Idol Headlines for 12/23/09

By On 12/23/2009 · 133 Comments · In American Idol, Headlines

‘American Idol’ And The Making Of A Star

Now, I have no musical aspirations myself ‘” no desire or talent to become a pop star or a songwriter. But when they announced that they’d let a viewer write the big ballad, they had me hooked. I immediately began sketching out what I believed to be the perfect American Idol song.

I wanted something vaguely patriotic and sort of religious, and I wanted to capture the way a very uncomplicated pop singer might feel at the conclusion of an unlikely journey. My song was called “On The Wings Of Dreaming Eagles,” and it may be the worst song ever written by a human being.

NPR.org

Fisher engaged to Carrie Underwood

Mike Fisher confirmed reports today that he and country superstar Carrie Underwood are engaged.

Fisher proposed to the 26-year-old singer Sunday afternoon at his Ottawa home. The two have extremely busy schedules and Fisher took advantage of an off-day with the Ottawa Senators to pop the question.
“We’re both very excited,” Fisher said. “These are exciting times. We’d been talking about this and we’re both really happy.”

While the couple haven’t set a date yet, they do plan to marry sometime this summer.

MikeFisher.ca

No Tour Planned for So You Think You Can Dance’s Season-Six Top 10

So You Think You Can Dance season six turned out to have a few more rough edges than perhaps the producers and dancers would have liked.

Several members of the top 20 were so seriously injured that they had to drop out or stop out (Billy, Noelle, Ashleigh), the final was hosted on the home stage rather than in the glamorous confines of the Kodak Theatre, the top four were fluffed up into a top six for lack of time and now comes the news that the victory tour is probably canceled.

According to a representative for the show, the tour is not absolutely, positively canceled, but neither is it on the drawing board.

Eonline

More Idol Headlines after the JUMP…

PopWrap’s Entertainers of the Year

It’s crazy to think that in 2008, the name Adam Lambert didn’t mean anything. Now when his name is bandied about, a million images, sounds and high notes cycle through your mind. From his amazing reworkings of iconic songs (“Mad World,” “If I Can’t Have You”) on “American Idol” to his shocking AMA performance, the man has been on the tip of everyone’s tongue for 365 days. But Adam’s biggest accomplishment has been his questionably covered, but undoubtedly brilliant debut CD, “For Your Entertainment” and the gay old time he’s had promoting it.

NY Post

Baby No. 2 for Jennifer Hudson

Big baby news! Star was first to report that Jennifer Hudson was pregnant with her first child ‘” a son she named David Jr., now 4 months old. And now we can reveal exclusively that she and fianc David Otunga are adding to their family.

‘Jennifer was in total shock when she found out she was having another baby,’  says her close friend, who adds that the couple learned they were expecting on Dec. 10. ‘She had wanted some space between the kids’ ages.’ 

Still, the star, 28, has embraced her second pregnancy.

‘She and David love kids,’  says the pal. ‘It’s another thing for them to celebrate during the holidays.’ 

Star Magazine

Carrie Underwood, Mike Fisher, Flawless Yellow Diamond Engagement Ring Designed by Johnathon Arndt

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Dec. 23 /PRNewswire/ — Johnathon Arndt would like to formally congratulate Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher on their engagement. Johnathon Arndt is proud and honored to be the designer for the Flawless Yellow Diamond Engagement Ring. “This ring is a symbol of love from Mike Fisher to Carrie Underwood”

PR Newswire

Fisher family ‘excited’

Jim and Karen Fisher are “excited” that their son, Ottawa Senators’ centre Mike Fisher, got engaged to former “American Idol” singer Carrie Underwood over the weekend.

“Both Karen and I were quite excited, we’re very happy for them,” Jim said yesterday. “We’ve got to know her quite well over the last year and she’s a great girl.

“We just think they make a great couple.”

Mike, who was born and raised in Bridgenorth, is an alternate captain with the Senators.

Peterborough Examiner

2009 Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade Preview

This Christmas day, ABC is set to air the annual Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade. Families can tune in and check out the celebrity appearances, as well as their favorite Disney characters as they make their way around the parks, spreading holiday cheer. We have the list of some of the performances that will take place at the parade as well as a couple of video clips.

Cinema Blend

Kimberly Caldwell proves she is Without Regret

The Katy native and American Idol 2 contestant finally — after a flurry of starts, stops and stalls — signed a record deal earlier this year. Her debut album, Without Regret, will be released in April on Vanguard Records (via Capitol/EMI).

“I truly, truly, truly get choked up a couple of times a day,” Caldwell says, calling from her L.A. home. “I feel like I’m emotionally, mentally and physically ready to truly dedicate myself every single second of my days to music.”

Caldwell returns home today for a celebration in her honor at Mo’s …. A Place for Steaks. It’s being thrown by executive chef Eric Aldis, who Caldwell calls her “best friend growing up — ever.”

Chron.com

American Idol: Exclusive Interview with Ace Young

Fans of American Idol may remember a young, good looking contestant by the name of Ace Young from season 5. He received positive feedback from the judges but was eliminated early on. His journey didn’t end there, though. Ace produced his own album, but unforeseen events prevented him from reaching the public and the fans the way he had hoped. He went on to write with fellow idol contestant Chris Daughtry and is currently on tour with Idol winner Taylor Hicks in the musical, Grease. When Grease stopped in my home state this week, I headed to check out the show and backstage to talk to Ace in an exclusive interview.

Reality Wanted

BWW REVIEWS: ‘And I Am Telling You…’ See the New and Improved DREAMGIRLS

Dreamgirls has so many impressive tunes, it would be enjoyable in a concert version. Composer Henry Krieger’s “Listen,” which was famously added to the film version of the musical starring Jennifer Hudson and Beyonce Knowles, has been added to this production as a duet with new lyrics.

But the key to its success, are the talented actors who sing, act, and dance their hearts out eight shows a week. The cover of the Playbill epitomizes the trio of singers who start out as the Dreamettes and then morph into the mega success of the “Dreams.” The talented trio is played by of Moya Angela (Effie), Syesha Mercado (Deena), and Adrienne Warren (Lorrell).

Broadway World.com

Kellie Pickler: Crazy & Crazy Don’t Go Together

Kellie Pickler dons a ring on that suspicious fourth ring finger, but she quashes speculation that she’s betrothed.

‘I’m not engaged,’  she tells me.

Her boyfriend, Nashville songwriter Kyle Jacobs, must be doing something right.

‘Oh gosh, he makes me want to be a better person,’  the 23-year-old country singer tells me. ‘He’s the good one in the relationship. I’m crazy. Crazy and crazy don’t go together. One of you’s gotta be sane.’ 

OK Magazine

Simon Cowell Will Leave “American Idol”: Report

Cowell’s brother Tony, who hosts a weekly radio podcast called “The Cowell Factor”, said in a broadcast on Tuesday that Simon was preparing for his last season of “Idol”.

“A press statement is being prepared which will confirm what everyone expected — Simon will leave ‘Idol’ at the end of 2010 to concentrate on bringing the American version of ‘The X Factor’ to US TV in 2011,” Tony Cowell claimed, according to Britain’s Sun newspaper.

The Sun, like Fox television, is part of Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp media empire. The podcast could not be found later on Tuesday. The Sun report said Tony Cowell had “blurted out the claim” and that the podcast had since been removed.

NY Times

 
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  • sunchick

    4am by Our Lady Peace is one of my favorite songs like ever, so as far as songs named 4AM goes, OLP wins. Sorry Matt. Maybe he should go with 3 in the mornin? Seriously, though, not a bad tune, kinda jazzy and Jamie Cullum-ish, minus the husky vocals. I liked the line “I was born in the rain so I don’t mind gettin wet…”

  • frogcooke

    Youtube of David Archuleta singing ‘Angels We Have Heard On High’ on Fox and Friends: http://is.gd/5yLyn

    they were quite complimentary of him through out the lead up to his singing on way to commercial breaks.. they all seemed to be pretty much gushing over him haha

  • windmills

    Is it wrong that I’m disappointed that the NPR audio clip is not a full length of demo of On The Wings Of Dreaming Eagles? That little clip is awesomely awful! I can’t wait to check out the NPR listener submissions too.

    I’m still so happy for Carrie & Mike! Their families must be getting hammered by the media seeking comments though. I admire the way they’re all handling it though.

    I’m happy for Kellie and her guy Kyle too – they’ve been together a long time and he’s been good to her I think.

    I’m skeptical of the Jennifer Hudson Star article.

    I don’t know why I’m interested in Kim Caldwell’s album because I’ve never been a fan of hers. But I am interested. I think because it sounds like she’ll be making the kind of music she’s meant to make. Kara’s going to have a song on every AI album other than Kris’s isn’t she?

  • unique28v

    I’m skeptical of the Jennifer Hudson Star article.

    Access Hollywood already debunked it last night. I hate tabloids.

  • windmills

    I’m skeptical of the Jennifer Hudson Star article.

    Access Hollywood already debunked it last night. I hate tabloids.

    Oh! Thank you so much for that. I hate em too. It’s such an ugly business too because they print negative or flat out wrong stuff to try to force celebrities to respond. Being big on the pop culture radar is such a double edged sword because the lines between the tabloids and real media are almost non existent now. If you want good media coverage it’s almost like you have to cater to the tabloids somewhat because if they’re interested in you and you don’t give them what they want they’ll print negative stuff about you.

  • Kaykohl

    Jennifer denied the first pregnancy until photos started showing up and it was obvious she was pregant. Just like the last time, time will tell.

  • J9BT

    I can’t believe the SYTYCD producers aren’t scheduling a tour for the S6 Top 10! I am sooooo disappointed. I think it’s unfair to both the dancers and viewers.

  • seriously

    4am by Our Lady Peace is one of my favorite songs like ever, so as far as songs named 4AM goes, OLP wins.

    Yesh to this. OLP FTW.

    I have an announcement! Everyone knows I’m a DC fan, but Archie fans have always been so supportive of DC. So I went and bought Archie’s CD, and I love it! So thanks to Archie fans for being so kind, and convincing me I need it. =)

  • idolfanpage

    Just to add a headline:

    Allison Iraheta’s “Friday I’ll Be Over U” was named “Song of the Day” by Pop Justice:

    http://www.popjustice.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4293&Itemid=279

  • tierbee

    I got an iTunes gift card for an early Christmas present and went on an Idol shopping spree, lol. Got me some Michael Johns, Brooke, Allison’s album… and some other stuff. But lots of Idol :) And I gotta say Allison’s album is pretty fricking great.

  • unique28v

    Jennifer denied the first pregnancy until photos started showing up and it was obvious she was pregant. Just like the last time, time will tell.

    She didn’t have a lead movie role about to start up in South Africa then either.

  • will

    Hmmm. That Reuters article in The New York Times about the podcast by Simon’s brother Tony says the podcast has been “removed”:

    The podcast could not be found later on Tuesday. The Sun report said Tony Cowell had “blurted out the claim” and that the podcast had since been removed.

    Somebody should notify The Sun and Reuters that their readers can still hear the podcast right here:

    http://mjsbigblog.com/simon-cowells-brother-reports-that-american-idol-season-9-will-be-simons-last.htm

  • ggdoorsfan

    I have an announcement! Everyone knows I’m a DC fan, but Archie fans have always been so supportive of DC. So I went and bought Archie’s CD, and I love it! So thanks to Archie fans for being so kind, and convincing me I need it. =)


    s7 david’s for the win     – and thanks for giving david’s cd a whirl… it is really good…

  • Kaykohl

    Jennifer denied the first pregnancy until photos started showing up and it was obvious she was pregant. Just like the last time, time will tell.

    She didn’t have a lead movie role about to start up in South Africa then either.

    She’s either pregnant or she’s not.

    Having a movie has little to do with it, preganacies can be covered up with creative camera shots.

    I don’t see how anyone would care either way except for the family.

  • auntieaimee

    Aw, man, are they bringing back the songwriting contest to AI? I loved that NPR piece. Winner. He should totally submit that for consideration.

  • frogcooke

    I have an announcement! Everyone knows I’m a DC fan, but Archie fans have always been so supportive of DC. So I went and bought Archie’s CD, and I love it! So thanks to Archie fans for being so kind, and convincing me I need it. =)

    awww great that you enjoy the cd!! :D

    I lurve both Davids ^__^

  • cookbunny

    This is as good of a place as any to ask…still no sign of Kris’ AOL Sessions, huh?

    And what happened to that iTunes Podcast he recorded a while back? I’m starting to get paranoid again…

  • sunchick

    Sorry, y’all. That was supposed to go in the Matty thread. And then I tried to delete it and won’t delete. Weirdness. Site goblins.

  • stampsgal

    If some of you twitter maybe you can help get some twitpics of Adam at the Gaga concert last night. A somewhat over invested fan buying tickets for 3 nights to see if she could get an Adam sighting –got her wish. But I am happy she provided a pic or two of Adam seemily having way to much fun–or that was her take on it.

    her twitter account taken from another fansite is:
    http:// twitter.com/heartNNsoul

    You will have to type it in as I couldn’t get it to create an active link. Sorry I don’t know much about twitter technology.

  • will
  • jill16

    http://bit.ly/60sF5u

    pics of Adam out and about in Beverly Hills yesterday.

  • angela

    Z-100 high-noon countdown is on, gaga#3, keisha#2, Adam #1!!! you go baby!

  • butte009

    I can’t believe the SYTYCD producers aren’t scheduling a tour for the S6 Top 10! I am sooooo disappointed. I think it’s unfair to both the dancers and viewers.

    I’m not that surprised. Everything about the Fall season was just wrong. I’m sure the dancers are disappointed. Based on the Nigel’s comments it was so that Jeanine could have her year. Well…. duh….

    The article also failed to mention Russell for his last minute injury. Did we ever find out what happened?

    More shocking was that it says Nigel doesn’t know whether S7 will be summer or fall. WTF?! It better go back to the summer unless they can get the Fall to be in the same format.

    For those who enjoy SYTYCD the UK version starts airing Jan 2 (BBCOne)! And I’ve just discovered another UK show Got to Dance that starts on Jan 3 (SKY1) that looks interesting. http://sky1.sky.com/dance. It seems like a cross between SYTYCD and ABDC.

  • LeHommeAdam

    “Z-100 high-noon countdown is on, gaga#3, keisha#2, Adam #1!!! you go baby!

    I’m so happy ! :lol: HAPPY HOLIDAYS

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6P8l_3jq0k&feature=player_embedded

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    Somebody should notify The Sun and Reuters that their readers can still hear the podcast right here:

    Heh heh. Downloaded that sucker! :) .

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    Oh, and I got a bit of good news. After literally, years of trying and getting scorned, I finally have an account with Fox Flash. Meaning, I have access to all their publicity materials, including swell photos! I’ll also receive press releases in my inbox…

  • angela

    I’m so happy !

    Yes, makes me happy to hear Adam on the radio, and we had a conversation here yst about Adam being in the top 5 with Gaga and Keisha the last two weeks, but has much less spins. I thought the countdown for for the most requested songs, but actually heard today that it is a compilation of a few factors, like # of dowloads, requests and something else. I think I need to research this a little more.

  • stampsgal

    Hey thanks will !!! I thought others might like to see them. Adam and Tommy out with friends –just kicking back — and enjoying an evening out!

  • jersey

    Congrats, MJ! Even Fox knows that you’re blog is the place people come for all things Idol!

  • ggdoorsfan

    Hey, Foxnews has David A’s picture, and a link to his performance this morning on their home page! Love that exposure….

    http://www.foxnews.com/

  • ptslittlecomment

    Oh, and I got a bit of good news. After literally, years of trying and getting scorned, I finally have an account with Fox Flash. Meaning, I have access to all their publicity materials, including swell photos! I’ll also receive press releases in my inbox’ ¦

    Congratulations MJ! That must mean they finally understand how important you and this blog are in the Idol world.

  • luval

    After complaining and whining on this site, I finally heard WWFM on Z100 today. Number 1!! Guess I just had to be a little patient.

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    But I am happy she provided a pic or two of Adam seemily having way to much fun’“or that was her take on it.

    Can you say s-t-a-l-k-i-n-g? I knew you could

  • sr4mjc

    Congrats on the Fox account mj!

  • girlygirl

    Brian Mansfield has the (rounded) album sales for this week posted.

    Adam 59k +26%
    Kris 31k +34%
    Allison 12k -12%
    David A. 31k +2%

    Very nice increases for both Adam and Kris. Allison? Sigh…

  • angela

    Oh, and I got a bit of good news. After literally, years of trying and getting scorned, I finally have an account with Fox Flash. Meaning, I have access to all their publicity materials, including swell photos! I’ll also receive press releases in my inbox’ ¦

    Congrats, you are working hard on this blog, I just wish I discovered it sooner. So waiting inpatiently for season 9 and can’t wait for some spoilers. BTW, I asked this question on another thread, there was a clip of this guy singing Feeling Good last night on fox5 11pm news in NYC, Simon had this “I cannot believe you are this good” face, and now I really want to find out who this guy is. I won’t go to wftw, though, they are way too mean to Adam (refuse to give them a hit), so I hope that you will be able to find something out, so thanks in advance!

  • dv

    From preshow Kelly did before her concerts recently

    Kelly covering
    audio

    The Story (Brandi Carlile)
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PebG9dsc668

    My Favorite Mistake (Sheryl Crow)
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFKTJMULDHk

  • luval

    Not sure if this is on topic, but I have always wondered what Adam’s audition was like before he even got to the judges. Apparently there are several tables of producers or judges he would have had to get by. Wonder if anyone wasn’t going to let him continue. (don’t count simon). I have many questions like this.

    ps mj..wish I would have found your site before S9. Happened upon it by chance googling adam lambert. It’s a great place to be.

  • ggdoorsfan

    outstanding numbers for david a as well, and this christmas cd – 31k this week puts it at 185k cumulatively, and i think we can safely say he’s going to be well over 200k with next week’s numbers… this cd has defied a lot of people expectations sales wise, as it was produced with what appears to be a relatively low budget and minimal promo – nice to see the tv appearance having an impact this week… kudos to all the idols for grinding it out in the market, and a special yes!! to david for putting together a cd that should sell well at christmas in the coming years…

  • Kirsten

    Can you say s-t-a-l-k-i-n-g? I knew you could

    Yikes!

    Congrats on the account, MJ.

  • itsalleternal

    Congrats mj!!! Obviously they see something in you now!!! Maybe you could become the new executive producer, with others on here and other sites in the production crew!

  • gangreen29

    asked this question on another thread, there was a clip of this guy singing Feeling Good last night on fox5 11pm news in NYC, Simon had this ‘I cannot believe you are this good’  face, and now I really want to find out who this guy is

    That was Justin Williams, he was on last year and was part of Kris and Matt’s group white chocolate during group rounds

  • BeckyMD

    Congratulations MJ!!!

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

    Maybe he should go with 3 in the mornin?

    I dont think so, Matchbox Twenty have a “3A.M.2 and is a really pretty song…

  • SpenserJ

    A somewhat over invested fan buying tickets for 3 nights to see if she could get an Adam sighting ‘“got her wish. But I am happy she provided a pic or two of Adam seemily having way to much fun’“or that was her take on it.

    Yeah, that’s not a fan. That’s a stalker. That behavior is completely pathological, and certainly not something someone should be proud of and boasting about in the Twitterverse. Poor guy can’t even go enjoy a concert in his off time. That’s a shame.

    Congrats on your official acceptance by Fox, MJ! Apparently, Fox has finally figured out that in Idol Blog Land, it is YOU who is the HBIC :) .

    I’m disappointed about Allison’s sales #’s. A decrease in a week where nearly everyone else on the chart saw an increase is just so not a good thing.

  • Teri63

    FYI: You have to subscribe (which I don’t) to read the rest of the article, but Newsday.com reports that Adam has been named their “Pet Rock ‘Man of the Year.’”

    http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/pet-rock-a-pop-culture-blog-1.811972/adam-lambert-wins-pet-rock-s-man-of-the-year-1.1668715

  • stampsgal

    mj
    stalking yes! –LOL –I was trying to be diplomatic. An Adam fan she is -but nudging into the row behind Adam for the concert, and then commenting she wished the lady who “let her” stand beside her would have let her stand on the other side for a better view!!!–STALKING (poor Adam)

  • angela

    That was Justin Williams, he was on last year and was part of Kris and Matt’s group white chocolate during group rounds

    thanks,gangreene 29, wow you have good memory! So, is he coming back for AI9 or maybe they just using his audition from last year for the promo? Did they show his audition last year?

  • HermeticallySealed

    mj
    12/23/2009 at 12:31 pm

    Oh, and I got a bit of good news. After literally, years of trying and getting scorned, I finally have an account with Fox Flash. Meaning, I have access to all their publicity materials, including swell photos! I’ll also receive press releases in my inbox’ ¦

    Nice. :D

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    stalking yes! ‘“LOL ‘“I was trying to be diplomatic.

    Ha. I wasn’t knocking you, just to make clear. You are only the messenger. Thanks for the photos. I’m always fascinated by tales of Idol cray cray

  • BootStar

    That’s a bummer about the SYTYCD tour. They kinda screwed last season’s kids and this one’s, as well. Jeanine was shortchanged but got to tour, and Russell got his $250K, but what about the rest of the top 10? They get what, bupkis??? Totally sucks.

  • SpenserJ

    Bootstar, I think a few weeks ago when someone originally brought a quote here from Nigel about the tour status, he mentioned something about trying to combine these contestants into the next Summer series contestants’ tour. He made some lame excuse about no winter tour because of tour buses on the icy roads or something.

    I’m disappointed, because I would have LOVED to have seen the Top 6 especially on this tour, if they had come to my area.

  • GreenHippo

    Congratulations MJ, and Thanks for having this blog!
    I am a very busy person, with few moments to myself, but ever since I found your Blog, your’s is the only place I go for my Idol/SYTYCD/DWTS/X-Factor-and-then-some news. Too bad I didn’t find you earlier. I only am hanigng around here for about 5 months. Like many others I found you while searching for Adam.
    Thank you again :)

  • Lynne

    And it’s not just idol. Adam is a star celebrity. All celebrities have to deal with this type of thing.

  • Teri63

    Oh — just reading back through the threads. Congratulations, MJ! That’s awesome!

  • Pam

    Congrats MJ. What a sweet deal. :)

    thedavidcook: # On the mend. I was not alone, however. Mom, Dad, Bro, Niece, Nephew, Dog, and Friend. All sick, too. We’re like a gang. Thx for the love!
    about 1 hour ago from web

  • itsalleternal

    IDF has just identified some more Hollywood contestants, some of whom are quite notable.

  • snlw

    Wow! Congratalutions mj for your great news!!!

  • sr4mjc

    Aww, Rose Flack is back. She’s not the best singer, but her personality was interesting.

  • BootStar

    SpenserJ, I did see that earlier story quoting Nigel about a possible combined tour next summer, but the lack of any mention of it in this latest story makes me nervous for this season’s kids. I wonder who that “representative of the show” is that they quoted.

    And congrats on getting to play with the big kids, mj! I think most obsessed Idol fans end up here one way or the other. I found the site via Rickey’s last season, after finding Rickey’s via the commenters on TV Guide’s Idol blog. MJs is the biggest, the most reliable, and the best moderated. And it is widely considered the definitive source for All Things Idol. Fox couldn’t continue to ignore the fact that lots of journos quote mjs and link here.

    Hell, one of these days maybe FOX will make an offer to buy you out, mj. I’d hate it if you sold the site, but when they do, take the money and run!!! :-)

  • stampsgal

    mj,
    I would say your “bit of good news” means way more to you if you have been trying for awhile—so I am SO HAPPY for you!

    This access is a “wonderful gift”, as it obviously will make information more accessible for you, and free up some time for you to perhaps have an hour or so to actually sleep, or get groceries, or have a life beyond meeting all our needs. I don’t know how you do it, but I am THANKFUL for all the energy you put into your site on my/our behalf.

  • cookcricket

    Congrats mj!!! :D

  • ozarka

    Excerpts from Us Magazine

    David Archuleta Shares His “Melodies of Christmas”

    What has the experience been like?
    I never imagined that I would be able to really do a Christmas album like this, to this extent, where I have my own arrangements of these songs that I’ve been singing. It’s just so cool. And it’s like, ‘Wow, no one else sings it this way except for me, and it’s on an album and it’s released.’ It’s just really amazing to see that from where I would sing acapella when I was little at retirement homes and hospitals and neighbor’s houses to now being able to put them on an album.

    How did you choose the songs?
    Some of them were songs that I’ve sung or I used to sing. So that’s what’s cool. And [the producers] went to Prague for some of these arrangements to have a Prague orchestra, and it was just so cool. It’s just exciting to have some of the songs like “Angels We Have Heard on High,” “O Come All Ye Faithful,” and “O Holy Night.” Just those songs — that’s what I grew up singing.

    How do you spend Christmas?
    We actually used to put on some Christmas shows with me and my brothers and sisters and cousins, and we used to just go out and bike at retirement homes and hospitals and just put on shows for people who might feel kind of left out and forgotten about because they’re in the hospital or places where they might be alone. For the actual holiday, usually we’ll go to my grandpa’s, but we went to Las Vegas last year. We went to get away because I had not been home all year, and I’d just been so busy with so many different things. It was finally my break to be back with my family. It’s so important to spend time with the people you care about.

  • Mtlfan

    congrats mj :)

  • jpfan

    Is it wrong to laugh that the stalker pics of Adam are mostly shots of that hideous guy with what looks like a straw through his nose.

  • tierbee

    thedavidcook: # On the mend. I was not alone, however. Mom, Dad, Bro, Niece, Nephew, Dog, and Friend. All sick, too. We’re like a gang. Thx for the love!

    Oh, jeez, they all got the plague, poor family! Glad he/they are on the mend. Hope Cold Stone didn’t give them tainted cake, lol.

  • dcglam
  • Lu

    Congrats MJ!!! I just have to say it’s about time!

  • dcglam

    I finally went back to read the thread.
    Thank you for sharing your good news with us, MJ. We are very happy for you. What a fabulous way to celebrate the holiday season!

  • madnessinmotion

    I have seen it posted here before but I can’t find it.

    Where do I look to see what stations have added what songs? I have been trying to listen on different formats here in San Francisco and I have not heard Kris nor Adam yet on any channel. It would help if I at least knew what channels have the songs on the play lists.

  • dana

    Congratulations, MJ! Great news. :)

    I’ve never been into blogs and stuff, spending so much time on the internet. But since I found this site this summer after S8, I’ve been hooked! Like an addict getting his daily fix, i log on this site so much i now try to hide it from my family. Haha!

    Kudos to being a very good moderator and having a fabulous site to spend time in. :)

    Happy holidays everyone!

  • ozarka

    Where do I look to see what stations have added what songs? I have been trying to listen on different formats here in San Francisco and I have not heard Kris nor Adam yet on any channel. It would help if I at least knew what channels have the songs on the play lists.

    Live Like We’re Dying — Kris Allen
    http://addboard.mediabase.com/SongAddHistory.asp?Sngcde=ALLELLWD&ob=1&format=XX

    Friday I’ll Be Over You — Allison Iraheta
    http://addboard.mediabase.com/SongAddHistory.asp?Sngcde=IRAHFIBO&ob=1&format=XX

    For Your Entertainment — Adam Lambert
    http://addboard.mediabase.com/SongAddHistory.asp?Sngcde=LAMBFYE&ob=1&format=XX

    Whataya Want From Me — Adam Lambert
    http://addboard.mediabase.com/SongAddHistory.asp?Sngcde=LAMBWWFM&ob=1&format=XX

  • madnessinmotion

    Thanks, Ozarka. that was helpful. Actually, I have been listening in the right place just at the wrong times I guess. I’m sure I will hear them as they pick up spins.

  • gmn

    A tweet from Elliott…..

    Looks like I won’t b up to 10,000 fllwrs by the time we hit the road,so I won’t b able 2 give away any tix….still hope 2 c yall out there!

    So, I am unashamedly asking folks who read this site and have Twitter accounts to please help Elliott get to 10,000 followers.
    He has 9,440 now, only 560 to go. I KNOW there are 560 folks who read this who will help us Elliott fans out. I’m begging here.

    eta: Elliott’s Twitter…….
    @elliottyamin

    He hits the road Jan. 2 for his tour and you could be the winner of some tickets if he is coming to a town near you. A real treat indeed because Elliott is awesome live.

    He’s adding cities all the time and he will be all over the country. Hopefully y’all get to catch his show.

  • stampsgal

    Late but still good. Pics of Adam and Tommy at the SYTYCD after party.
    Tommy is twirling Mary! Looks like Tommy is fitting “right in”. “Pun intended!” So who is the girl??

    http://adamlamberttv.blogspot.com/2009/12/adam-lambert-and-friends-sytycd-after.html

  • saga
  • lorismile

    Congrats MJ!!! Good for you! Can’t thank you enough for running such a great site! It’s one stop shopping for all the Idol fans.

  • ohnonotagain

    My congrats too MJ. This site is the first stop each morning, although I am looking for a Cookie fix. You’ve such a terrfic job I hope this will make it easier.

    Poor baby, DC. You work too hard. Get well soon and enjoy your rest (?) and the holidays.

  • tierbee

    Congrats MJ!!! Good for you! Can’t thank you enough for running such a great site! It’s one stop shopping for all the Idol fans.

    Yep, ditto! I’ve bought more music (some hard copy but much through MJs links :) ) from the Idols because I know it exists… and I can get Cookie crumbs and find out anything going on with any of the Idols. Plus once the season starts now I know I can discuss here… didn’t know that Season 7, enjoyed it for Season 8!

  • ozarka

    Excerpts from What’s Up Pub…

    Sun Bowl Halftime

    The Brut Sun Bowl, known for its family-friendly halftime shows, invites David Archuleta, former ‘American Idol’  and teen pop star. Archuleta became a household name at 16 when he made his stint as one of the youngest competitors during the seventh season of ‘Idol.’  Now, three years later, he will perform before a potential 50,000 fans at a halftime show presented by Helen of Troy.

    Among those will be plenty of teenyboppers who appreciate Archuleta hits like ‘Crush.’  The Sun Bowl committee announced a special opportunity for young fans of Archuleta’s. ‘Basically, we want to give 300 lucky fans the opportunity to have a front row seat ‘ ¦ It also allows David to engage his fans on a more personal level,’  said Sun Bowl Executive Director Bernie Olivas on the game website. How do they win those exclusive sideline seats? They have to be between the ages of 10 and 17, and they have to attend the Sun Bowl Fan Fiesta at the Judson F. Williams Convention Center at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 30.

    ‘David piqued America’s interest during his run on ‘American Idol,’ and he definitely will be a fan favorite due to his extraordinary talents as a singer-songwriter,’  said Gerald Rubin, CEO and president of Helen of Troy.

  • ozarka


    ElPaso411    : The Brut Sun Bowl has officially SOLD OUT, making it the earliest sellout in the 76-year history of the Sun Bowl game!
    about 3 hour ago from web

  • revcat

    I don’t remember Justin Williams, but he has a good voice!

    http://ktimothy.com/American-Idol/2008/11/12/justin-williams-american-idol-season8/

  • weareallinnocent

    Not a lot of time these days to enjoy MJs, but I just HAD to read back and find out what MJ is celebrating! So I did, and now I’m signing in just to say CONGRATS on a well-deserved, long-awaited perk! (And whatinthehell were they waiting on?! Everybody gets their Idol news here, even all the news sources at one time or another. Sheesh, what does it take to get a little respect nowadays?! ;-) )

    Great news, MJ, good for you. I can’t imagine the site getting any better, but now, I suppose it should. LOL Happy Holidays~

  • lovemymatthew

    ElPaso411: The Brut Sun Bowl has officially SOLD OUT, making it the earliest sellout in the 76-year history of the Sun Bowl game!
    about 3 hour ago from web

    Thanks Ozarka

    Archie -nniiiicceee

  • http://twitter.com/lindsav adamland

    mj
    12/23/2009 at 12:55 pm

    But I am happy she provided a pic or two of Adam seemily having way to much fun’“or that was her take on it.

    Can you say s-t-a-l-k-i-n-g? I knew you could

    Oh I can say it loud and clear, I am 100% an Adam fan and as my screen name implies I live in the Los Angeles area. Other than seeing him a few times already I certainly don’t attend every thing he goes to or think that he will go to just to see/meet him. That is creepy.

    That person who bought tickets 3 nights in a row and left her seat to go and push her way into the area where Adam was is the worst kind of “fan.” Her actions were rude to the people who bought tickets and were sitting around Adam and his friends and to be taking picture after picture of his hands, nose, etc, it was rude to Lady Gaga and it was rude to Adam and his friends. Gah what people do in the name of “fandom” is unbelievable.

    Rant over and now CONGRATS MJ!

  • dcglam

    It looks as though she is more interested in Adam than in Tommy!

  • Niall

    Oh, and I got a bit of good news. After literally, years of trying and getting scorned, I finally have an account with Fox Flash. Meaning, I have access to all their publicity materials, including swell photos! I’ll also receive press releases in my inbox

    Well it’s about time! The power of mj could no longer be ignored. :)

  • unique28v

    For some reason they are re-airing season 8 starting January 1st. I guess its to get people excited to see Season 9. The buzz around the new season isn’t as big as it used to be outside the Idol bubble.

    http://www.ainow.org/index.php/tidbits/1568-relive-your-favorite-season-8-moments

  • jun

    I have seen it posted here before but I can’t find it.

    Where do I look to see what stations have added what songs? I have been trying to listen on different formats here in San Francisco and I have not heard Kris nor Adam yet on any channel. It would help if I at least knew what channels have the songs on the play lists.

    97.3FM KLLC is a station in San Francisco that has added Adam’s WWFM. I’ve requested to no avail.. one person told me they need more requests. You can call in your request at 800-400-FM97 or request here online: http://www.radioalice.com/pages/72178.php

  • cookcricket

    unique28v
    12/23/2009 at 7:21 pm

    For some reason they are re-airing season 8 starting January 1st. I guess its to get people excited to see Season 9. The buzz around the new season isn’t as big as it used to be outside the Idol bubble.

    http://www.ainow.org/index.php/tidbits/1568-relive-your-favorite-season-8-moments

    Yeah, they did this last year too with season 7.

  • SpenserJ

    Well it’s about time! The power of mj could no longer be ignored.

    After being here for quite a while, I was amazed at the number of hits MJ was getting this past season. And, you really know you’ve made it when the AI contestants themselves are tweeting their news with links back to your site LOL.

    Thanks for all of the hard work this year MJ. I hope you have a lovely holiday with your family :) .

  • DLee

    After being here for quite a while, I was amazed at the number of hits MJ was getting this past season.

    How can you tell how many hits she’s getting?

  • Pam

    From Billboard:

    Susan Boyle Likely To Beat Mary J. Blige For No. 1 Album

    She kept Alicia Keys’ “The Element of Freedom” from topping the Billboard 200 this week, and now it’s looking like Susan Boyle will block another diva — Mary J. Blige — from the No. 1 slot.

    Industry sources suggest that Boyle’s “I Dreamed a Dream” could sell another 500,000 by week’s end on Sunday night (Dec. 27). That will be enough to fend off Blige’s just-released “Stronger With Each Tear,” which is on course to sell perhaps around 300,000 to 350,000 — and possibly more. The queen of hip-hop/soul’s last release, “Growing Pains,” was released on Dec. 18, 2007 and bowed at No. 2 with 629,000. It moved to No. 1 the following week.

  • revcat

    No idea how many hits MJ is getting, but I’m sure it’s a huge amount. I am intrigued with the international posters. My daughter has a blog not nearly as famous as MJ of course, but she has readers all over the world. It’s kinda cool to look at the map on her blog site pinpoint all the locations.

    *WAVES* to person from Slovenia – I passsed through there last summer, small world!

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    For some reason they are re-airing season 8 starting January 1st. I guess its to get people excited to see Season 9. The buzz around the new season isn’t as big as it used to be outside the Idol bubble.

    Fox Reality has been re-running the old seasons for a couple of years now. I think they started with Season 6 right before S7, and then S7 right before S8. So, nothing special going on there at all.

    I’m not sure why the writer thinks they won’t run the entire season. They will. If it’s the same as last year, the S8 finale will run at 6 pm on the day Idol debuts at 8 pm.

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    Thanks guys. I appreciate the kudos

    There’s even more competition for eyeballs out there, some of the newbies are kinda splashy ;) . But what I have that the others don’t is a KICK ASS COMMUNITY! You guys make my blog what it is. Screw the contestants. I’d be nothing without you.

  • ilovekrisallen39

    I read on twitter that Kris’s AOL Session well not be up until January. Gina I think that’s her name Twitted that,she also said that’s when Allison’s well be back up also. If It gets up sooner she’ll let us know.

  • will

    (I’d post this in the Top 24 thread, but I think it died.)

    Boy is The New York Times ever confuzzled about the change in formats:

    In advance of its ninth season, Fox said ‘American Idol,’  its popular singing competition, would return to its traditional format in which 24 semifinalists ‘” 12 women and 12 men ‘” are chosen in the Hollywood rounds to vie for the title. Last year ‘Idol’  altered its rules to allow 36 contestants. Fox gave no reason for the return to the original format, though a smaller pool of semifinalists, and thus fewer rounds of competition, might give viewers less time to get tired of the contestants: the ‘Idol’  finale in May was down more than three million viewers from its 2008 conclusion, the second-lowest-rated finale in the show’s history.

    A.) The Top 36 is the original format.

    B.) There will be the same number of rounds of competition.

    C.) There will be more chance to “get tired” of contestants, since they’ll get two additional performances.

    Otherwise, a spot-on analysis.

    http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/24/arts/television/24arts-ATAMERICANID_BRF.html?_r=1&ref=television

    Oh, and kudos MJ!

  • will

    After being here for quite a while, I was amazed at the number of hits MJ was getting this past season.

    How can you tell how many hits she’s getting?

    I think that’s referring to the box at the bottom of the page that shows the number of people logged in.

  • Mainegal

    mj
    12/23/2009 at 8:16 pm
    Thanks guys. I appreciate the kudos

    There’s even more competition for eyeballs out there, some of the newbies are kinda splashy . But what I have that the others don’t is a KICK ASS COMMUNITY! You guys make my blog what it is. Screw the contestants. I’d be nothing without you.

    Dear MJ, I only have “eyeballs ” for you!!…very proud to be considered part of your “kick-ass community”!!! …and believe me….we would be nowhere without you!!….. big, big thank you!!

  • DLee

    Does this mean we can actually talk about the blog on this thread? I am always tempted but I KNOW it is against the rules….I came to the blog because of Adam but the blog itself is fascinating to me.

  • Mainegal

    “DLee
    12/23/2009 at 9:02 pm
    Does this mean we can actually talk about the blog on this thread?”

    follow MJ’s lead…can’t go wrong!!

  • smartcookie

    Excitement! I just got the crawl at the bottom of the screen on my Fox network (while watching Glee)! I’m Comcast, so I didn’t think they were threatening to pull the plug here, but they said “MediaCom,” so maybe that’s something over TimeWarner and Comcast? Anyway, under the guise of being the local Fox afiliate, they announced that their current agreement would run out as of Dec. 31 and if no agreement is reached, we won’t get this channel anymore, but can get it on DirectTV, Dish Network or with an antenna over the airwaves.

    I didn’t expect to see this so soon.

  • itsalleternal
  • abbysee

    Thanks guys. I appreciate the kudos

    There’s even more competition for eyeballs out there, some of the newbies are kinda splashy . But what I have that the others don’t is a KICK ASS COMMUNITY! You guys make my blog what it is. Screw the contestants. I’d be nothing without you.

    Awww, how sweet. MJ, I wondered when they’d buy a clue. They might as well play along. It’s synergy. Better you than some cray cray blogger who will remain nameless, lol. Anyway, congrats!

  • tinawina

    Thanks guys. I appreciate the kudos

    There’s even more competition for eyeballs out there, some of the newbies are kinda splashy ;) . But what I have that the others don’t is a KICK ASS COMMUNITY! You guys make my blog what it is. Screw the contestants. I’d be nothing without you.

    We’re only taking our lead from you. :)

    Congratulations mj, you deserve it! (((hugs)))

  • Organic

    Congratulations MJ and Happy Holidays everyone. Like many of you, I come here everyday to read the latest news on my favorite idols and enjoy all the diverse comments and opinions from everyone. Thanks for making this past year so enjoyable.

  • Jurnee

    Oh, and I got a bit of good news. After literally, years of trying and getting scorned, I finally have an account with Fox Flash. Meaning, I have access to all their publicity materials, including swell photos! I’ll also receive press releases in my inbox’ ¦

    Congrats MJ and hope you get a bit of rest over the holidays. Like many others, I discovered your blog early in the last AI season while obsessively looking for anything “Adam Lambert – related” online. I was mezermised by him from the moment I saw him at the San Francisco audition and after meeting him last summer, I’m as addicted to him as the worst junkie is to cocaine. I’ve spent WAY too much time online reading every bit of news about Adam and yours is my first stop every day – need my fix, of course! The community here is great.

  • adamlover

    MJ this is the greatest site ever! its the site i look at as soon as i wake up and before i go to sleep…not to mention the 100 times in between. i dont know what i would do without you and anything adam related!!

    i love you both!! lol

  • BootStar

    Interesting story this evening on NPR on the state of country music at the end of the decade: Nashville Reels To A Somber Tune

    As public interest in the war faded, so did country album sales. The industry reached out to other genres and eras: The Eagles, Jewel, Sheryl Crow and Kid Rock had songs on country radio.

    Country badly needed a breakout star of its own, and it found one in 2005 American Idol winner Carrie Underwood. She sold millions, and was the only female artist who challenged touring superstar Kenny Chesney for the top slot in country. Until this year.

    Taylor Swift, who recently swept the Country Music Awards, is more than merely the latest blond diva from Music Row. The 20-year-old is already a respected songwriter who is bringing younger fans to the genre.

    The story also cited a recent Nielsen survey that showed that “only about half the nation’s core country-music fans even have Internet access at home.” This might explain the disconnect between the presence online of hardcore Carrie fans and her huge sales figures. It will be interesting to see if Danny can break into that market as well.

  • dhunken

    mj
    12/23/2009 at 8:16 pm

    Thanks guys. I appreciate the kudos

    There’s even more competition for eyeballs out there, some of the newbies are kinda splashy ;) . But what I have that the others don’t is a KICK ASS COMMUNITY! You guys make my blog what it is. Screw the contestants. I’d be nothing without you.

    (eyes filling with water) (High Pitched squeak – Ala Audrey from Little shop of Horrors) thank you MJ for acknowledging the community who visits your site. But we have an equally Kick Ass Moderator and Blog organizer in you. Thank you and Congratulations!!!

  • CathyMK

    Congrats, MJ! I guess Fox finally decided that if they can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em!

    They should actually be grateful to you anyway- your spoilers and commentary add an extra dimension to watching the show that keep many of us tuned in to every second of the broadcast, and you’re not trying to tear Idol down while you do it (unlike vftw). Your reporting on all of the Idols, going back to season 1, also reminds people that there are lots of successful, working Idols out there that aren’t named Carrie or Kelly. That can only help idol’s credibility. Glad Fox finally sees the light!

  • grammydi

    Congrats, MJ. I’ve been a follower since early part of Idol Season 8 (major Adam fan, of course) but just signed up here a few months ago. I had to de-lurk to agree with the other posters that you are the best blog around and my daily go-to place for information about Adam, SYTYCD, and other favorites. I am learning so much more about the music business from you and your followers too.

    Thanks so much for all you do to keep us informed and up to date!

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    Oh, and a big thank you to Kirsten as well. She does a fabulous job with the numbers.

    I am clueless!

  • rockdamama

    Congratulations MJ. Found your site and many others last year in search of all things Adam. It didn’t take me long to whittle it down – yours is by far the best – because of you and the community. I’m glad you are reaping some of the rewards you deserve. Merry Christmas to all.

  • May

    Your reporting on all of the Idols, going back to season 1, also reminds people that there are lots of successful, working Idols out there that aren’t named Carrie or Kelly. That can only help idol’s credibility. Glad Fox finally sees the light!

    I think that’s a great point. This site is the only reason that I now own music by Daughtry, Kelly, Carrie, Archie, Jordin, Kris, Adam and Jason, (in addition to my fave Cook). It definitely has helped me gain an appreciation and respect for idol contestants that I never had before. If Fox was smart enough to check with the itunes people, they probably learned that lots of idol-related sales were being linked from here.

    So congratulations MJ! You deserve it. This is the probably only idol-related site that I have ever posted on (fan-sites included), and it will continue that way for as long as it’s around. Thanks for being such a great and thoughtful mod.

  • Mary102

    Adding to the kudos to MJ and this great site :-)

    And you know the idols love it too – how many of them have linked back to MJs on twitter? I know Adam and Allison definitely did – very very cool ;-)

  • Mary102

    Fox Reality has been re-running the old seasons for a couple of years now. I think they started with Season 6 right before S7, and then S7 right before S8. So, nothing special going on there at all.

    I’m not sure why the writer thinks they won’t run the entire season. They will. If it’s the same as last year, the S8 finale will run at 6 pm on the day Idol debuts at 8 pm.

    Ohh – this is my first year still following AI at this point in the yearly cycle, so this is new to me! Very very happy about that! I really want to record and save the season!

  • wordnerdarchie

    A new Twitpic was found on twitter tonight of David Cook with possibly something new on his forearm.

  • iluvai

    Everyone is giving kudos to MJ. So…. I love this site too. It’s awesome and great fun! :)

  • FolkFan

    Wait a minute—DC is sick… and Dublin? Poor Dublin. Maybe they should give him more steak….

    Congrats on the new access to Fox PR stuff and such, MJ.

  • Niall

    The story also cited a recent Nielsen survey that showed that ‘only about half the nation’s core country-music fans even have Internet access at home.’  This might explain the disconnect between the presence online of hardcore Carrie fans and her huge sales figures. It will be interesting to see if Danny can break into that market as well.

    There isn’t a disconnect between Carrie’s online fanbase and her huge sales figures. Carrie’s fans are all over the place online. They just don’t make fools of themselves online or worry about minor slights or insults.

    I’m not seeing the basic hypothesis here (which seems to be: too many country fans without internet possibly dooms country music or makes it harder for poor Danny to break through) to have much merit.

  • melicert

    I also love Mj and her site. I am another one who found a second home here when looking for Adam information. I used to check Andrew Sullivan’s site first everday, but now MJ has priority even over Andrew.

    I am in awe of her comprehensive coverage of all thing idol. I have been watching Idol since season 5, but only found mjs this past season – and now I’m looking forward to enjoying the coming season with a whole added dimension to it. Wish I’d found you sooner MJ but better late than never!

  • Ratna12

    Fox Reality has been re-running the old seasons for a couple of years now. I think they started with Season 6 right before S7, and then S7 right before S8. So, nothing special going on there at all.

    I’m not sure why the writer thinks they won’t run the entire season. They will. If it’s the same as last year, the S8 finale will run at 6 pm on the day Idol debuts at 8 pm.

    Can you tell me what channel that is if I have Direct TV ?
    Actually, I’m going to find out all the packages now.

  • wellhesback

    Look who Carrie Underwood has on her playlist on this Seventeen MySpace page
    http://music.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=music.singleplaylist&friendid=14615974&plid=1169146

    and Cookie – don’t know why you’re getting the tattoos & don’t care, as long as you don’t mess with the face or the voice, if it makes you happy

  • cher

    I’ll add kudos to MJ as well. I feel very much at home here. It’s the best blog and the only one I read obsessively. I feel very comfortable with all of you and I thank y’all for all the amazing info I get here. Happy Holidays to you MJ and to everyone here. xxx

  • goboywonder

    Congratulations MJ and thanks for the site.

  • Esqt

    Ms L. Parker and her list of The Most Awesome New Artists Of 2009″ . And of course the-one-who-so-mentioned-so-often made the list.
    http://new.music.yahoo.com/programs/the-new-now/7670/the-most-awesome-new-artists-of-2009

  • Grammie Kari

    MJ, thank you for a wonderful blog. You have expanded your topics by including the dance shows, which is time consuming. I appreciate your efforts and enjoy participating!

    Happy Holidays and the best in the coming year!

  • connie0128

    I’d like to add my appreciation as well. I mostly just lurk, but like others I am here every day. My kids are getting a kick out of my interest in Idol these last two years – they were fans years ago. I also appreciate all I have learned from the regulars here. So many articulate, interesting people. Such passion and diversity! I have a very stressful job and this is such a guilty pleasure/diversion. So thank you, MJ, Kirsten, and all you lovely people!

  • fadetowhite

    MJ – just adding my thanks for the site. I love its mix of views and objects of passion: keeps it fun and interesting.

    And it’s definitely the best place to come for news.

    ITA with whoever said that they’d broadened their appreciation of other Idol singers through coming here. I started out only interested in Cook, but I’ve slowly begun to see some of the others as worth listening to in their own right.

    The only problem is that it is impossible to get hold of Allison’s album in the UK!

    Happy Christmas to the blog.

  • mr

    Also adding my deep appreciation for your blog, mj! You’re a real pro! And a life-saver for peeps outside the US who otherwise couldn’t see all those performances and other events so close to real time- or even at all! Congrats for getting official updates and access by Fox!!

    Merry Christmas to all those celebrating!

  • SpenserJ

    How can you tell how many hits she’s getting?

    My reply is way late – hopefully you’ll see it. I can’t tell. MJ told us, and it was in the newspaper article that the Boston (?) newspaper did on MJ last season. It was a crazy number like 60,000 or more hits a night on show nights. I just remember, going “huh? what?” and thinking perhaps I should double-check my spelling more often if there were that many eyeballs on it!