Idol Headlines for 06/04/09

I’m so annoyed we haven’t gotten official label announcements yet. I keep checking PR Newswire and nothing. I really expected them to at least announce Kris’ deal this week.

^^^You aren’t the only one that’s been checking PR Newswire. I have been too. I’m subscribed to the RSS music feed and I’ve got the main page up in another window and I periodically refresh the page. Of course considering how long it took to announce Jordin’s deal with Jive 2 years ago I guess nothing really surprises me. Since last year’s deals for the top 2 came so quick I was hoping these 2 would too but oh well. lol

A publicist with Tennesse-based Reunion Records said Stacey was unaware his performance yielded no money for Rylee Jo Williams, but otherwise had no comment.

Well, that’s an ugly story.
Stacey better watch out who he aligns himself with because despite the fact that it wasn’t his mismanagement that caused the issues, as the “star” of the show it does reflect poorly on him.
Personally I think he’s a toolish famewhore, but I never thought him to be dishonest.

Me, too. I thought we would get Kris and Adam’s, if no one else’s…

As far as SYTYCD, when they cut someone like Natalie, without giving us a real explanation (you let us down–what? how?), after they pimped her like crazy, and they don’t let her dance for her life, I don’t understand…at least you know on Idol, even if you disagree (hello, Tatliana–never mind, bad example. Forget it. That’s how TPTB work, I guess. A few too many tears for me, tho, and I am not sure who the Top 16 for either the guys OR girls are, for the most part. Oh, well. Bummer on Bianca, the tap dancer, and she is not coming back.

As he was leaving, I said if he knew if à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  would keep the four judge structure. He said heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d personally prefer they had kept it at three, though he liked Kara. Then he joked, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Maybe they can get rid of Randy!à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

I wonder if that was actually supposed to be a joke?

Funny how he said Fox enjoys Idol going overtime. I guess that explains it. They must have really enjoyed this year, then. :rolleyes_tb:

Oh Jennifer, she outed you, huh? I do believe you did it yourself walking around flossing your teeth. Seriously, have you looked in the mirror? Do you think she even needed to mention it? You’re either pregnant (I hope and wish you well) or you have a seriously inoperable tumor (which would be a bad thing)..

Oh Jennifer, she outed you, huh? I do believe you did it yourself walking around flossing your teeth. Seriously, have you looked in the mirror? Do you think she even needed to mention it? Youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re either pregnant (I hope and wish you well) or you have a seriously inoperable tumor (which would be a bad thing)..

Exactly. I think that picture said it all.

Oh Jennifer, she outed you, huh? I do believe you did it yourself walking around flossing your teeth. Seriously, have you looked in the mirror? Do you think she even needed to mention it? Youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re either pregnant (I hope and wish you well) or you have a seriously inoperable tumor (which would be a bad thing)..

Exactly. I think that picture said it all.

Actually, I have a different perspective. The photo came after the leaked baby shower story. Maybe that put the paps on her tail?

Besides, it’s a matter of trust. If you confide in your friends and they sell you to the papers, well… that doesn’t sound like a friend to me. YMMV.

I got an e-mail from a radio station that Kelly Clarkson is doing a concert at a local college ballpark. What I find most interesting is how inexpensive the tickets are. It says “Bring a blanket and grab lawn seats for $25 or sit in the special VIP section for $50. There’s also a limited number of family 4-packs available for $60! That’s only $15 a ticket.”

http://www.my995fm.com/pages/kellyclarkson/

I have been too busy to watch SYTYCD, but my daughter was also really unhappy that they cut Natalie without giving her a chance to dance for her life, especially when they gave Bianca a chance when she had been bad all day.

This week, Archuleta’s Murray High classmates will graduate. He won’t be one of the class of 2009.

“When I joined ‘American Idol,’ I had to stop school,” he said. “Those who were the younger contestants worked with a studio teacher, but I couldn’t keep up.”

Archuleta said he is working on à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  and hoping to à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  earn his high-school diploma. “I want to, but it’s hard.”

I find this so disturbing. One of the things I would really like to see changed on American Idol is the lower age limit. I think these Kids need to be 18 when they audition. Two reasons, the school issue and the parent/guardian issue.

I don’t think it would have hurt Jordin or David or Allison to wait one more year, and it might of helped them post idol. Jordin was luckier than most since she pretty much had her high school education out of the way because she had been home schooled for quite a while. She only had to test out and was free to go on her way as soon as she turned 18. Archie, on the other hand, had enrolled in regular high school and hadn’t earned enough credits to graduate. And it looks like once he turned 18 and was no longer required to be “in school” that his education became less of a priority for him and his management.

I might be really old fashioned but I do think these kids need their high school years and need to focus on at least a high school diploma. I could go into a diatribe but suffice to say that I find it a shame that in the entertainment business this has become a non-issue. Also, if the kids had to be 18 we wouldn’t have had any “father-gate” scandal. And we wouldn’t have to hear Randy say “you are only 17″ ever again.

While it has not come from her mouth, sources say Jennifer Hudson is heated over her friend Felicia Fields telling Chicago papers about her baby shower over the weekend.

haha! she may be pissed, but j-hud knows that booting that chick from her wedding means bad publicity. plus, has she not seen the pics of herself?! Does she know how big she looks?!?! there’s no hiding that.

Looking forward to the small, intimate acoustic show Taylor is doing in Detroit. Should be completely different than what he’s done before.

I agree that article does not look good for Phil Stacey. I totally understand the promoter – he has a set cost to recover and if a “benefit concert” does not bring in enough money to cover the costs to put the show in, well, there isn’t much to hand over to the folks who need the money. Although they should have had an agreement such as “all proceeds in donation jars or from sale of bracelets” will go directly to them. It would be nice for Stacey to throw some cash their way. It’s understandable that he is not a big draw for the show. I could never understand his appeal.

As far as SYTYCD, when they cut someone like Natalie, without giving us a real explanation (you let us downà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’what? how?), after they pimped her like crazy, and they donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t let her dance for her life, I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t understandà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦at least you know on Idol, even if you disagree (hello, Tatlianaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’never mind, bad example. Forget it. Thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s how TPTB work, I guess. A few too many tears for me, tho, and I am not sure who the Top 16 for either the guys OR girls are, for the most part. Oh, well. Bummer on Bianca, the tap dancer, and she is not coming back.

That was really sad about Natalie! She was SOO good doing the routine for the choreographer (forget her name now) – so you’d think they’d give her some credit for that! Plus, she almost made top 20 last year (with it coming down to her and Katie).

But AI does this all the time too – they thrive on the shock moments, and, when you have that much great talent, you can afford to kick someone off without any warning, or much reason. Which really sucks for the dancers/singers.

Watching these early rounds of show like AI and SYTYCD reminds me again why I would NEVER audition for Idol! I would hate to be in Hollywood week in a group like Tatiana, exploited by the producers like that for all to see!

Interesting and funny article about Adam and AI’s future:

Adam Lambert: Destroyer of ‘American Idol’

this is neat. A card that david a, band and crew gave to cookie before the manila show.

http://archuletaphilippines.com/david-archuband-crew-show-cook-some-love-in-manila.html

Actually, I have a different perspective. The photo came after the leaked baby shower story. Maybe that put the paps on her tail?

Besides, ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a matter of trust. If you confide in your friends and they sell you to the papers, wellà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ that doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t sound like a friend to me. YMMV.

I guess my mileage does because she’s obviously very pregnant or very sick. We don’t know the circumstances under which her friend leaked that she had a shower. We don’t know that Jennifer asked her not to say anything. Having a baby shower is pretty much confirming that you’re pregnant, no? Did she tell all the people at the shower not to say anything? We don’t know. There comes a point when It’s IMO silly to try to hide or deny it or to get mad at anybody who says your huge belly is because there’s a baby in there.

My mom was pregnant 59 years ago. She and my dad got married out of town and had an article in the local newspaper that showed they got married quite a while before they did. Yup, they hid it. It was much more important to do so back then. I’m the baby of the family and my mom told me in a round about way when I was about 16. I had always wondered…having a baby 9 months and 3 days after you get married is suspect. They just celebrated their 59th anniversary (the real one…not the made up one) and I couldn’t be happier for them. What they didn’t do was have parties and then get mad that the party got leaked. I just guess I wonder how she thought she could keep it secret like that. I more wonder why she wants to.

The paps still have to find her to take her picture. She’s famous enough that leaked or not, pregnant or not, they’d print any picture of her they could find. I don’t know that her friend “sold” her. I don’t know that we have enough information to say that. Something mentioned in passing, I don’t think, is selling her. Without knowing the exact circumstances, I just can’t know.

suebrody – I put Nigel’s tweets that he sent by way of explanation in the SYTYCD thread. They’re not much, but they explain a bit!

Tess – I agree with you about the lower age limit and the education issues. If they have a voice at 16 worthy of being on the show, they will at 18 too.

Was Archie a junior or senior in high school when he started with AI? I think he needs to at least get his high school diploma also (and not a GED). There are too many online classes even for him not to complete this. It doesn’t set well (with me at least) that he could end up being called a high school dropout. Since he has said recently that he is having writer’s block with penning songs, he could maybe use a little of that time for a credit here and there in whatever subjects he’s needing to complete, or they (Murray High) could put together a “special program” of some sort for him to complete. He goes to concerts, watches TV, gets together with old friends, etc. during his downtime, so why not a little book reading in the mix. I guess it depends on how much he needs to make up.

And it looks like once he turned 18 and was no longer required to be à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“in schoolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  that his education became less of a priority for him and his management.

I don’t think that’s necessarily true. I’m pretty sure mandatory schooling in the US ends at 16. So if Archie & Co really didn’t see his education as a priority, they could’ve stopped the schooling long before he turned 18. I think he’s been continuing his courses, but just taking a longer time to finish due to his busy schedule.

this is neat. A card that david a, band and crew gave to cookie before the manila show.

awwwwww how sweet. Archie is love.

I know that David’s education is very important to him, and he feels bad about not graduating with his class.

My husband and I are teachers, but I have a very open mind about education. A piece of paper does not an education make. My dad only went to 8th grade, but he is one of the smartest people I know– well informed and well read. We all know there are kids who all got the same education who come out with vastly different amounts of knowledge and experience. David worked very hard and did very well while he was in high school.

The education David has gotten in his chosen field since he started American Idol has been tremendous. I like to think of it as going to a fine arts high school. You couldn’t buy that kind of education at his age.

^^^Seems to me they could give him “credits” toward graduation for fine arts, and with his travels, some sort of history credits. He’s experienced a lot, so you’d think they could sort his experience out and toss him a few credits for that.

I’m pretty sure David Archuleta will finish High School….with a diploma and not a GED. I’d not be surprised if at some point he takes time to complete college. You just don’t get the grades he got without thinking highly of education. He’s striking while the iron is hot, but he has plenty of time to complete his schooling. I’m not a big fan, per se, but from everything I’ve seen from and about him, he knows the value of education. There’s nothing that says you must get a college degree at age 22. Many people, many successful people, get it later or not at all even.

I do, however, think they should up the age limit of American Idol. I’d never, ever allow my underage child (my last just turned 18 so I’m free and clear now and besides my children sing about as well as I do) to enter the contest. I just think that contestants do better overall when they have a bit more maturity. Please note the “overall” disclaimer.

I love that they got the only woman in the group to write the card. lol typical! (at least, judging by the signatures I think it was Kendra who wrote it).
That’s really sweet!!! One of them added “love you guys” awwww And it would be nice if it could get back to Cookie and his band’s hands.

I don’t know why Jennifer wants to “hide” the pregnancy. Isn’t it easier to answer “yes, I’m pregnant” than just make such a big deal out of it when it’s obvious she’s expecting a baby? But I’m not a celeb…

Judy- Unfortunately, public schools are not that open minded and creative. They are very rigid. I know because I have a daughter who did a variety of accredited courses, along with many from the local high school. In her junior year, she was taking AP english and other AP courses that the district wouldn’t count toward graduating. They said she HAD to take 11th grade english for it to count. She had homeschooled for most of junior high school, so she had a very open mind about education already.

When they told her the college level courses wouldn’t count, she decided she didn’t care about getting the diploma but cared about her education. She still did more AP courses, etc. and had almost enough to get the diploma but did not get it. We had explored how universities feel about that, and they don’t care. All major universities only care about whether you are prepared to come there, not about the diploma. If you can demonstrate that you are prepared, they will let you in and even give you scholarship. In the end, she went to a major university on scholarship, has kept full scholarship for 3 years, and has two editing internships.

I just see David’s “education” from a different perspective.

What does the card say? I can’t view the pictures.

wow, LK09. My daughter took 4 AP courses junior year and 3 senior years and graduated close to the top of her class (on Sunday even with an Honor’s Society Hood and special Cords for top 10 in her class). I don’t know your district but that doesn’t even make sense to me. She took AP English both junior and senior year and they counted toward graduation in our school district.

She has a bump the size of a fucking planet, and she’s pissed because her friend ratted on her baby shower? LOL! These things arent that easy to hide.

Deleted leome was quicker.

What does the card say? I canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t view the pictures.

David,

Love, David Archuleta, band & crew.

Signed on the other half:
Johnny B, Mike, Elias/ Eli, Ray, Alex, Kendra, Jeff & David

The source of it http://community.livejournal.com/cookleta/1045367.html

Besides, ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a matter of trust. If you confide in your friends and they sell you to the papers, wellà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ that doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t sound like a friend to me.

Yes. I agree with you. Its the principle of the point.

LK, I see education from different perspectives also, could site many examples, and completely understand and agree with what you said. It is just my preference that he get the diploma because this has been referenced by David himself a few times (at least). He’s even talked of being an ENT specialist if this music thing doesn’t work out, so I do know it’s important to him. I guess I just didn’t like reading about his not graduating with his class in print and reacted too quickly. I’m sure he’ll get it all done in time. He’s still pretty young.
:smile1_tb:

“I love that they got the only woman in the group to write the card. lol typical! (at least, judging by the signatures I think it was Kendra who wrote it)”

yeah it looks like kendra’s writing haha.

*cant type fast enough rofl*

I feel confident David will get his diploma eventually. This is a kid that in a brief window of time when he was home moved heaven and earth to complete a project to qualify for an eagle scout badge. And, yes, his grades were always stellar, which does indicate education is important to him. From what I’ve seen, David is a very focused and by the book kind of guy–very Type A. I’m sure it drives him crazy he hasn’t finished school. But,he’ll get it done.

I feel strange even talking about this, as it’s his business. But, to me it makes sense to focus on his career now. The education he’s getting is surely as important within the context of his life and personal goals. Also, contractually speaking, he has obligations. And there is only so much time in a day. It’s not like he can tell his label, sorry, I gotta get my diploma. Can’t be at the studio at 8 am. And I’m pretty sure if he could do that, he would, btw. ha!!!

Gingerly- ridiculous, I agree. She took AP English both junior and senior year too. One of my sons also worked in a biology lab at a university since his junior year and the school wouldn’t count that as a credit, while they counted working at McDonalds as a credit. He ended up fulfilling it with an online course.

Judy- Yes, David definitely wants to get it, and I think that is the key. I do think he will eventually.

On the Jennifer Hudson matter, I agree that it is terrible if you can’t trust your friends.

ETA: The funny thing, Mary, is that I don’t think David thought he would even make it that young. I think he thought he would give a whirl for a few years and eventually get through. I think it was all a big suprise for him.

I too agree about the age limit thing. The younger folks just don’t have the maturity or experience, imo, to really be as good or successful as the older ones. I think, with experience in the music scene being so much more important to having success on Idol (think of the people who already had a band, or sang a lot on stages, etc.) that having the younger age limit is really helping no one, especially the contestants.

Even someone like Allison impressed me as someone who would have been better served to try out a few years later – with more experience under her belt. Her voice would certainly be just as strong, if not stronger. Adam even commented about helping her out with song selection – she had the voice, just not the breadth of knowledge about music to know what fit her the best.

I also think the upper limit should be raised, maybe to the low to mid 30′s. There are just so many successful acts out there now who are older (and the Susan Boyle craze raised that issue as well – that talent can come at any age.)

So I would ideally set the limit to 18 to 35.

David is a smart kid. He’ll get his diploma but I can’t fault him for putting his music first.

The single is having its ups and downs and the promo is lacking but this is a lovely review of Elliott’s album:

à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Fight for Love,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  Elliott Yamin à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  I was all set to hate this album. I mean REALLY hate it. The title, the oh-so-sensitive cover photos, a song called à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Let Love Beà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  … wimp rock for sure, I figured. Turns out, not so much. Sure, the lyrics are pretty soggy (e.g., à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Can you still hear me when I call your name?à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ) and thereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s sameness to the broken-hearted mood. But Yaminà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s exquisite voice, inventive stylish arrangements and pleasing R&B melodies make it all go down very, very easily, with no unpleasant aftertaste.

http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20090604/ARTICLE/906039958/-1/NEWSSITEMAP

All major universities only care about whether you are prepared to come there, not about the diploma.

Wow, Universities have sure changed since I went. We couldn’t even apply if we didn’t have a high school diploma in our fat little hands. That is why the GED program was started so that older applicants who hadn’t had the opportunity to finish high school could go forward with their education.

I am sure things are different now with home schooling (a social concept I have yet to grasp) but I would think that Universities would want some kind of acredited proof that someone was capable of doing the work required.

Also, I think that it may be hard enough for some Parents to get their kids to grasp the concept that an education is important in the real world….and how do you counter your kids when they point to a “celebrity” and use the argument “he didn’t finish school”. I’m sure David will “fit” his degree into his schedule, I just feel bad that it, seemingly, became a non-issue for the past several months. It would have been nice for him to walk with his class.

David,

It has been a pleasure getting to know you on this trip to Manila. You and your band have been nothing but kind to us all. You are all cool cats and great people. We are looking forward to the show tonight and wish you good luck with a wonderful performance! May God bless you in all your desires and dreams in the future with music and whatever else your heart truly loves.

Love, David Archuleta, band & crew.

Signed on the other half:
Johnny B, Mike, Elias/ Eli, Ray, Alex, Kendra, Jeff & David

aaaaaawwwwwwww this got me teary eyed…

Mary102
Jun 4th, 2009 at 11:32 am

Even someone like Allison impressed me as someone who would have been better served to try out a few years later – with more experience under her belt. Her voice would certainly be just as strong, if not stronger. Adam even commented about helping her out with song selection – she had the voice, just not the breadth of knowledge about music to know what fit her the best.

Age doesn’t necessarily equal musical knowledge, however. Witness Danny, who was at the very upper age limit and claims to have had basically zero knowledge of any music other than gospel. (Personally I find that suspicious, since he says that he had watched the show before, plus he says that he listened to a lot of Latin music with his wife.)

Interesting and funny article about Adam and AIà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s future:

Adam Lambert: Destroyer of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹American Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢

Great article! Thanks for sharing. That’s the one thing about Adam everyone can agree on: he gets people talking. Love him or hate him, he made waves, and had even non fans wondering what he would be doing (or wearing) next week!

It will be interesting to see what next season brings. It would have to be another true original to really be at an Adam level of interest.

Gotta run, but Tess, It IS homeschooling that has changed the way universities think. You usually have to show by an ACT or SAT score that you are prepared, even if you have no accredited courses. Just look at any major university’s site to see their qualifications for homeschoolers.

I think Murray high school’s graduation is tomorrow night, and I somehow expect to see him go and maybe even sing at it.

Age doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t necessarily equal musical knowledge, however. Witness Danny, who was at the very upper age limit and claims to have had basically zero knowledge of any music other than gospel. (Personally I find that suspicious, since he says that he had watched the show before, plus he says that he listened to a lot of Latin music with his wife.)

Definitely true – being older will not equate to having more musical knowledge to be sure. You have to back that age up with the actual experience (like Adam, Kris, and others – singing in different settings, listening and performing lots of styles of music, etc.) But, I definitely think that younger people (mid-teens), just by virtue of their age, are not going to have the experience matched by most in their 20′s. It takes some time to experiment with different music styles, learn about old and contemporary music, etc. to really figure out your groove. JMO.

Felicia Fields is a big name in Chicago musical theater, btw. I think she’s now done “Color Purple” on Broadway and regionally, so she’s moved outside Chicago a bit. But I know she was part of the “Second City Divas” cd a long time ago, and she’s won a Jeff (Chicago version of Tony) and other awards over the years for “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and “Sophisticated Ladies” and that kind of thing.

She’s quite a bit older than J-Hud, and I think she was in the “Big River” that Jennifer did when she was just a kid. I really doubt it’s that she confirmed the pregnancy or ratted out the baby shower that’s the problem. Probably just that she talked to the Tribune at all and didn’t just say “No comment.” She’s a grown woman, she has to know what her friend wanted, and she talked to the paper, anyway. I think the other thing to consider is that J-Hud is probably hormonal and missing her mom, and then someone she sees as a mother figure tells the Trib she’s having a baby shower when she doesn’t want to talk about it? Yeah, kind of understandable to be peeved IMO. But who knows how she will feel when the wedding rolls around? Maybe all will be forgiven by then.

David and David Still Rule RP Music Charts.

The impact of David Cook and David Archuletaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s one-night concert in Manila last month are still evident in various music charts in the country. The two Davids (one or another) top Myx Daily Top 10, Myx Hit Chart, Myx International Top 20, The Magic 30 of Magic 89.9 and the Countdown Top 7 of Monster Radio RX 93.1.

Besides, ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a matter of trust. If you confide in your friends and they sell you to the papers, wellà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ that doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t sound like a friend to me.

Exactly. Everyone can tell that Jennifer is pregnant, but it’s not the friend’s place to talk about it to a newspaper. Jennifer has a lot on her agenda–tours, wedding plans, dealing with her family’s tragedy. The last thing she needs is some friend blabbering to a reporter. How hard is it to say “no comment” and respect Jennifer’s non-confirmation at this point? It’s a matter of respect.

I was not a big fan of Susan Boyle singing, but in the aftermath of the overnight Internet fame/shock defeat really hoped that everything will work out for her. I guess that she will no longer have any financial worries:

Boyle will reportedly earn up to eight million pounds ($16.2 million) in the next year from a record deal, book about her life and even a film.

this is neat. A card that david a, band and crew gave to cookie before the manila show.

http://archuletaphilippines.com/david-archuband-crew-show-cook-some-love-in-manila.html

Class personified…. nothing much else one can say… it warms my heart to see that these types of personal gestures are still being extended in the age of texting, email and twitter… david and company are true class acts, all the way down the line.

Boyle will reportedly earn up to eight million pounds ($16.2 million) in the next year from a record deal, book about her life and even a film.

Holy crap!! I need to move to England… lol

Boyle will reportedly earn up to eight million pounds ($16.2 million) in the next year from a record deal, book about her life and even a film.

This ^^^will only occur if her mental state is stable enough. Besides, I am sure that a huge portion of this will end up in everyone’s pocket except Susan’s. The woman has “issues” ie learning disabilities and probably doesn’t have enough education or life experiences to be able to really control her own “professional” life.

I, personally, think this is sad and tragic and a horrific reflection of the society that we live in. I am sure Susan didn’t have a clue when she “put herself out there” that she would become nothing more than a tool for others to get a piece of the almighty dollar (or pound).

this is neat. A card that david a, band and crew gave to cookie before the manila show.

http://archuletaphilippines.com/david-archuband-crew-show-cook-some-love-in-manila.html

Ahahaha! I have a card exactly like that in my “specifically-meant-for-somebody-but-unsent-to-date” greeting cards stash. I can’t access the LJ link but I read somewhere else that the card slipped out of where it was placed? Did Cookie get to read it at all?

I vaguely remember listening to an Archie radio interview in Manila in which he talked about his schooling and education and getting the impression that he places a lot of importance to it and intends to get it somehow.

That’s sad about the Phil Stacey show charity benefit show not making enough to benefit the intended recipient.

I finally got a copy (imported) of Elliott’s CD. I confess I didn’t have very high hopes for it, either, but I’m starting to like a few songs other than Know Better (the live performance of which I still highly prefer).

I am so glad Wade Robson is coming back to SYTYCD this season

I don’t blame Jennifer Hudson if she boots her ‘friend’ off the list lol
People who blab about you to the press are not really your friend.

and with regards to Susan B:

I, personally, think this is sad and tragic and a horrific reflection of the society that we live in.

I agree.

This is off subject and sad news—
David Carradine best known for”Kun Fu” ,and “Kill BIll” was found dead in his hotel room in Bankok. Possible suicide he was 72…

Brian at Idol Chatter has updated the coronation song sales numbers! Strangely, he is equating Kellyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s coronation single numbers to Cookà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s, and there is no comparison. David sold about 200k more, not an insignificant distinction. The Rainbow likes to get his due, and he pwns the coronation singles to date!

http://blogs.usatoday.com/idolchatter/2009/06/how-the-american-idol-coronation-singles-stack-up-part-1.html#uslPageReturn

This should be in the June 4th headlines, but ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not up yet, so there you go.

Oops, thought I successfully deleted that last night, and now I can’t edit!

Tess, I agree that the whole Susan Boyle story is very sad. And that once again it’s all about the ratings.

But to be fair, the initial performance was accompanied by a backstory that did not include any of the information about her learning disabilities or mental health issues. So I am not willing to condemn “society” for this. I do wonder about TPTB letting her perform in the Final when she was already was exhibiting signs of metal instability before the final.

According to Susan and both of her older brothers, she really wanted to sing on BGT and she had no doub that she would win even before she auditioned for the show.

I think that this might have been completely tragic, but since there is now an official investigation of whether BGT violated broadcast standards and practices, Gordon Brown is involved, her family is watching after her, etc., it may turn out OK.

And if she makes a lot of money this year, and her family puts it in a managed trust for her (as they have said they plan to), then it will turn out about as well as it can.

I find this so disturbing. One of the things I would really like to see changed on American Idol is the lower age limit. I think these Kids need to be 18 when they audition. Two reasons, the school issue and the parent/guardian issue.

It isn’t the shows fault. The vast majority of teens who competed on AI got their HS diploma on time. David “couldn’t keep up” with school during AI? Bull. The others did. This is just another sign that everything else in his young life is taking a backseat to singing, and that decision starts and ends with his mother and father.

If he isn’t careful, David’s HS diploma “pursuit” will end up a punchline like Fantasia’s “I’m going to get my GED soon” declaration, the declaration she’s been making for FIVE YEARS. Even DA sounds unsure that he’ll get it. Now it isn’t “I will get it,” it’s “I HOPE to get it.” Of course he’ll pay lip service to the idea that his education is important, that’s basic PR. The proof will be where he is in one year. If the kid has time to twitter and blog, or go jogging and then twitter about that, he has time to do school work.

“David à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“couldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t keep upà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  with school during AI? Bull.”

I think he meant keep up with it to his standards… He had all A’s before idol so im guessing lower grades would of been not keeping up. But im sure he’ll finish when he’s able too.

If DA were my child, he would not have “fallen behind.” If we had to work till 2am, he would not have fallen behind. That is what a parent does. Period.

hmm saw this on twitter:

http://twitter.com/NWALana
Smoky robinson n david archuleta coming 4 walmart fri

http://twitter.com/nwabecca
RT @ NWALana Smoky Robinson & David Archuleta coming for Wal-Mart annual meeting Friday…

site listed on their twitters:
http://www.nwaonline.net/

isnt this the share holders meeting?

Someone said they like to have people perform there that have walmart exclusives… coincidently david has a meeting today and it seems richard(o holy night arrangement and think of me arrangement) is at the same meeting? Im thinking probably has to do with the christmas cd…. wonder if it will be a walmart exclusive???

or maybe we are reading to much into it LOL

If DA were my child, he would not have à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“fallen behind.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  If we had to work till 2am, he would not have fallen behind. That is what a parent does. Period.

Don’t be silly.
You can’t have a child studying in order to complete their basic education when they can instead be touring and making money…. so you don’t have to :dry_tb:

You canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have a child studying in order to complete their basic education when they can instead be touring and making moneyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦. so you donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have to

It’s okay if you feel this way, though I’d have to disagree with you.

I know my parents would have never let me fall behind in school, even if I was making a shit-ton of money. Education was the priority in our house growing up and I must say, looking back, I’m so grateful that it was.

Purplesmile, here’s a link to Elliott’s bonus songs. There are about ten and I hope this site works for you. I actually like the bonus songs MORE than the ones on the album (with the exception of Be Apart, Let Love Be and This Step Alone). My current favorite is Always.

http://www.imeem.com/people/WnOHQjg/playlist/1nAaZcb3/elliott-yamin-fight-for-love-bonus-tracks-music-playlist/

David is a very smart kid. He’ll eventually get his h.s. diploma. I doubt he’ll end up a high school dropout like Simon Cowell.

Archie’s passion is music and I truly don’t see the benefit in parents denying him that opportunity for the benefit of what’s basically a piece of paper.

I haven’t seen this posted yet. A discussion about Adam on the Mike and Juliet show:

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

coincidently david has a meeting today and it seems richard(o holy night arrangement and think of me arrangement) is at the same meeting?

I didn’t follow last year that closely. Did Archie have a professional arrange his songs on the show? I thought it was his dad, at most. Is that normal?

I didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t follow last year that closely. Did Archie have a professional arrange his songs on the show? I thought it was his dad, at most. Is that normal?

Archie did not have a professional arrange his songs on the show. Most if not all idols have help one way or another in arranging their songs anyway (Ricky Minor, Family/Friends, Youtube, etc.).

Archie is featured on GoodSearch’s “Who’s Doing Good” page.

Singer and American Idol Finalist David Archuleta has used his fame to draw attention to a number of important causes including Rising Star Outreach and DoSomething.org [and Stand Up 2 Cancer].

Through YouTube video messages and encouraging support on his fan forums, David has raised a significant amount of donations and awareness for Rising Star Outreach, a non-profit organization which works to defeat leprosy and help people in leprosy colonies become thriving, self-sufficient individuals. David Archuleta fan support has raised over $15,000 to provide a new sewage system and dental projects for a suffering community with a goal of raising $20,000 in additional funds for a new school.

Archuleta is also teaming up with Do Something.org, along with the Dunkin’ Brands Community Foundation, to help willing teenagers make a difference in others’ lives with disaster relief.

~ snip ~

In May 2009, David was chosen as a celebrity ambassador for Stand up 2 Cancer, lending his efforts and time to help raise funds for cancer research.

You can help support Rising Star Outreach, DoSomething.org, or Stand up 2 Cancer by going to http://www.GoodSearch.com and entering the name of the organization you wish to support in the Who do you GoodSearch for? box.

more at link

GoodSearch is a search engine powered by Yahoo Search. It’s really cool because you designate your favorite charity and every time you use their search engine, a small donation is sent to that organization (it doesn’t have to be David’s charity, btw).

According to a rep from GoodSearch: “For example, if just 1,000 of Davidà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s fans searched four times a day on behalf of Rising Star Outreach, they would receive about $14,600 per year to help fund its mission! And, when youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re shopping online, go through GoodShop.com and theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll donate a percentage [up to 30%] of every purchase you make at more than 1,000 top online retailers to Rising Star Outreach (including iTunes, Amazon, Target, Best Buy and many other stores!).”

The way I’ve heard it, David did keep up with his studies during Idol. He received all As and one B in college-level Spanish. He was a junior in high school at the time. He then received a recording contract and has been slightly busy and without the benefit of the Idol-provided tutor. He has carried the GED book around with him in his travels. As far as I know, his intention is to complete his education in this way. I think Jordin did the same — not sure about the timeframe for her.

So I would ideally set the limit to 18 to 35.

While I also would like to see this, by the age of 35 someone in the entertainment business is considered old, especially for those who haven’t broken into the business by this point. We might blame it on TPTB in the industry but the reality is that it is very hard for a new recording artist over 30 to be accepted by most of the music buying public. How many times this year were there posts about Adam or Danny being so old? Michael Johns got it last year and Taylor Hicks two years before that (course his gray hair made him look older, but that only proves my point). Women face this even earlier than the men. So, yes, it in a perfect world they should raise the age to 35. But in reality, a middle-aged singer isn’t going to get TBTB the record sales that a younger “hot” artist would.

Ah, I’m just curious. But does Archie tweet his grades or something?

Ah, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m just curious. But does Archie tweet his grades or something?

IIRC, I believe he mentioned his grades in an interview once. Someone correct me if I’m wrong.

It was in an interview, Lizland — the part about the one B, anyhow. He had talked about maintaining all As in his sophomore year and later expressed disappointment that he’d gotten the one B. Later it came out that it was in the college-Spanish class.

à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“David à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“couldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t keep upà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  with school during AI? Bull.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

I think he meant keep up with it to his standardsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ He had all Aà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s before idol so im guessing lower grades would of been not keeping up. But im sure heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll finish when heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s able too.

That is exactly what he meant. He had a 4.0 until that B in AP spanish. Yes, Jordan got her GED. David did mention his grades in an interview.

Richard (Oh holy Night) is a family friend, and he IS going to help with the Christmas album.

Thanks. I’m not going after Archie, btw. Looks to me like a smart guy going after what is likely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If I were him I’d do the same thing and get the GED over the next year or so. His quotes sure do take some interpretation sometimes, though. LOL

“His quotes sure do take some interpretation sometimes, though. LOL”

lol yeah.. and sometime the people reporting them dont always get them straight rofl.

I havenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t seen this posted yet. A discussion about Adam on the Mike and Juliet show:

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

Thank you for posting this link. Color me duly impressed.

DA didn’t say he wasn’t able to keep up with his “standards.” There is nothing in the quote that indicates personal standards were a problem. This is the quote:

“When I joined ‘American Idol,’ I had to stop school,” he said. “Those who were the younger contestants worked with a studio teacher, but I couldn’t keep up.”

Archuleta said he is working on à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  and hoping to à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  earn his high-school diploma. “I want to, but it’s hard.”

Either school wasn’t made a priority as Jeff Archuleta’s eyes increasingly filled with dollar signs or DA doesn’t handle stress and multiple tasks very well. Regardless, somebody on Team Archuleta needs to make this a priority. If he doesn’t have the motivation to do it now, he certainly won’t after being out of school for a few years.

Either school wasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t made a priority as Jeff Archuletaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s eyes increasingly filled with dollar signs or DA doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t handle stress and multiple tasks very well. Regardless, somebody on Team Archuleta needs to make this a priority. If he doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have the motivation to do it now, he certainly wonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t after being out of school for a few years.

Did you really think that DA would be able to complete his senior year of high school when he has been pretty much on a rigorous schedule like ALL major label recording artists? It’s as if like DA was the first young celebrity to not graduate on time. Try going back to being 18 years old and try to study and complete assignments for your senior year and working pretty much nonstop and see how that goes.

DA has also mentioned in lots of interviews that he plans to complete his GED and that education is STILL an important part of his goals in life.

David did his required 3 hours a day during the time he was on AI. He has talked repeatedly about doing school during AI, and pictures taken of him during AI often showed him doing his homework on a laptop. I can’t imagine how he did it all, but kudos to him. He is extremely motivated and will get it all done, when it is right for him.

hm, I don’t think anyone knows much about how close to graduating DA is so I don’t see why everyone seems to be worrying about that all of a sudden heh. School is important to him, he has said this a lot (that he even wants to go through college) and it’s reflected in his grades. He has this huge opportunity to do what he has always dreamed of, why wouldn’t he take full advantage of that?

About Susan B., it’s so sad how someone can be taken advantage of so easily. It’s disgusting what people in the business will do to get money.

It will be interesting to see what next season brings. It would have to be another true original to really be at an Adam level of interest.

Then why were the ratings so low? The writer of the piece acknowledges that they were low, but doesn’t even attempt to reconcile this incongruity with her thesis (that Adam supposedly generated unprecedented interest in Idol the likes of which is doubtful to be seen again).

She’s obviously a fangirl first and a critically-thinking journalist second….

Jordin was the same age as Archie, a “junior” in high school during American Idol. She “finished” school (whether with a GED or diploma) the year during her reign as an American Idol.

I find it very interesting that there is so little said about Jordin and that you hear very little about her parents or their involvement with her life. In fact I believe that her parents appointed Melinda Doolittle as temporary guardian (and please correct me if I am wrong) during the Idol summer tour since she was under 18 at the time. This speaks volumes to me about maturity issues and family trust if it is true. Also I believe that even while on Idol her family took turn (Aunt, Mom) in being with her while she needed a guardian.

Aww but jordins mom was at the AMA’s Maybe she and jeff chatted it up.

besides there isnt much said about jeff in articles since last year.. at most its still the preconceived notions people had from idol..

besides there isnt much said about jeff in articles since last year.. at most its still the preconceived notions people had from idol..

Exactly. When was the last time Jeff was seen with David anyway? It’s been ages.

Not sure of the timing, but Carrie managed to finish her BA without interrupting her career.

Not sure of the timing, but Carrie managed to finish her BA without interrupting her career.

I read that somewhere too, but I believe Carrie completed just the one course she needed to graduate. David has a whole years worth of work to study and complete.

The 23-year-old native of Checotah, an eastern Oklahoma town of about 3,800 residents, was a senior at Northeastern State, just three credits shy of earning her degree, when she withdrew from school to compete on American Idol.

http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2006-05-07-underwood_x.htm

I go to David fan sites consistenly. I have for a year. I don’t hardly ever hear about Jeff. In fact, the only places I hear about Jeff anymore are on non-fan sites. This seems like a really old refrain leftover from the season. In fact, more and more I have been seeing David attend functions sans Jeff. I’m not saying he’s not there sometimes, but David clearly seems to be growing up and asserting more independence. I don’t pretend to know anything about their relationship. I can only go by what I see and read on the sites that follow David and his career closely.

Reminder:

Just deleted a bunch of posts. Knock off the sarcasm and the defensiveness, please.

*waves @yes.com*

Keep it where it belongs.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31103686/

Adam Lambert Already Making Enemies
While much of the chatter surrounding à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“American Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  runner-up Adam Lambert has to do with speculation about his sexuality, the behind-the-scenes talk at many of the stops along Lambertà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s publicity tour is how difficult he is to work with.

à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“He is such a diva. Rude to everyone à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  from fans right down to the lighting folks,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  said one person who worked with Lambert.

à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“A-list celebrities have come through here and been infinitely more polite,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  said another person who worked with Lambert during a stop in New York.

Lambert should change his attitude quickly, according to one music producer. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“No one sells that many records these days to be able to get away with that kind of behavior. To be a success you need literally everyone in your corner.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

My thoughts: Wow, someone has something against Adam to say this. Maybe michael sarver? heh.. Anyways, this is lame because he was obviously nice to all his fans as evidenced by all the footage you see everywhere. All the other stuff seems totally false too.

Also david said it was hard to do, he didnt say he stopped his school work. Just that it wasnt easy.

*waves*

How in the world will David Archuleta go back to school and sit in a classroom to finish his school??? He mentioned one time he wanted to know how other kids his age are managing to finish highschool in his same situation, I believe this was when he was doing Icarly and mentioned talking to several kids his age. There are several young musicians, artists, actors…. that have to deal with the same issue and he wanted to know more about it so he can make up his mind and decide what is the best for him, so I’m sure he decided the slower but proper way to finish his school, does he need to rush and get it done recklessly, I don’t think so, he said several times he wanted to do music… and that is his gift.

edited out the namecalling

I hope this is not true about Adam. If so, he won’t get too far if he offends lots of people. If not, welcome to celebrity life. Someone always wants to tear you down and judge everything you do.

My thoughts: Wow, someone has something against Adam to say this. Maybe michael sarver? heh.. Anyways, this is lame because he was obviously nice to all his fans as evidenced by all the footage you see everywhere. All the other stuff seems totally false too.

Hmm, I don’t know. While I think he genuinely likes who he likes (for instance, Kris, his own fans etc.) I can see a bit of a diva air about him, although he’s savvy enough to have to have gracious public persona. And I don’t certainly get a sense of humility from him at all. Definitely think he’s at the stage where he’s believing his own press.

An example of this other side of him being revealed, I think, was his repeated shots at Clay. Was Clay out of line? Yes. Was Clay caught red-faced? Certainly.

But, the gracious thing to do would have been to act, well, gracious about it. It also would have been smarter from a PR point of view. He’s not a superstar yet. And he’s alienating some Claymates who might have been his fans too (Unless perhaps he nets more fans than he loses because people would like him for taking shots at Clay? Possibly.)

But, anyway, that would have been like David Cook coming off the show and slamming Daughtry publically. Probably not smart, in other words.

Davey doesn’t have to “sit in a classroom” to finish school. He can easily travel with a GED tutor, or hire a private teacher. Considering he should at least have full Jr credits, With some effort there is NO reason he can’t have some sort of diploma soon. Instead of being a stage dad, Jeff should try being a pushy school dad, and DA should worry less about songwriting and more about hitting the books. The tone of his comments leads me to believe he’s pushed this to the backburner and that is terrible role modeling, regardless of his redeeming qualities.

But, anyway, that would have been like David Cook coming off the show and slamming Daughtry publically. Probably not smart, in other words.

I have seen Clay make some pretty arrogant public statements– not a great way for any artist to be seen, let alone a new one and one coming off of AI, which has some credibility issues anyway. I hope Adam reigns it in if that is what he has been doing.

I hope Adam reigns it in

I’m sorry…I must have missed something. What has Adam been doing that he needs to reign in?

Tess- Look at AC’s post at 6:18. That article says he is being rude and turning off people in the business. We just don’t know if it is true.

I can see a bit of a diva air about him, although heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s savvy enough to have to have gracious public persona. And I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t certainly get a sense of humility from him at all. Definitely think heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s at the stage where heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s believing his own press.

I agree with this. Not sure it’s a bad thing, though. For Adam in particular I think people would like to see the “Diva”. It fits his public persona in a way and he can get away with things other contestants would never be able to.

I’ve actually been surprised by a few things he’s said from a PR perspective, but none of them have hurt him. Shows he is teflon right now. There is the Clay snark, the Kiss snark, telling an interviewer he didn’t like U2 and only knew a few of their songs the same week he sang One (he was just being honest, but still), etc. He also said he didn’t get along with everyone in the house, but wouldn’t say who. He will be an interesting media character to follow even after everyone gets past the gay item.

That article says he is being rude and turning off people in the business.

Oh, I thought that was a piece of unsubstantiated gossip mongering on an entertainment gossip site by a writer that has been brought to task several times for her poor use of language. Didn’t Spike Lee get a public apology from her and MSNBC. I don’t think I would believe anything she has to say.

Good to know Tess. I try not to believe most of the gossip about these idols. What would this person have against Adam to write stuff like that?

LK09 Jun 4th, 2009 at 7:18 pm

Good to know Tess. I try not to believe most of the gossip about these idols. What would this person have against Adam to write stuff like that?

How about instead thinking that she was simply trying to get hits on her blog? MSNBC continues to drop in the ratings and they are trying anything to get viewers and hits on their stories. Notice that not one substantiated instance was mentioned. I could tweet or email them and have my friends do the same and trash someone famous and they would put up something on it if they thought they could get hits. Nothing that isn’t being done to countless entertainers all the time.

Don’t see the Cook/Daughtry comparison, unless I missed Daughtry diss Cook.

Also david said it was hard to do, he didnt say he stopped his school work. Just that it wasnt easy.

That’s what I got out of it too. Besides, David never makes anything sound easy. lol He’s always bluntly honest about the things he finds challenging and one thing I’ve learned about him in the past year is that he thrives on challenges and meeting the goals he sets for himself. If it was upto me, I’d want him to just take the darn GED exam like Jordin did (and maybe he’ll ultimately opt to do that) but he said he wanted to take the longer route and finish up his senior credits. Well, I’m cool with him doing it at his own pace and with his always busy schedule, it was bound to take longer than the average high school student, and with his awesome music career, David is anything but. I definitely see him getting it done because David is a determined person. And he’s the last teen I see being a bad example to his peers because he will talk up education endlessly and he has. He’s also an excellent example for achieving your dreams through hard work.

It’s so nice to see the concern David inspires around here though, even from non fans. I think it’s because he’s such a lovely person that he inspires people to care. I give his parents some credit for that too.

It isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t the shows fault. The vast majority of teens who competed on AI got their HS diploma on time. David à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“couldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t keep upà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  with school during AI? Bull. The others did. This is just another sign that everything else in his young life is taking a backseat to singing, and that decision starts and ends with his mother and father.

With all due respect, I disagree. The other ‘vast majority of teens who competed on AI’ did not have to tolerate the same demands on their time and the pressures of being a frontrunner as David did, nor did they get near 2nd place, leaving them with a huge responsibility to the show, their new record label and the public when AI ended. Besides, David raises the bar very high for himself. I could never imagine he would be satisfied by simply ‘getting by’. It’s evident that education is very important to him and he’s spoken often about wanting to have something to fall back on when/if ‘this all ends’. While it’s unfortunate he won’t cross the stage at graduation with his friends, I don’t think his pursuing his dream while there is one to pursue will completely derail him. Let’s give him a little more credit than that. We should all be so lucky to find – and then excel at – our passion at such a young age.

I also think it’s unfair to blame his parents. From what we can tell, they’ve both done a remarkable job raising 5 children of strong character with morals and values that are lacking in some with the best education. JMHO

MJ I’m not sure if this actually belongs on a news thread, but I didn’t know where to put it.

Here is a video that is currently rising quickly on YouTube from a fan who got mail from Adam. It pretty low key but made me proud to be an Adam fan:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HV0LxdIV9Ys

IMO if someone who has never met you publicly disses you, then writes another public blog saying he was apologizing but continues to diss you then you have the right to say something sarcastic about that person.

With all due respect, I disagree. The other à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹vast majority of teens who competed on AIà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ did not have to tolerate the same demands on their time and the pressures of being a frontrunner as David did, nor did they get near 2nd place, leaving them with a huge responsibility to the show, their new record label and the public when AI ended.

That’s not entirely true. Jordin, Diana, and Jasmine Trias, to name three, were all on AI late into the season. Both Diana and Jordin were considered front runners. Jasmine was almost universally reviled, so she had that pressure to deal with. John Stevens was another young man who was highly driven scholastically and under a great deal of pressure while on the show. All kept up with their school work. I believe Diana even had to give up rehearsal time during the finale week because she was not given ANY slack to finish a history paper before the next day.
While it is too soon to assume David won’t complete his education, it is also farfetched to act like he’s the only teen ever on the show who had the pressure of school, the show, and their own high expectations while ON the show (both Jasmine and Diana were, from what I understand, honor roll/honor society students prior to AI). He’s simply the only one who couldn’t handle it. David admitted he couldn’t keep up and had to stop doing school during AI. I’ve yet to hear from any other teen contestant that they were allowed to stop going to school in order to do the show.

Actually he was doing school during AI he has said as much him self.. he didnt stop doing school during AI.

David admitted he couldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t keep up and had to stop doing school during AI. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve yet to hear from any other teen contestant that they were allowed to stop going to school in order to do the show.

Oh that’s not true. Wendy, David’s AI tutor last year, was even accompanying him to his appearances after the finale was over so that he could finish up his work. He was shown doing his homework during the Today show appearance and there are interviews on YouTube post finale where Wendy was still with him. He still speaks glowingly of how much Wendy helped him get through it. Jordin and David were tweeting about Wendy again just a couple weeks ago. I believe you’re misinformed or misinterpreted a quote. Then David talked a lot during the summer tour about weighting his options on getting a GED in place of his senior year or doing it at his own pace online. Yes, he was stressed to the max by the AI obligations last year, and so was Cook, but he did complete his junior year with Wendy’s assistance.

The article that we are speaking of, concerning DA, is one that fans have also complained about as it misconstrues what fans have known to be true — seems to have been edited badly. I believe that David was saying that he hadn’t kept up recently, after Idol, with his schoolwork. He kept up during the show. Afterward, when he was in the middle of recording and touring, he was trying to decide between a homeschooling type situation and the GED route. There’s an article about him from the Philippines that talks about how he decided to study for the GED.

Joe Jonas got his GED about a year late, if I remember right. Think it’s not uncommon for kids who have careers but aren’t on a show that provides tutors.

Jordin, Diana, and Jasmine Trias, to name three, were all on AI late into the season.

Strictly my opinion, but I honestly don’t recall Diana, Jasmine or John having the frenzy around them that David did. Fair enough that all appeared on AI and had to do school work. My point was more that there wasn’t as much intense focus, pressure and hype around them that there was on David. I think AI is more of a pressure cooker now compared to when they were on. I’m sure I’m biased, but though Diana made it to #2, she was never in the same league as David and never caused the same “stir”. David was immensely popular from start to finish during his season and much in demand afterwards.

I will give you Jordin though. Admittedly, hers was one season I didn’t watch so I’d forgotten about her. I don’t know anything about her or her education to fairly comment so I’ll take your word for it that she managed both.

I’m just not worried about David. I have no doubt he’ll be successful in whatever he sets his mind to, paper in hand or not.

Wow, to the person who said it was all about getting a paper… seriously? That’s what education is all about? Not really. It’s what you learnt to get that paper… and imo that involves what you learn from being around people your age and experiencing things.
It seems like education is not a priority in David’s life at the moment. The priority is to cash as much as possible. Does he really need to release a Christmas album this year if he’s releasing a second album soon too? No… he doesn’t. He could use the time for school. But this is the right time to make money… it may be too late in a year or in two years. And school will still be there waiting for whenever people think he’s ready.
I guess this is what’s running in his family and management’s head, $$$. I don’t worry a bit about him. He’s 18 years old, old enough to make his decisions. It’s not about his father, it’s about him.

I think the experience during AI of diana was probably very similar to DA’s. AI runs the kids ragged and always has. During the show the media and show demands are tough regardless. Plus Diana had her own stage parent from hell to cope with. The idea that DA had it so much harder than anyone before him or was the only highly academically minded teen doesn’t square with what is already known from seasons past. glad to hear AI did not let him quit school during the show. Kudos to them, for once.

It seems like education is not a priority in Davidà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s life at the moment. The priority is to cash as much as possible. Does he really need to release a Christmas album this year if heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s releasing a second album soon too? Noà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ he doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t.

David’s priority is music first, last and always, imo. I don’t even buy that there will ever be a passion in his life greater than that, except for the person he chooses to share his life with someday. He’s lucky that the thing he loves the most and the gift he has for it puts him in a position to make good money off of it, at least right now and hopefully for a long time to come.

Latest word is that Jive wants the album for 2010 and they’re giving David a head start to start working on it now. I love the idea of a Christmas album from David so I’m excited about that.

Education might not be the #1 priority in life right now but it’s still a priority for him, which is what he stated, and there shouldn’t have to be a time limit on it.

Michael Slezak from EW Idolatry answered someone’s tweet about Adam. Michael said that Adam was a delight when he visited the set and that he was a heckofa nice guy. I’ve never heard anyone who has worked with Adam in the past say he was a Diva.

It’s a very old part of society (and a bit homophobic), but many people equate being Gay with being a Diva. It’s a shame that Adam has to endure so much scrutiny and judgmental people.

I don’t follow Archie, but if he were my kid then I wouldn’t expect him to finish his GED on time. I would support what he is doing. He’s learning more about history, business, finance, communication and art than most college students. As a parent, I’d look at the whole picture and support this very fortunate and unordinary opportunities. I always thought the European way of taking a year off between HS and college was extremely smart. I was turned off of Archie because of his Dad I will admit. I do not think he would have picked the songs he did on his own. I thought Richard was too involved, and it saddens me that he’s doing the Christmas album. Maybe it’s ok – like I said I haven’t followed him in a year but the whole thing rubbed me wrong. But, I like Archie and think he’s a cute, nice kid.

edit: you’re banned!

By the way, you’re banned

edit: how many times do I have to warn you not to get defensive?

Archie will do fine.He’s more mature and so beyond his years on every level.
He has a good head on his shoulder.He’s SO talented that he doesnt need to
worry about school.He’ll do fine we has fans behind him supporting his every move.

I would support what he is doing. Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s learning more about history, business, finance, communication and art than most college students. As a parent, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d look at the whole picture and support this very fortunate and unordinary opportunities.

For me, it’s a tough one to call. Part of me sees kids like David, or athletes who play MLB baseball right out of high school, or kids who leave college early for the NFL, and I think – ya’ know what – go make the money, school will be there when you have time.

The other part of me thinks – what a shame it is to see young people make all that money and be broke in 10 years because they don’t understand business math and the kind of investments you need to make with the big wads of cash you’re getting paid.

In a situation like this, you just have to be really lucky. When you yourself don’t know sqwat about grown up money management, you have to have a financial advisor who’s really good and truly has your best interest at heart. Because, you won’t know enough to know when everyone around you is robbing you blind.

It’s David’s decision to make on whether to complete his High School education and go further. So, I’m not going to really judge him, and I can see where a point can be made for either side.

As a parent, there’s not a chance I’d let one of my own children delay getting a high school diploma. That’s the bare minimum to me.

And, I disagree that a concert tour or any such thing teaches you more than formal education. He’s shuttled from city to city, and has no time to soak any of those cities in or learn anything about them. Half the time these people forget what city they’re in on any given day. He’s surrounded by “handlers” who are much older than he is, and he’s missing all of the milestones and experiences that his peers are having right now.

I think people in David’s situation live in a complete bubble. And, without some other outside influences, I do not think this particular lifestyle makes you the well rounded person that advanced schooling gives you the opportunity to be.

And, I disagree that a concert tour or any such thing teaches you more than formal education. Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s shuttled from city to city, and has no time to soak any of those cities in or learn anything about them. Half the time these people forget what city theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re in on any given day. Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s surrounded by à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“handlersà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  who are much older than he is, and heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s missing all of the milestones and experiences that his peers are having right now.

Actually, in the Fox interview posted above, David talks about how he loved being in the UK because he’s not that well known there and he could be a tourist and travel everywhere on the tube (London’s equivalent to a subway system). He talked about all the historical landmarks and places he visited, etc.

Sadly the bottom line is as much as DA and/or his people try to dress it up or shift the focus to all the “life experience” he’s getting, he’s right now a garden variety high school drop out, no different than Britney Spears.

Or Simon Cowell. He’s a high school drop out too. Don’t forget him. And Cher, Pierce Brosnan,Whoopi Goldberg, Johnny Depp, Julie Andrews, Ray Charles as well. There are tons more.

Obviously h.s. dropouts cover a wide variety of folk. I also think Archie will get a GED just like most performers his age. Just to be serious, musicians and artists often drop out of h.s. to pursue their dreams. It’s not always a big mistake.

i wonder what DavidA could possibly do with a high school diploma. not likely to use his score card to win more fans :happy_tb:

Regard Adam the Diva from Rickey.org 6/4/09:

Is Adam Lambert already a diva? MSNBCà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s The Scoop says that the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“behind-the-scenes talk at many of the stops along Lambertà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s publicity tour is how difficult he is to work with.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

Really? I thought he was quite nice while he was in New York à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  although he was a bit rushed. But thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not really his fault, he had a busy schedule. His scary bodyguard was like twice as big as me.

The real insight of course is that the media is now starved for Adam Lambert news. First the New York Times and now MSNBC.com à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  bring on that Rolling Stone cover!

Or Simon Cowell. Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a high school drop out too. Donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t forget him. And Cher, Pierce Brosnan,Whoopi Goldberg, Johnny Depp, Julie Andrews, Ray Charles as well. There are tons more.

I guarantee that’s a small fraction compared to those who have dropped out and failed in their aspirations. Very small fraction.

Education is paramount in many ways other than just being a pretty piece of paper with your name on it.

I do hope Archie at least finishes up HS.

The piece of paper does not the education make.

I have followed DA and “his people” pretty closely during the last year, and I don’t ever remember any of them trying to shift focus about his education. They have barely even spoken about the whole issue, other than saying they were trying to make the decision about what to do.

Brittany Spears is a huge pop icon, who I think will be around a long, long time. Like her or not, she is not “a garden variety” anything.

Matt I agree. I spend a lot of time working with kids who dropped out and who are trying to improve their lives by getting a GED, and going to college.

And Simon Cowell is not a role model for anyone — and not a typical high school dropout. He was primarily raised by nannys. He and his bother were sent off to boarding school and were frequently transferred for their misconduct. He started drinking and smoking at 9. By the time Cowell dropped out at 16 years old, he had already been a registered student at 16 schools — and graduated from none.

IMO the only think to admire about Simon is his Armani T-Shirts.

I don’t really see how David can be compared to most kids who have dropped out of school. Most of those kids dropped out of school because of many different reasons. Maybe they were not doing well in school and did not have anyone at home to motivate them to do well. Maybe they didn’t have anyone had home to make sure they even attended school. Maybe they dropped out because they had to work to support their family. Maybe they dropped out because they didn’t have any dreams or ambitions. And those who do drop out might not even have a job and if they do it is a dead end job. While David is a good student. He always enjoyed going to school. He likes to learn. He is not attending his school right now because he does have dreams and ambitions. He is right now living his dream. He has a career. He knows the value of an education. He also knows that anything can happen and that for whatever reason he might not be able to continue what he is doing.

I understand what people are saying that the opportunities for David are here today and school will always be there to come back to. However, with his parents seemingly being smart people, I’m actually a little surprised that his parents let him audition so young. If they had waited maybe another year or two, then he wouldn’t be in this situation in the first place. I mean, can’t you also say that he should have finished school first because he’s only 17/18 once and should enjoy this time of normalcy, and that that his talent will still be there to do well on AI after he’s finished school? In other words, why the rush?

Actually, in the Fox interview posted above, David talks about how he loved being in the UK because heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not that well known there and he could be a tourist and travel everywhere on the tube (Londonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s equivalent to a subway system). He talked about all the historical landmarks and places he visited, etc.

I really don’t think seeing Big Ben in person, or riding a subway, is a suitable replacement for proper schooling. Too many of these showbiz kids drop out of school. School comes first. The entertainment industry isn’t going anywhere. Get the HS diploma ASAP David, even if that means you don’t do the Christmas album.

I understand what people are saying that the opportunities for David are here today and school will always be there to come back to. However, with his parents seemingly being smart people, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m actually a little surprised that his parents let him audition so young. If they had waited maybe another year or two, then he wouldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t be in this situation in the first place.

He’s in the “situation” of living out his dream all because he took a chance. That is not a something to complain about or regret by any stretch of my imagination.

Hundreds, thousands of teens audition for Idol every sing year with their parents’ support, for the most part, and very, very few get through. David didn’t expect to get through either. He considered just keeping his summer job and not going but he felt he should go to that audition in San Diego and this is where he is now. Maybe that’s just fate. But it’s a pretty cool place to be in and why second guess that? It seems kind of crazy to me. Some people are just born to do this and I’ve seen enough of his progression to know that David is one of those people.

I know a few folks personally who dropped out of school, and I can’t think of too many traits they shared with David. They didn’t want to work and/or they fell behind and/or they wanted to party/sleep/shop more than they wanted to finish.

My interest in this argument continues, I think, because David is very much like other kids I know who are motivated to make good grades in school, who like and are liked by their teachers, who participate fully in social and extracurricular groups, etc. He followed Idol for years, and was aware of many who tried out several times before making it on. I think he went into it with the awareness that he may not go far, but figured he’d give it a shot because he had a feeling he should.

He made it through, and then he succeeded some more, and then he passed another hurdle and then another, etc. He’s still moving forward with good momentum. I have no doubt that if things slow down for him just a bit, he’ll work on other things he needs to work on — including the schooling. I’d speculate that this goal is never far from his mind.

My training is as a teacher, and I have school-age daughters who know they are expected to graduate from college. If one of them had a very rare gift that would benefit from them taking a different path, I’d see what I could do to help them. If one of them started hanging out too much in the basement, watching TV, or stayed out too late with friends every night, or allowed their grades and attendance to slip, I’d be changing some house rules and denying privileges. We’re talking two widely different things, IMO.

Regarding the article on Adam, I think he’s the kind of personality who will continue to be controversial, and I think he likes that (I know that’s one of the things that I loved about him all season). I liked to hear him make those comments to Clay and Gene, because I think it’s genuine (not just trying to stir up controversy), and that he’s just being true to himself. He even said somewhere that he has a weakness for speaking his mind a little too much. I don’t necessarily want him just staying quiet and being nice and polite about everything.

I can also see his experience and knowledge as a performer being misconstrued (potentially) as someone who knows what he wants and tries to get that done. Brings to mind the comment that he was the one who stood up for the idols regarding the lip-syncing (and Kris commented, iirc, about Adam making a stand for them for some other future issue – like he’s the one in the group to do that). Performances like Feeling Good remind me of someone who knows what he wants and how he wants it done. I’ve done a lot of work in theater and music (and musical theater, for that matter!) and I know really confident, smart talented performers who just know how they want things done. That, unfortunately, could be misconstrued as “diva”-like, and people will especially be keen on applying bad labels like that to him just to sell more mags, get more hits, etc. Definitely the sad price of fame.

I have seen and heard nothing bad about him, though, from others who met him or dealt with him on the show, and he has always struck me as a very upbeat, open, and fun guy. I just think his other traits (enumerated above) will have people misinterpret some of his actions. If this story even has any merit.

KathyH- well said.

I am also a teacher with a master’s degree, and my husband is a university professor with a PhD. I am the one in the neighborhood who counsels all of the kids on getting the best teachers at the high school and the best education that will get them to the college they want to go to. I counsel them also on getting into college and how to get the best teachers there. My husband always says people ought to be paying me to advise them. Education is hugely important to me.

Personally, I am not a fan of the GED only because it has a stigma of people who dropped out of high school because they were having problems and later wanted to get proof of their education, but If David was in my neighborhood and he or his parents came to me with his circumstances, I would tell him to get his GED as soon as possible, since that is what is acceptable among young musicians/actors. If a student chose not to finish all of their credits for various reasons, but was going straight into college, and I thought they were going to finish, I wouldn’t advise them to get the GED. They don’t need it.

If for some reason, in a year, David’s vocal cords fail or something else happens so that he can’t do music anymore, I am sure he would go to college, and he would do very well. He has the profile of a successful, hardworking student.

“”I understand what people are saying that the opportunities for David are here today and school will always be there to come back to. However, with his parents seemingly being smart people, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m actually a little surprised that his parents let him audition so young. If they had waited maybe another year or two, then he wouldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t be in this situation in the first place.”"

Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s in the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“situationà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  of living out his dream all because he took a chance. That is not a something to complain about or regret by any stretch of my imagination.

But my point is that his parents could have insisted that he live out his dream AFTER he finished high school. That way this situation where getting his high school diploma gets postponed due to work commitments wouldn’t be an issue. Why couldn’t he have taken a chance in one to two years instead? His talent wasn’t going anywhere.