked both contestants in the final but almost all think Blake will win. Check out the audience tonight, will be full of ex idols.

    There will be a 2 hr red carpet show tomorrow night pre idol also.

    They have also reran various idol tonight, idol chat shows all day. Also an hour special on Kelly C and one on Clay A. Interesting stuff.

    Also just saw that Kellie P dad was arrested again for stealing old cars and taking them to a junk yard. In jail in lieu of 26,000 bond so far. Poor Kellie.

  • radname

    Poor Kellie, I also just heard a clip from Kellys new album. I really like it, it’s acoustic at the beginning and her vocals are pretty rawr.
    They should have released this song as the single.