Idol Headlines for 11/25/07

It sure is nice to see that in a review for Elliott… You’ve come a long way baby.

I’m going to see him in the final show of the tour tomorrow night. I’m sad to see this tour coming to an end. I really gained an appreciation for Josh Hoge and enjoyed them touring together. The reviewer in the article posted here liked him too!

I can’t wait for Josh’s cd this spring. If you haven’t checked out his version of Aint No Sunshine, you’ve missed a real treat. Not great sound quality – but you get the idea…

http://hk.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdLibUdf6VA

Good morning, everyone….just thought I would stop in and say Hi, hoping all is well!

Mj, I will start off apologizing for entering this comment when it should be posted after yesterdays blog. But I would like to enter my 2cents on the topic of success and AI.

My first time to watch AI was season 5 and there is no denying that Taylor was my favorite, although I enjoyed many more idols too that year.
What I know for sure for me is that Taylor would win again today if put to the same test. He was….is…. a crowd pleaser, charmer for many and people, I think, really enjoyed his *different* style. After reading his book, I realize that Taylor was aware of every decision, every song, every move he made on that show. Was he clever in playing the game? Well, I sure think so. Was he aware that his music would not be in the main stream slot if he won….I think so too. I think he is one smart cookie because he took home the prize ( all the way to the bank … )and I think he realizes that if he had not won, he would not have had the chance to do what he wants to do in his future.

Chris is an amazing talent and he did not win, but is winning in the mainstream…..win, win situation. Elliott took time off, got his personal appearance comfortable for himself and took the time to go Indy….win, win. Kat, IMO, has a beautiful voice but she never really had the intention to sing for her supper….acting and modeling her beautiful body was her game….win, win. The others are doing so well….win, win.
For me when I can stand back and look at the way this whole season played out, I think…perfection!

I am very frustrated by the media and posters here that cannot say Taylor’s name in the same sentence without failure. All I know is that after attending 5 :blush_tb: concerts (2 AI and three Taylor tour concerts) this is where his success lies. He took his cd songs and changed them up so much in the tour that it was hard to recognize some….so interesting for me. It has been pure enjoyment for me to attend and it seems he is happiest performing…that is his strength and he KNOWS it. His tour numbers must be good! Failure? not the way I define it!

Ok, I am done now. I just sit here thinking that season worked out just fine for all! Now it is up to each and every one of them to build their futures with a wonderful start.

Be Blessed everyone…..off to hang the stockings and put up the tree!
Pix

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXsZPeAG6iE&feature=related

I wonder if this will be the duet that Josh and Elliott will do on Josh’s cd? Josh said it’s a cover but that’s all he would say. I promise this will be my last Josh/Elliott post. I guess I’m feeling a little nostalgic since the tour ends tomorrow…

I just sit here thinking that season worked out just fine for all! Now it is up to each and every one of them to build their futures with a wonderful start.

Totally agree – totally. Good to see you Pixie.

:bye_tb: Hi Lu…
I have missed you! I hope all is well with the little ones and you too!
I hope all the angst has subsided and the Holiday will be a great one for you! Pix

Hi POP

Pixie says:

I just sit here thinking that season worked out just fine for all! Now it is up to each and every one of them to build their futures with a wonderful start

Couldn’t have said it better myself! Happy Holidays, Pixie :thumbup_tb: and everyone else!

.

Jim Farber really blasted Jordin in his review!

Loved that review for Elliott’s show, he really has grown as a performer, he has really evolved, is confident and knows he belongs up there now. His success is very sweet for this fan who learned to be very patient and wait for good news, and indeed, it did!

I never followed AI as closely as season five, but it really has all worked out in tne end, each pursuing their music and their dream, am waiting patiently for Ace’s cd, am pulling for Ace and his dreams too. He so deserves his shot. and Bobby Bennett, doing his thing somewhere in some club, singing his broadway and classic tunes, as only Bobby can, (still would love to see him someday). I wish the same for Jordin and Blake, not full out stardom but their own version of success. Jordin’s cd saturating the stores yesterday when I shopped, hoping her numbers are not as low as predicted. Unfortunately, there seems to be little buzz on this season among people I know who had loved AI as I had for all six seasons. I don’t make predictions on anything or anyone, love surprises, and only time will tell..

Despite my long standing love affair with AI, I am not looking forward to the new season in the least, maybe the show has reached it’s peak. Will certainly skip the train wreck auditions. but then I say this, and perhaps I could get interested again, surprise me, entertain me, American idol, just don’t ever bore me again

I so totally agree with the above post. There were so many winners in Season 5. Failures? I do not think so. The humble are still humble, the arrogant still arrogant, the silly still silly. However, they are all doing what they wanted to do and outside of their local hometown clubs. They have all succeed in their own way and they all seem to be happy with where they are. Leave them alone and let them do their thing. We as fans have the pleasure of choosing the one that is important to us. To each his own. Happy holidays to everyone.

The humble are still humble, the arrogant still arrogant, the silly still silly.

^ ;D But I still like them all, though. Heh.

Lu, have a blast at the last show tomorrow!

Hello, daisy! I’ve missed you.

Hello, daisy! Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve missed you.

missed you too, purps! life getting in the way of my blogging (:

Well, here is my two cents.

A couple of days ago I said that Taylor’s album failed as a pop record. I in no way meant to imply that Taylor himself was a failure. He’s a fantastic live performer who I’ve seen several times and will see again. And I look forward to his next album–a set of songs from Taylor Hicks the artist rather than Taylor Hicks the American Idol.

But I still think it’s interesting to analyze why Taylor wasn’t taken into the hearts of the general American public the way he was taken into the hearts of the AI audience during his run on AI. Just like I think its interesting to analyze why that same AI audience is generally lukewarm to the AI6 peeps. I also want to know what people like and don’t like and why. And I encourage disagreement–but please explain why respectfully. These are just examples of the kinds of discussions I hope would be the mainstay of the comments section here.

While cheerleading has its place, I think a comment section filled with non-stop rah-rah would be pretty boring. By the same token, non-stop dissing and snarking is the other side of the same coin and also–yep–pretty boring.

So, may the respectful and thoughtful discussions continue, I say, on into the new Idol season.

PS. Click on a few links, will ya? I gotta pay the bills! Thank yew! .

mj — can you explain the new stuff re “subscribe to this feed, etc”?

Something new to explore!! Thanks

I love talking about this stuff myself. I never thought Taylor would be HUGE but I was surprised when his sales were sub par. Reasons why:
I posted some in another thread but not having his album out first hurt. Plus (as I also said) Taylor on AI and the real Taylor are not the same animal. On the show he seemed like an fun, party guy but the “real” Taylor came across as reserved and boring (to me) post idol. I think that hurt his sales as well. Plus, my gut feeling is that Taylor didn’t get the best support from his label and the show. Maybe he was difficult? When Ruben gets more respect on the S6 finale than the S5 winner, there’s something weird going on.

But I still am surprised that the winner of the most popular season on idol sold the least amount of albums so far.

Taylor live is outstanding, and I too will go see him again if he ever gets within 100 miles or so (and it isn’t snowing!) I liked his CD as well, and unlike Bo’s first, wasn’t all that disappointed in the sound. I do think Taylor will come back with something more “authentic,” but like Bo’s second effort (which is incredible), sales will be low because that ‘Idol’ window of opportunity has passed for Taylor. He will certainly continue to perform and make a living, but any hope for a smash hit is unrealistic.

Links clicked

Have a great day everyone.

There’s just something about the season 5 contestants, isn’t there? For some reason, even the general public seems to be of the sentiment that if you like one, you can’t like the other. To an extent I think it was because the show did an excellent job of casting its contestants. Look at the four remaining–Elliott was the sweet underdog and Chris was the one who fit seamlessly into the pop-rock music scene. Taylor and Katharine were polar opposites: Katharine was the beautiful princess whose trademarks were her good looks and her technical, robotic performances; Taylor was the not-conventionally-attractive, rambunctious, far from perfect entertainer. Excellent, excellent casting that made the public want to choose sides.

Ok, I am back and have put my pompoms downs for a bit!!! :innocent1_tb:……:)

Mj, actually I wasn’t referring to any comment you made about Taylor. You and I have shared our love of Taylor concerts in the past! I got my dander up when a poster said a few days ago that Taylor should not have won AI 5. And the media articles in the last few weeks seemed to have this reocurring theme of him being a *failure* when in comparison to others from that season. I usually *step away from the puter* when I get frustrated but not today…..today I decided to vent! And you are so right, this place would be very, very boring if all was cheerleading…..I am a cheerleader by nature….a rather round one at that!
I really do like to read a post that I may disagree with but respect. If I came away as being anything but respectful I am sorry.
Pix

But I still think ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s interesting to analyze why Taylor wasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t taken into the hearts of the general American public the way he was taken into the hearts of the AI audience during his run on AI.

When the first exposure to Taylor post AI were live performances of “The Runaround” (Leno, etc…), Taylor ended up pleasing the good time Charlie personna AI fans. It was fun, exhuberant, and entertaining stuff. He caught those AI fans as well as the Soul Patrol who bolstered his initial sales. To the general public it was just what it was, good entertainment not worthy of CD support. For others, it did not meet their expectations of a more soulful, organic approach. They passed on the CD.

Damned if you do…damned if you don’t.

If I came away as being anything but respectful I am sorry.

Pix, you are always respectful. . Don’t be a stranger. We need our cheerleaders too–variety is good. .

There’s just something about the season 5 contestants, isn’t there? For some reason, even the general public seems to be of the sentiment that if you like one, you can’t like the other.

Which I don’t understand…because I like both!

And, I am ready to move on to Season 7 just like I was ready to move on to Season 6 last year.

The Us vs THEM mentality seems so unecessary to me, at least once the season is over.

Anyway, about the Season 6 casting. They were all really nice, got along together really really well, and all did their jobs. Not much controversy there. And not much to be divisive about.

AI thrives on the controversy, with heroes to love and villains to hate. Except for Antonella Barba and Sanjaya (just a bit), Season 6 lacked any meaningful controversy.

The Us vs THEM mentality seems so unecessary to me, at least once the season is over.

It is unnecessary, but to an extent it’s understandable. To use myself as an example: I like Taylor because he has a certain personality and a certain performing style. I don’t like Kat because she has a certain personality and a certain performing style. I don’t feel obligated to dislike Kat because I like Taylor, and my dislike of her has nothing to do with jealousy (despite the historical efforts of a few of her fans to prove otherwise, heh) or a feeling that she’s a “threat” to Taylor or anything of that sort. But I dislike her and I like Taylor, because all the reasons I like Taylor are all the reasons I dislike Kat–his performing style vs. hers, his general reticence in interviews vs. her “honesty,” or what I see as her cattiness masquerading as honesty, him being the anti-Idol versus her being the perfect Idol (notwithstanding the fact that her “people” chose to market her in the most cockamamie way). So it does get tiring to be told that I’m just engaging in petty fanwars when my like for one and dislike for the other isn’t related in any way having anything to do with a fanwar. Does that make sense? I mean, it makes sense in my head…

Regarding Taylor post idol: That’s a puzzle. I liked him fine during the show but wasn’t a huge fan like my sister and brother-in-law. They both voted for the first time ever because of Taylor. After hearing his cd, they both gave it the thumbs down and are now huge Daughtry fans and also like Elliott’s music. When I asked about the cd, my sister said it just didn’t seem like Taylor and it was kind of dull. I personally think that Taylor is just one of those people you appreciate more as a live performer. Several of my co-workers who were huge Taylor fans either A) didn’t know he had a cd out; B) weren’t interested in buying his cd or C) bought it and were disappointed. So it’s strange – he totally connected with the AI viewing audience – I think because they could watch him – but when it came time to just listen to him, the connection doesn’t seem to be the same.

Season 6: I started the season totally ticked off at the judges because I thought they were over the top in their cruelty to some of the contestants. Then I was irritated by the whole Antonella Barber mess. The contestants this past season seemed nice enough though to me did not seem nearly as talented as a group as the season 5 crew. I thought my lackluster attitude about season 6 was because my city was whipped into a frenzy (in a good way) when Elliott was on and this go round that was missing. But it seems it wasn’t just Richmonders who were less excited. Between Sanjaya’s hairdos and Randy telling me Jordin’s age every week, I was ready to scream!

Let me add that I did see Taylor live this summer and he was TOTALLY awesome! The man is a natural performer… If you haven’t caught his show – catch it when you can.

Well, I just saw my first AI7 commercial! During the end of the Seahawks/Rams game.

Let’s see – let me rewind – okay, starts with a clip of Jordin on stage at the finale with all the pyro behind her, then goes to a clip of auditioners saying “I’m the next American Idol”, then goes to a clip of Simon (in a grayish-white shirt!!) saying “you are aware this is a singing competition?” to a girl, then goes to auditioner holding a golden ticket, to a blond girl in an audition room smiling in relief, to Phil on the catwalk behind the judges (BOG performance?), to Kat’s Queen week from behind profile shot that they like to use so much in the promos, to Ryan in a crowd with a megaphone asking if the next AI is among them today, to the judges standing at the finale.

I think that’s it. LOL.

I don’t post here very much, but have to jump in on this “analysis” of Taylor. Elliott is my guy, but Taylor is a close second – I just love the guy. I really hate the “Taylor is a failure” concept in the media – especially when I read a great review or article about Elliott and there is some kind of snide remark about Taylor and his failures (somehow the snide remarks about Katharine don’t bother me!! lol) since it’s silly – Taylor is far from a failure.

The media definition of what “success” for an AI winner is will always haunt Taylor and he will always come up short unless he sells a zillion cds, I guess – which seems to be the only measure of success to these people. But, who cares? I don’t think Taylor does. He will continue to do exactly what he loves doing and, being Taylor, will define his own success on his own terms.

I have rewatched some of the season 5 performances this week. And can I just say that I hope that season 7 entertains us the way season 5 did.

I rewatched Elliott’s Moody’s Mood, Chris’ Bon Jovi remake, Katharine’s Til You Come Back to Me and Someone to watch over me, Paris’ These Foolish Things, and Taylor’s Trouble- all very good performances.

I know this sounds very cheerleadery (apologizing in advance) but Katharine’s Til You Come Back to me STILL gives me chills.

That to me is what is so fun about American Idol- watching the good become the great over the course of the season.

I know this sounds very cheerleadery (apologizing in advance) but Katharineà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Til You Come Back to me STILL gives me chills.

Nah, not cheerleadery at all. I’m not a fan of hers obviously, but I always felt that was one of her better performances.

Nah, not cheerleadery at all. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not a fan of hers obviously, but I always felt that was one of her better performances.

I would pay very good money for a full length version of that song from Katharine.

American Idol started the downloading the performances after each show two years too late IMO. I would have loved to have many of Bo and Carrie’s too. And many of them from Season 5.

This is not easy for me to admit, but…

Given the chance to revisit all the S5 top 10 performances in a non-competitive mindset I’m sure I would have downloaded quite a few vids and mp3′s. As it is, I only have Chris, Elliott, and Taylor AI memories to enjoy today.

ETA: Note to self: try not to be so narrow-minded during Season 7.

I think it’s easier to enjoy the performances more when I don’t have a specific favorite. It’s also easier to admit something was awful when I have no vested interest in a certain contestant.

I’m starting to get really excited for season 7 and I hope the talent is amazing this year.

If it’s okay with MJ, here’s a fun question – looking at it non-competitively, what are everyone’s top 10 performances from each season?

I agree XO. Personally, I think it will be a whole lot easier to enjoy Season 7. It may be because I’ve lowered my expectations thanks to the producers’ interference in Season 6. Or it could be because I will not have the emotional carryover from Season 5. Me thinks it is both.

ETA: One thing I know for certain. It certainly won’t be because the Nigel said it will be better. I’m not that naive.

From yesterday’s thread:

So, are we saying then that radio play does not affect sales at all? I have no doubt that Blakeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s hardcore fans are likely the majority, if not all, of those who have bought the single, because they knew it was available for purchase. Other than those people who follow him – or AI – closely, who else really knew the single was out?

No, I’m not saying “radio play does not affect sales at all”. Having a big radio hit will help introduce a song to people. A prime example is “Hey There, Delilah”, but the Plain White-T’s were unknowns. Blake is not an unknown. He was on the biggest TV show in America. He has had months on television to show case himself to the buying public (and the unprecedented chance for an Idol to show his own style during the post-Idol promo tour. Everybody else has had to sing the same song on 40 TV shows with only a piano tinkling somewhat incongruously in the background).

People who place well on Idol are not, IMO, true debut artists. They are more akin to artists who have had big hits (or at least like movie stars who decide to be singers). Their AI audience should ensure good opening numbers. If they don’t, that is an indicator that they won’t do well in the long run. That doesn’t mean they can’t do well, it’s just one of the indicators.

Look at Elliott. Here is a guy who did not win or come in second, so he doesn’t get an automatic contract. He signs with an indie, which obviously has a smaller promotional budget then Sony/BMG. Because he didn’t win/co-win, he’s not automatically going to get on the entertainment shows to promo his album (casting directors have to think about it). His album didn’t come out when Idol albums traditionally come out (AI viewers have grown to expect albums in November). To top it all off, his album comes at kind of a dead zone for the music industry.

Elliott was in a much worse position than Blake is regarding being able to have informed fans. Yet Elliott did well out of the starting blocks on sales because he had such a huge and loyal fan base that were still interested enough in him to keep informed. That core fan group supported him until he was able to catch the ears of new fans. Until people outside of the AI viewers got to know Elliott. His song went on to become a sleeper radio hit and led to long-term steady sales.

I watch the numbers. You begin to see patterns. There are always exceptions to everything, but there are general patterns. And this is across the music industry, not just the small sample size of Idols. A widely anticipated album/single will do well because people will make it their business to be informed. That early push of interest can sometimes sustain a songs sales until the industry must pay attention. If that doesn’t happen for an Idol, they have to build up support from scratch leaving them in the same position they were in before Idol: scrambling and struggling.

And I’m just some obsessive numbers freak on the internet with very little access to actual numbers. You’ve got to know that the record labels have staffs of people who do this for a living and have access to every number and trend polling data there is. They have an even better view of the patterns of sales (and they too will find exceptions).

So, what is the deal with Blake? Why did they wait so long to release his single? Did they think he didn’t need the support? Did they think he could have huge sales without any promo? If you, a fan, know that radio play affects sales, why doesn’t the record label know that? Why didn’t they do more to ensure he got radio play before they released the album/single? Why did they release the single to iTunes earlier than published? What is their game? Are the testing the waters? If so, the Blake can’t swim on his own. If they weren’t testing the waters, they just threw him overboard. If they are merely stupid at promo, then they will probably continue to be stupid.

None of these scenarios is a good one. Things don’t look promising. That’s not to say that Blake cannot buck the trend. He can, but it looks like his odds have gone down (but somebody wins the lotto despite the terrible odds).

Blake’s numbers for airplay have not been as good as Jordin’s were at the same point after release. This means that either radio stations don’t want to play it or the record label isn’t pushing it. Perhaps there is another strategy behind the scenes that the label is pulling, but Blake is already not following the pattern. I’m sorry, I’ve seen this play out before. This is like when they show you the limping herd animal on the documentaries. You dread they are going to end up Cheetah Chow in a few more minutes. But, hey, sometimes they get away.

I’m not predicting anything. I fully admit that anything can happen. I’m just saying that so far, the indicators don’t look good. Maybe that is a pointless thing to say, but I’m a numbers freak on the internet who likes to discuss numbers. If I have to wait until 6 months after the album comes out before I can discuss anything about numbers…well. That’s no fun for me. People can always skip over my rambles and/or dismiss me as a loon if they don’t like what I’m saying.

And, hey, if I’m wrong about the indicators, 6 months from now, people can rub my nose in it. I don’t mind because I know that I’m not always going to be right about the indicators. Just like I enjoy guessing who might win AI from the very first frame of the season, I enjoy guessing and debating how things might go post-season. I can’t change anything about either outcomes, but it’s fun to discuss.

Sure, I know people donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t like Blake and that many people are not interested, but to pawn it ALL off on that is a little to quick to judge, IMO. Same goes for Jordin. There is no easy explanation.

I may not care for Jordin, but I do like Blake. I just think the indicators are bad. I’m not even hang-wringing, because it doesn’t worry me. Blake will be better off than he was last year and his fans now have new music. That’s enough for me.

I’ve read lots of theories on why Taylor’s CD wasn’t a blockbuster – he released it too late/ he wasn’t given enough freedom to have songs that reflected him/ he was too difficult to work with/ no single was released/ the single they released was the wrong song/ he didn’t appear on AI until the finale whereas other idols got a nice sales bump from an earlier appearance, his genre is not radio-friendly or is a niche market, etc. etc…. I have a few thoughts on it, as he was incredibly popular the year he won, he never placed in the bottom, and he won with the highest number of votes ever. Folks who never voted got to their phones to vote for him (including me – first time/last time voter).
Well, I do think that all of those things could have contributed a little bit, but I think the bigger part of it is that Taylor is an amazing performer to watch, and he was able to draw people in on Idol as they could SEE him perform. The energy/emotion of his live performances didn’t carry over into the new CD well. On the flip side, Carrie is the most boring performer to me. I hated watching her in season 4, and I still think she’s awful on all the award show performances. But her voice is amazing – a perfect recording voice. Great recording voice can lead to a great record, but maybe not huge concert numbers. I think Taylor might have the opposite thing going. Lastly, the whole idea that Taylor had this “happy go lucky wacky guy image” in AI – I don’t think he was any more wacky or less serious than the others. Look at some of his songs: Trouble, In the Ghetto, Something, You Are So Beautiful, Levon – hardly the kind of songs you shimmy & have a ton of fun with.

Well, I guess I just prefer to wait to see how things play out. Or, at least wait til I hear the whole album before I start making predictions – of success OR doom.

I don’t know why Arista is doing things the way they are. I don’t know that any of us ever will. From what we’ve been reading, they seem to have at least a little confidence in the album.

But I have no idea what I’m talking about, really, so I’ll shut up now.

From what weà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve been reading, they seem to have at least a little confidence in the album.

With the exception of Kelly’s latest album, record labels always have confidence in the album in the press releases. Marketting departments rarely say “Our new product sucks. Please buy it”. [Clive's Kelly comments (most of them leaks) made so much press because it was unusal].

Just as all new artists LOVE their new album and had a lot to say in what went on it it, just before it gets released. Not so strangely, if the album flops, 6 months later, they may admit things were quite different. Again, most artists are smart enough not to say “I HATE my new album and nothing on it reflects me. Please buy it anyway”.

That’s not to say that the pre-album release statements are not true. I just take them with a grain of salt.

I wish Blake and Jordin all the luck in the world. I hope their fans are thrilled with their albums and they sell a million-cajillion albums. I don’t want anybody to shut up, but I may chose to refute statements I don’t agree with.

Blake debuted in the Pop 100 at
#85. Jordin debuted at #88. I don’t see a big difference there, and “Tattoo” is doing really well now. I figure if “Break Anotha” song appeals to listeners, it will continue to climb like Tattoo has.

It seems pretty clear that neither Jordin or Blake have the fanbases to support the initial sales that the Season 5 Idols enjoyed. Still, I’m not sure the label is throwing Blake under the bus just yet. His promo is coming in the next couple of weeks.

I think both he and Jordin will have to appeal outside their fanbases to have anything other than modest success. I still believe that is a possibility for both of them. I guess time will tell.

Yeah, I know all that. It’s obviously not good business sense to doom your product before it ever hits the market. That wasn’t my point.

My point was that from what I’ve been reading, it doesn’t seem that the label is ONLY doing what is customary in terms of marketing/promo. Sure, things can be exaggerated, but when I read that the label is preparing “aggressive promotion” for the album, it makes me think that they’re really going to be pushing it. Perhaps that’s just me looking at things through plaid-tinted glasses, I dunno. I guess they could do what is normal, then pretty much bury him like they did with Taylor. Who really even knows, outside of the Clive-empire.

ETA: Yeah, I’ve been wondering after all this “low opening single sales” talk about “Break Anotha” what the opening sales were for “Tattoo” in its’ first week of release on iTunes. Seriously. I don’t remember when it was released to iTunes, so I can’t remember what date to look for to see.

I can’t remember exactly, but her first weeks sales were definately better, I think.

I think the bigger part of it is that Taylor is an amazing performer to watch, and he was able to draw people in on Idol as they could SEE him perform.

Great minds Calimari…

Of course TPTB aren’t going to say an album sucks, but they don’t necessarily have to gush about it either. Clive didn’t *have* to make a statement about how pleased he is with the results of Blake’s work in that press release that came out a week or two ago. He didn’t make any statement at all in the press release that came out about Taylor’s album around this time last year. And unless I missed it, did Jordin even get a pr with more details about her record?

One of the news articles that came out over the weekend said part of the promotion will be for Blake to visit “major-market” radio shows. Maybe that’s been their plan all along; to hold back airplay on the big stations until Blake can go debut the song in person. If that’s the case then hopefully the visits will start this week. I know one of Blake’s band members had mentioned being in NY this week.

Just as all new artists LOVE their new album and had a lot to say in what went on it it, just before it gets released. Not so strangely, if the album flops, 6 months later, they may admit things were quite different. Again, most artists are smart enough not to say à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“I HATE my new album and nothing on it reflects me. Please buy it anywayà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ .

Something tells me if Blake had been unhappy throughout the recording process, he wouldn’t be one to keep quiet about it. :lol_wp:

Oh, I don’t know if this has been posted yet but Jordin has her version of “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” up on her myspace.

Yeah pj, they were. I went back through the archives. 33,000 with about 4 good weeks of radio play behind it.

Yeah pj, they were. I went back through the archives. 33,000 with about 4 good weeks of radio play behind it.

Jive was smart to get “Tattoo” put into rotation onto the stations with huge audiences, like KIIS and Z100, first. Blake hasn’t had that luxury…yet.

I do wonder what the strategy was behind releasing “Break Anotha” to iTunes just a few weeks before the album drops, and a full week before it went for adds. But I really doubt we’ll ever know.

Here’s a question. If “Break Anotha” does happen to become a bonafide hit, I wonder if it will fuel single sales or album sales more? Most of the time a big single seems to fuel single sales. For example, Rihanna with “Umbrella”… I don’t think the album has yet sold platinum, but I know the single has had big sales.

Does anyone know how well recent live CDs have been selling? Just wondering, because since Taylor is such a great live performer, wouldn’t it be wise for his record company to recognize that and release a live recording? And how well do concert DVDs sell? I don’t know what the hold-up has been on his DVD, but supposedly it’s due out after the first of the year. Kirsten?

An opinion: Josh Hoge’s Ain’t No Sunshine isn’t bad, but Taylor’s version blows it out of the water.

And another: The bits and pieces of Blake’s music that I’ve heard so far have done nothing for me – unless you count the irritation they provide after the first 30 seconds or so.

Yikes! This is more than I’ve had the nerve to say in awhile.

Kirsten:

If I have to wait until 6 months after the album comes out before I can discuss anything about numbersà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦well. Thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s no fun for me.

LOL. I feel you. I’m just as impatient. It’s almost as if a year has to elapse until you can prove a point. Of course, it’ll be a more concrete, sound point…but still.

I think the numbers game can start as soon as something is commercially released under that artists’ label. With Jordin, it was “Tattoo” and with Blake, it’s “Break Anotha.” I say at the very LEAST, initial numbers indicate the loyality of a fanbse. After that, it’s all conjecture. But when you use the past performance of AI alums, it’s not all that hard to predict future performance.

“Break Anotha” is no longer in the iTunes top 120. That speaks volumes about his fanbase.

Really interesting reading today – one of the best days in a while IMO of course.

I guess I’ll always find it odd that Taylor is most remembered on Idol for his funky moves and songs, when the ones that grabbed me the most were the ones that showcased his amazing VOICE! “Something”, “Trouble”, “In the Ghetto”, and “You Are so Beautiful” were the ultimate Taylor songs on Idol.

Hereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a question. If à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Break Anothaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  does happen to become a bonafide hit, I wonder if it will fuel single sales or album sales more? Most of the time a big single seems to fuel single sales. For example, Rihanna with à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Umbrellaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think the album has yet sold platinum, but I know the single has had big sales.

OneRepublic will be an interesting to watch. They have a mega-hit with “Apologize” but their first week album sales are predicted to be 70K based on first day projections. Of course, this is their debut album.

Since I was one of the 70K, I can vouch that it is an album full of strong songs, not just a couple of hits. It’ll be interesting to see what happens with them.

Elliott won’t be at that tree lighting thing. In the past, the artists who did Xmas CDs for NBC were all included but this year no invites for Elliott or KT Tunstill, only Taylor Swift. Carrie will be there as well.
I remember last year when Taylor debuted his single on the same event. Sorry, but Jordin and Blake are just not getting that same level of promo IMO.

An opinion: Josh Hogeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Ainà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t No Sunshine isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t bad, but Taylorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s version blows it out of the water.

Wow – not for me. I think Josh is amazing – that falsetto – wow. Then again, I’ve been lucky enough to meet Josh a couple of times and he’s a real sweetheart. He really interracts with the fans. I genuinely want the guy to succeed because I really like him.

Sorry, but I really feel is unnecessary to bring Jordin and Blake down at the moment. They are just starting their careers, don’t you think it’s a bit premature to judge their future?

They are both happy and doing what they love at the moment.
Blake hasn’t even released his record, just saying.

They both have great singles. They will do well in the long run. Jordin is already doing great. Also,FWIW Blake is scheduled for the New Year’s Eve gig at Time Square which is huge.I think that’s pretty good promo right there.

Blake’s single is steadily climbing up the charts on Mediabase. He is up to #56 right now.

With the major market radio interviews he has ahead, I am pretty sure the song will chart even higher and the sales will go up too.

The album sounds awesome. That LA Times review seems very promising. I can’t wait to hear it!

Maybe Blake won’t have huge first week sales, but he will catch up.
He will most likely gain new fans outside the AI world, and that’s what is important. JMHO.

I don’t think he will be the next Daughtry or Carrie Underwood, but he definitely has a great career ahead of him.

Sorry, but I really feel is unnecessary to bring Jordin and Blake down at the moment. They are just starting their careers, donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t you think ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a bit premature to judge their future?

That’s kinda what we do here, ana. It’s only speculation.

Just like last year, it will be fun to look back next year, and see which predictions come true and which do not.

I wish someone would be the next Carrie Underwood so I could stop seeing her every time I turn around… geesh.

Tee Hee, Lu

I predict Antonella goes multi-platinum – with Hustler magazine.

Thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s kinda what we do here, ana. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s only speculation.

Just like last year, it will be fun to look back next year, and see which predictions come true and which do not.

I know mj. I am just you know a bit upset that everyone thinks Season 6 is a failure. I hope Jordin and Blake prove everyone wrong in the long run. Just my little wish there. Honestly, I really hope everything works out for them.

LOL Lu. On both counts. Also, I loved Josh’s version of “Ain’t No Sunshine” too… even before I met him and realized what a cutie and sweetheart he is. Just ask my roommate!

And pj, that’s interesting about 1R’s sales. *hangs head* I must admit, I did not contribute to their opening week sales. I’m getting the album this week, though, I promise!!

I saw Elliott at the Highline last week and was totally taken with Josh. He’s a damn good singer and a pretty cool guy, too. LOVED his cover of Ain’t No Sunshine.

And pj, thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s interesting about 1Rà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s sales. *hangs head* I must admit, I did not contribute to their opening week sales. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m getting the album this week, though, I promise!!

I got mine the lazy way… iTunes. LOL.

I am so addicted to Itunes it’s not funny. I hate the DRM files though- such a pain to have to convert them to dump files on daughter’s mp3 player since she doesn’t have the Ipod brand.

Isn’t Jordin appearing at the Kennedy Center Honors for Diana Ross? I consider that a pretty good gig to get. Same for Blake with New Years eve thing. Obviously both have much smaller fanbases than the season 5 people but as its been said before, fanbases only get you so far. I don’t care for Jordin’s CD but she could end up doing well in the long run if more of her songs get strong airplay. From the description of Blake’s CD it sounds like something I would definitely buy despite not really being a fan during the show.

I’m probably one of the very few people who prefered S6 to S5. The only one I really liked that year was Elliott, this year I loved Phil and Melinda and overall thought there was some interesting talent.

I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t care for Jordinà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s CD but she could end up doing well in the long run if more of her songs get strong airplay.

I didn’t buy Jordin’s CD; not my taste, however looks like No Air will be the next single. It is already listed on Mediabase at #164.

I’m hoping both she and Blake do well.

Group Hug !!!

now, back to the links.

I have a ? – do we click the links v. replying directly?

(if any CFO’s of any net marketing team are here just color me stupid).

MJ:

Just like last year, it will be fun to look back next year, and see which predictions come true and which do not.

Then: Elliott won’t get signed.
Now: “OMG! Everytime I turn on the radio, I hear Elliott!”

Maybe Melinda will be this year’s Elliott.

I had company from Norfolk, Va. for Thanksgiving weekend. One was a 20 yr old female who said Elliot gets plenty of airplay there. She said on one radio station that puts callers on the air to talk, a caller told the dj if I hear that Elliot Yamins single one more time Im gonna puke. hehe The dj then laughed, she said, and confessed they were overplaying it a bit