Idol Headlines for 2/15/08

Oh it’s a very good news day:

A good amount of Phil (SQUEEE!!!!) and a smidgen of Gone Country.

Sorry to hear Carrie is sick. Hope she gets better.

On this year’s idol hopefuls, Carmen’s right (did I just say that?!?!) Archuleta’s in a very good place.

p.s. who else fully expects to get the “AI is not only about first chances, it’s about second chances too. In fact it’s even harder to succeed after you’ve failed” lecture on the first show of the season. There is buzz about the “semi-pros” this year and AI LOOOVVVVEEES to address the buzz. Who knew that the big story this year would be that the talent was toooooo good…..

p.s. who else fully expects to get the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“AI is not only about first chances, ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s about second chances too. In fact ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s even harder to succeed after youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve failedà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  lecture on the first show of the season.

And Simon will be the one to do it. The man of reason. The man whose heart grew three sizes this year (and has the strength of 10 Ryans plus two)

Then, around final 4 when the need to get rid of one of the “pros” because they are threatening the one they really want to win, a carefully crafted burn will be thrown to convince the audience that “So-and-so has had their chance already, you’re stupid to keep voting for them”.

Something like “Carly, I can see why your previous album failed. You just aren’t good enough” or “David, that was a Star Search moment for you, wasn’t it? Well, this isn’t Star Search. We don’t reward kids just for being cute. This is a competition to find a recording artist.” or “Michael, I have to ask you…why didn’t you try out for Australian Idol. Wouldn’t that have been more appropriate?”

Wow at Jordin opening for Alicia Keys. Either they have great faith in her or its get that platinum album at all costs. It seems a little “icky” to me that someone whose major accomplishment in life was to win a singing competition gets the honor of opening for a true artist like Keys. I guess I’d be more forgiving of Carrie or Daughtry because they sell albums. Jordin isn’t really setting the world on fire.

This is no slam on Jordin because I like her but she’s really the opposite of Keys when it comes to creativity.

RE: ‘Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ finalist Archuleta is in a good place By Carmen Rasmusen

Of course he is my dear. David Archuleta, Michael Johns and Carly Hennesey Smithson are the 3 chosen ones by TPTB based on the maximum exposure ( AKA pimpage — a word I couldn’t find in Webster ) they’ve had on TeeVee.

I’d probably put Syesha Mercado in there too, but she reminds us too much of the same contestants in the past with similar styles in general — Nadia Turner (they even have some similarity), Trenyce and Vonzell Solomon.

By my count, there are at least 6 or 7 others in the top 24 who have had minimal to zero exposure compared to the above three. These are what TPTB would call, the discardable ones who will be gone pretty soon (they hope), unless you can I can help it.

Jordin is making some very smart moves in her career. I’m a teensy bit jealous that things are going more smoothly for her than for Taylor. I’m very glad for her though. She seems to be a good person and role model.

Kristen- you’re so right! I’ve been so caught up with who the judges are going to pan (for the first time) during the first few weeks, that I actually forgot about the crushing reviews during the final stretch.

Jordin is making some very smart moves in her career.

Jordin’s lable is making some very smart career moves for her indeed. The superbowl and now this. Wow. Her first tour and she gets to open up for one of the hottest artists in the business right now. Even Daughtry had to slug it out tour wise before opeing up for Bon Jovi.
Jordin just might go platinum. Good for her.

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m a teensy bit jealous that things are going more smoothly for her than for Taylor.

Well, I’d love to see Jordin Sparks do a SOLO tour of 50 cities not too long from now.

I’m curious to see how her drawing power would be.

I guess I get to be the contrarian voice here. I think it’s a colossal mistake to have Jordin open for Alicia Keys. Alicia will mop the floor with Jordin and I think Jordin will pale in comparison in a big way. Too much, too soon.

At the end of the day, I think they are setting Jordin up for disaster — and, yes, I have been wrong before…why do you ask?

I doubt Jordin is making any decisions. Clive/19 are doing it for her. But Alicia Keys had to OK it so that’s a good sign of faith. I wonder how her fans will enjoy a Top 40/idol contestant as an opening act? I think this is also another way to shore up the Idol brand which has been weakening lately.

Jordin shipped 900K albums and she still has a lot to sell. They’re doing everything they can to make sure she has a platinum album. I still think it’ll be tough.

I’m jellus too though. With Wait for You a bigger hit than Tattoo and similiar album sales, Elliott might have had that gig if he’d been signed by Clive. Couda, woulda, shudda. Anyway, Congrats, Jordin

LBB, Taylor won’t have that same drawing power forever. He had just came off being the winner of AI on the most popular year to date. Jordin is setting herself up to be exposed to new fans and keeping in the public spotlight. Didn’t Kellie Pickler do the same thing?

I do understand where your coming from though. I won’t reply anymore on this subject because I didn’t mean for my first comment to spark a Taylor/Jordin comparison. I know things can get ugly when Taylor subjects come up and I’m skeered! @_@

I guess I get to be the contrarian voice here. I think ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a colossal mistake to have Jordin open for Alicia Keys. Alicia will mop the floor with Jordin and I think Jordin will pale in comparison in a big way.

I just wonder what the fans will think. Here they are going to watch an artist who writes her own songs, plays her own instruments, wins grammies, has amazing showmanship and has massive industry cred. A true R&B artist.

What they get to see first is some kid who won a reality contest and had some label dude pick out every one of the songs on her album. Somebody who won the contest by singing overwrought ballads like a 40 year old. Somebody whose claim to fame is being 17!!1!!1! DAWG!

I just see a massive disconnect here. I hope that Clive springs for a real band for Jordin and doesn’t send her out there with a backing track (like they did with Kat). I mean, this might expose her to a new fan base and give her some cred, or she might get shredded. I’ve seen her in concert and she’s a sweet girl…but, she’s no Alicia Keys.

Alcia Keys had to to OK it so thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a good sign of faith.

Or a sign that Clive has comprimising pictures of Alicia.

That said, good for Jordin to get such a prestigious touring partner.

I agree jpfan.

Nice gig for Jordin. It will be interesting to see how it plays out. It could help her sales if she can hold her own.

There’s a video of Ace supposedly performing new songs at the Top 24 party last night. Alas, I can’t get the audio here at work. Here’s the link for interested parties.

http://video.accesshollywood.com/player/?id=218533

LBB, Taylor wonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have that same drawing power forever

I’m not trying to spark an argument, just trying to put things in perspective here…. it’s too soon to declare how someone’s career is going smoothly and how someone’s career is not going smoothly based on who is doing what when at the present. So, we can’t tell what’s going to happen in the future.

All we can do is wish them all success and let time tell us.

t2 and Kirsten, great points! I just figure there is always a percentage of people who go to the concerts because they want something to do or they are being dragged there by a friend or relative. Those people (albeit small) she can reach. Plus you never know, how people will think or react. I know a band who has several top 40 hits and thy went to a Daughtry concert and loved him even though he doesn’t have the “cred” yet.

Dang… I sure wish Elliott could’ve gotten that Alicia Keys gig. I think it’s a better match – both R&B.. sigh.

I like Jordin but I think she should be touring with Miley Cyrus and/or the Jonas Brothers. I’m not trying to be funny. I think that’s the best match for her… the Disney brand. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that brand either. Both of those acts draw HUGE crowds and probably that would be more of Jordin’s true audience. I speak from experience on the crowds. I’ve already suffered through one Jonas Brothers concert and am getting ready to put myslef through it again next month… the things we do for our kids! I also went to the 3D one week only movie of the Hannah Montanna/MileyCyrus/Jonas Brothers movie which was made since so many fans couldn’t get tickets to the live conerts… The movie was shown here for one week only and every single show was sold out. Disney Jordin – think about it.

Oh Lu! An Elliot/Alicia duet would be purrrdy!

There are pictures of the Top 24 party at Getty Images.

I love the Jordin/Alicia concert draw. I’m 54 and adore Alicia.. Have seen her several times in concert. I also, however, love Jordin and I think most of the people going will be impresssed with her voice and showmanship. I don’t think the audience cares if she wrote her song like Alicia does as long as she delivers. Will definitely be going to that show!

JP Fan: Remember Nevada’s essay awhile back? More than likely Jordin is paying Alicia to open for her. For the exposure and the experience.
I saw Jordin on the Image awards performing “Respect” in front of Aretha (i’m sorry but Re needs to lose some serious weight)….and she was pedestrian to me. Not that great but not bad. She has a lot of growing up and maturing to do voice wise.

I have a feeling Jive Records is looking for someone to counter Britney’s image; to become a “teen” sensation along the lines of Miley Cyrus. I mean, Jordin even though she looks older than 18 because of her size is the “good” girl, clean living (like Jennifer Hudson), and the trend these days is for the “good” girl vs. the troubled one (Britney, Lindsay, Kelis, etc.)

I just watched that Ace video. Meh, that one that I think is called Fast Life (?) is kind of boring and repetitive.

UHOH! The photochoppers will have a field day with Kristy’s tongue picture! Poor girl.. between that and her Save a Horse, Ride a Stripper Pole dance she’s going to have problems. *giggle*

Thanks for that link PJ!!!! I like what I’m hearing! I know this is not supposed to be a fangirl blog but Ace is hot… he is.. he is hot.

I like Alicia and I like Jordin. Though I’m not sure I like Jordin enough to go see her live unless forced into it by my daughter.

I am thrilled for the lovely Carrie Underwood and all her successes, but disappointed that ONCE AGAIN, another journalist is only able to define her success by where she is relative to other Idol “failures.” I’m sure that it’s twice as disheartening for Carrie as it is for me, too — no doubt she’d like to be known for her own music and talent, instead of the girl who is more successful than Taylor, Ruben, Fantasia, etc.

As for Jordin opening for Alicia Keys, I do wonder if that was a pure label decision, Alicia’s decision, etc. I won’t be surprised if this significantly boosts her album sales, further clinching Taylor’s hold on the “lowest selling Idol winner” title. I wonder if Taylor had a similar opporutnity to open for another artist and if he turned it down in favor of touring solo (good for his artistry but bad for his sales), or if he was never given the option.

Lu, I’m jellus. I’m at a computer without sound.

Here’s the top 24 photoshoot. I don’t think it’s been posted.

http://seat42f.com/site/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1572&Itemid=9

I agree Jordin would be a better match with a Disney type pop act. But I get the Alicia Keys thing. Jordin already had a lot of exposure at Top 40 radio but not a lot in urban stations. Her new single with Chris Brown is trying to break into that market. So, they got her a gig on the NAACP Image awards and put her on tour with the biggest r&B act out right now. The thing is, if she is going to pick up some fans from those concerts, she’s going to have to change her show up to show a little more soul and musicianship. “Plastic pop princess” won’t play well to that crowd.

It seems that the young’ns of IDOL/E19/Jive/BMG are always the opening act with an established singer….Kellie Pickler was with Brad Paisley for a while, and it goes on and on. Nothing so unique about it. But somebody twisted Alicia’s arm to get Jordin on the bill. I just don’t see the pairing. And Alicia doesn’t need an opening act people — believe me, this is a favor to somebody.

I thought Amy was kinda plain but her picture is absolutley stunning! I want her makeup artist! And speaking of eye candy.. Luke is just gorgeous in his picture! I may have to throw votes his way.. not that I’m shallow or anything..

Can I take this opportunity to make a confession that I just don’t get the Alicia hype? Yes, she’s pretty and she’s talented, but I don’t get the OMG!! that seems to surround her everywhere she goes, like she’s the first friggin’ person to ever sing and play piano at the same time. And her music comes off as bland and kind of manufactured to me, too. Oh well. Rant over, and no offense to any fans out there.

Kat, no offense taken! I like Ms. Keys, but I always thought she was overrated. She’s a better singer than songwriter to me… musically it’s fine, but her lyrics are real hit and miss. I always think of her as someone who would have benefitted well from the Berry Gordon/Motown system, where she might have had some serious training in her craft behind the scenes. I think that because the R&B world is SO manufactured sounding now (outside the neo-soul world) she just sounds like a “real artist” in comparison. But yeah, I don’t think she’s giving the likes of Stevie Wonder a run for his money or anything.

I don’t know how to link it, but Yahoo has a story about the “shock” of Carly’s past $2-million failure and how Idol has hidden it from the fans.

Here’s the link:
http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/realityrocks/13980/irish-idol-smithsons-secret-past

Thanks, jadore. Apparently they don’t realize that this has been discussed on the blogs for a long time. I think I first read it here months ago!

Alicia Keys is one of the MOST versatile young singers/songwriters/actresses out there. She’s coming into her own more and more. That “No One” is the best song! And don’t get me started with her other hits….she’s just wonderful….a real star. And she’s not over-hyped. She does her job and goes about her business. She doesn’t seem to be in competition w/ anyone.

The Lakisha Jones Q&A is a great read if you haven’t read it. Good for Lakisha…she’s on her way to Vegas…

Chicago-sally, that is a really cute article on Lakisha. She got her house y’all

I’m really happy for her. She is one of the few divas that they have had on that I did not hate with the fire of a thousand suns. There is something about her voice that is very warm.

t2
Feb 15th, 2008 at 10:23 am
I guess I get to be the contrarian voice here. I think ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a colossal mistake to have Jordin open for Alicia Keys. Alicia will mop the floor with Jordin and I think Jordin will pale in comparison in a big way. Too much, too soon.

Historically, you don’t want to open for a GREAT following act. They usually put an opener who will pale in comparison to the star. (Just ask me about the opening band for the Allman Bros. last summer — god, I thought I was going to cut my throat if they didn’t get off the damn stage–H-o-r-r-i-b-l-e!)

…but then, it worked well when Carrie did her first year as the opening act. Most concerts I go to now, the place is almost empty until the name act walks out on stage.

Kat
Feb 15th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Can I take this opportunity to make a confession that I just donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t get the Alicia hype? Yes, sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s pretty and sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s talented, but I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t get the OMG!! that seems to surround her everywhere she goes, like sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s the first frigginà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ person to ever sing and play piano at the same time. And her music comes off as bland and kind of manufactured to me, too. Oh well. Rant over, and no offense to any fans out there.

Kat–spend a dime and get her live DVD “Unplugged”. She literally smoulders!! God, she is awesome….

That American Idol photo shoot that pj linked – wow on Asia’h Epperson’s dress. Also, I never noticed Carly’s eyes before;they’re beautiful in that picture. Finally, Luke Menard? Just wow – that is all.

Jordin/Alicia=Nanny Mcphee-heartbroken and jealous.

Sigh, Katharine is so fantastic. I wish I understood it. I hate the record industry, I think more than anything I’ve ever hated in my entire life. :sad_tb:

Oh well I guess time will tell, but honestly the thought of Kat becoming an Idol nobody literally makes my heart hurt.

I just looked at the Getty Pictures. Why didn’t we see more of Luke Menard. Damn, I don’t care if he can sing, he gets my vote.

Well, actually, he has to sing pretty well to beat out Michael Johns at this point, but at least we can look at him for awhile.

i think Jordin can hold her own on that tour with Alicia Keys . she is growing as a singer and performer and did well last night at the NAACP awards in her tribute to Aretha Franklin on Respect.

http://www.rickey.org/?p=7078

Hereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s the top 24 photoshoot. I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s been posted.

Oh, look! They’ve already got Danny parking cars and Jason Castro is already being sent home via plane. Nigel wants him gone so bad, he doesn’t even get to sing. They’ll just put up a photo of him when Ryan says that he got the fewest votes when he gets eliminated next Thursday (and everybody at home will say “What did he sing anyway. Just not memorable, I guess”). I see Alaina (who?) Whitacker also has her bags packed. Oops! We forgot to get a shot of Joana. Just snap her picture while she moves boxes in the loading bay.

I’m voting for Orlando on looks alone, period, that is all. Ooops meant Luke. Sure hope he can sing :lol_wp: In all seriousness tho, will more than likely vote for him just because TPTB want him gone.

LOL, Kirsten. At lease Jason Castro gets to go home via jet. Looks like they’re shipping Chikezie Eze home in a crate! At least Nigel had the decency to mark it fragile.

LOL, pj.

Yup, I get the Luke love, but can I get a Heck YEAH!!! for David Hernandez. Heeeellllloooo!!!!! That picture of him is just fine, thank you very much!

JJ, end of the line, woman!!! ;B

Looks like theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re shipping Chikezie Eze home in a crate! At least Nigel had the decency to mark it fragile.

I hate to break it to you, but those crates are for the judge’s egos.

Chikezie is just being shipped sans crate. I hope that Nigel pays the extra $50 to have him put in the pressurized, heated part of the airplane hold. Or is that too much to ask? Nigel can’t be going all crazy with the budget.

Did Kady score a limo or is she driving it? Or was that TCO’s limo and she’s just glad to get her photo taken without luggage?

Jason Yeager has the chalk outline of a dead bird on his shirt. Is that a sign?

Seriously, has Jordin Sparks ever botched a vocal performance,
during idol or after.
Her rendition of ‘Respect’ from last night is better than good, almost great.
Never sings byond her limits.
Jordin touring with Alicia Keys suits me just fine if it means she drifts away from hiphop toward adult alternative.

JSG – four words “Livin on a Prayer”.

Congrats to Mandisa for being nominated for two Dove Awards:

Best Female Artist &
Best NEW Female Artist.

Keeping fingers crossed that she will win at least one of these awards.

angelia, I still crack up whenever I think of Dog-Jaw. Good luck to Mandisa.

After his Summer Concert tour last year ( he had a spring and summer tour, making it 100 cities ), he opened for Earth, Wind and Fire in their Long Island Concert in the 3rd quarter of last year.

Most of his other performances were with artists that are live concert staples but not as well known as Alicia Keys (e.g. Keb Mo, Snoop Dog and most recently Widespread Panic at the House of Blues in Orlando ). Those performances were never promoted or widely announced at all and they seem to look like impromptu appearances. They’re definitely not opening numbers.

Seriously, has Jordin Sparks ever botched a vocal performance, during idol or after.

Her performance in Bon Jovi Night last season left much to be desired. But you can’t blame her, that’s just not her style.

The problem with Idol as a vehicle for finding the next star is this — it’s more of a contest that highlights someone’s VERSATILITY rather than ACTUAL MARKETABILITY. I’m not saying that the most versatile will not be marketable, but it sometimes happens.

Melinda Doolittle was arguably the most versatile and best singer last season ( she, like Latoya London before her, never had one bad performance). But even then a lot of us were worried about her marketability and ability to sell were she to win.

Fortunately, Jordin ( the more marketable one ) won. Had Melinda won, there would be a big problem selling her album and she would be in an awkward spot of trying to make an album that does not define her for the sole purpose of trying to make airplay and selling.

Seriously, has Jordin Sparks ever botched a vocal performance, during idol or after.

What Jersey said. She also messed up “Livin’ On a Prayer” when I saw her in concert. I personally think she sounded awful on Gwen Stefani night (“Hey, Baby” or something like that) and when she tried that Christina song on final two night (she seems to have problems going up-tempo).

But I don’t think that’s the issue. I don’t think anybody is questioning her vocal ability because she does have some mad skillz.

For me, the issue is that she’s a little girl singing silly songs people tell her to and Alicia is a woman singing mature songs that she writes herself. Alicia is an artist. People go to see her to see an artist. Jordin may one day be an artist, but right now, she’s just somebody with a good set of pipes singing songs about “SQUEE! A Boy looked at me”

It would be kind of like Hannah Montana opening for Bruce Springsteen. Or Zac Efron opening for The Police. Sure, Both Miley and Zac have talent and move a lot of units, but they’re is just lack a certain gravitas and maturity. You might say that Alicia is no Bruce, and she’s not, but Hannah is also a more successful recording artist than Jordin. Hannah doesn’t even need to open for Bruce to move units or sell-out a concert. So, comparing artists is not exact science. It is just for illustrative purposes.

But Alicia has agreed to let Jordin open for her, so whatever. I just find it a little odd.

I expected Jordin’s performance of “RESPECT” to be worse than it was, so good for her. And her dress (in the picture you posted) was actually kind of nice.

And oh man, I have to join the throng on Luke admirers. He is HOTTER than Orlando, I think. If Idol doesn’t work out he should be an actor.

Like all the other not shallow people here, I shall have to throw votes his way (as well as Jason Castro’s…I think he’s uniquely hot).

Another video of Jason Castro talking/singing (this is before Idol). I don’t think it’s been posted anywhere.

http://www.neighborsgo.com/video/188

To repeat what I stated in the previous comments: Jordin is getting good experience and Alicia was probably where Jordin is and understands the need to get lots of stage time. I mean — can you honestly see Jordin with Kanye West? :smile_wp: But I betcha a lot of people don’t know that Fantasia toured with Kanye???

I also feel that Alicia’s arm was twisted a bit…I mean who would you rather tour with — John Legend or Jordin? Jordin won’t bring anything to the table. So she should thank her lucky stars. As for the Respect song — I saw her performance, which was “very karaoke” to cite Simon. Not great, just good. Aretha seemed to like it. She likes the younger singers anyway.

Talk about “hawt” — Justin Guarini – omg, he is really looking good and tanned on TV.

But Alicia has agreed to let Jordin open for her, so whatever. I just find it a little odd.

Happy for Jordin, but if I was paying the big bucks to see Alicia I would be a little “What the…at Jordin opening” I would wait and get there right before Alicia was to go on. And yes I do think Jordin can sing, but as Lu said I really thought she would have been going on tour with the Jonas Brothers. That I would understand.

like Jordin but I think she should be touring with Miley Cyrus and/or the Jonas Brothers.

It’s so awesome to see this place lively again.

mj Feb 15th, 2008 at 5:23 pm

Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s so awesome to see this place lively again.

Awww, mj! You our Hostess with the Mostest!!!

Wow….just read this days posts! The pics of the 24 are wonderful! Can you say…these are some beautiful, young, talented people! I am so looking forward to the show! Pix

Happy Friday, everyone.

I got a blog post from The Clark Brothers yesterday.

They are recording their second round of demos for the new record today.

They will not be touring until after the record is completed.

They will be making some publicity appearances in April. (Squeee!)

You can see my blond head in the lower left corner of the photo. Hee.

Clark Brothers’ My Space

Poor widdle Nigel…the reporters are picking on him and UNFAIRLY criticizing him for not revealing the truth about Carly. He claims the show has in fact revealed that Carly was previously signed to MCA.

Did we miss it? Is “had visa problems” code word for “had a flop album with MCA?”

Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s so awesome to see this place lively again.

Here is what Nigel has to say on that matter: “Most people who vote don’t read the blogs and boards”. LOL. Looks like the people who report on Idol do.

Idolator

Oh, and next week is 60s theme week. Since when did the semi-finals have theme weeks? He says that there are 50 songs (50!) that the 24 get to choose from. Oh, and there will be 4 celebrity guest coaches this year. Instruments can be used during the competion. Apparently, that worked well in Australia.

Access Atlanta

Jason Yeager got zero air time but Taylor and Soul music fans might be interested in that he said in an interview that the Idol he most relates to is Taylor Hicks and he likes Sam Cooke and Micheal McDonald. Maybe that’s why he didn’t get any tv time. Simon said there is a place for singers like Taylor on the show, until they win. I’m not sure how much soul he is as he had previously tried out for Making The Band. I’m anxious to see him and Luke, two hotties that got no exposure on the show. I’m sooo tired of the pimping of Little David. He is cute and talented and young but I like more mature performers. They should start and Idol show for teenagers only.

I watched some of the celeberty all-star basketball game–Taylor by watching him has had some playing expearince playing the game.(the way he blocks out other players) Taylor–probably not good enough for a starter in a big coledge team and also has not played in a while.

well at least he can say hi to Jordan and some pro players . Jordan is not as good as Melinda but she is thier pride and joy. I have a feeling Joradn will be like Carrie U every where including your milk carton.

Official AI bios posted on Idol Chatter

“David Archuleta (17) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ Born in Miami, FL, but grew up in Murray, UT. Archuleta began singing at age 7. Currently a junior at Murray High School, he has performed with an a cappella choir group and plays the piano.”

I guess winnng Star Search isn’t as important as performing with a choir.

“Jason Castro (20) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ Currently lives in Rockwall, TX, but was born in Dallas and raised in Rowlett, TX. Castro grew up playing drums and played in a band called Keeping Lions. Before auditioning for AMERICAN IDOL, Castro was majoring in Construction Science at Texas A&M University.”

I thought he was appearing on the MTV show Cheyenne?

“Carly Smithson (24) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ Currently lives in San Diego, CA, but was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland. Smithson made her singing debut in à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Les Misà ©rablesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  at the Olympic Theatre in Dublin. Smithson moved to Los Angeles at age 13 to pursue her singing career. Before auditioning for AMERICAN IDOL, she was working in a bar and running a tattoo shop with her husband.”

I think she has one more thing to put in the bio.

A lot of them have bios with their biggest accomplishments strangely missing. I wonder if AI can get away with this. We’ll see.

Wait a minute. Who changed my post at 6:18 to provide a title to the link? I’ve always wanted to know how to do that but was afraid to ask. Thanks (had to be you, MJ – right?)

Thanks for listing that celeberty all star game….It was a fun game to watch Deon Sanders and To playing with smiles on thier faces……The players had fun and so did I watching it no pressure to who wins …btw-t did get some minutes and tried but was not the best by far but of course To got the MVP. To is a good player.

When Jordan is thier pet project enough said.(place right next to Daughtry and carrie U on the golden idol mountain display) Right now TMZ is popping thier corks and just itching to get the real info on the background of the idols out..Place a bet here of whom it will be after Carly?If I was a reporter I would by you guys a round to celebrate the gaffe.

What I read Idol always wanted a pure “pop” idol Jordan.Carrie U and daughtry fit the bill . From a show quoted “the came so close at becomming human but just went the other way”They want fast money now that is a break out pop star always has been always will. I am losing interst not in their target audiance so long and thanks for the fish ai.

Whoa! I’ve been reading through the thread and thought, “Who is this Luke fellow and there’s no way he could be better looking than Michael Johns!” Not that that’s what matters here in this whole singing contest. Heh.

OHMYHECK!! YAY! Idol’s back! I teensy love a little bit that there are several singers I haven’t heard from yet. A little present left to open next Wednesday night after the pesky girls.

Jpfan: I find it odd that idol thinks they can get away with that! Have they not heard of Google, etc? Interesting….

Sometimes I picture Idol TPTB (Nigel etc.) just holding their ears and singing “La La La” really loud. They really do sometimes live in a different world. Thinking they can get away with erasing the past musical lives of their current crop. Thinking no one reads anything on the internet. Hoping, if they make him disappear from any pictures or mention, that Taylor Hicks really won’t have won Idol.

It really boggles the mind.

à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Carly Smithson (24) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ Currently lives in San Diego, CA, but was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland. Smithson made her singing debut in à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Les Misà ©rablesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  at the Olympic Theatre in Dublin. Smithson moved to Los Angeles at age 13 to pursue her singing career. Before auditioning for AMERICAN IDOL, she was working in a bar and running a tattoo shop with her husband.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

But, this can’t be right! Didn’t Nigel just get finished telling the press that American Idol has been upfront about informing the viewers that she had a previous record contract with MCA?

Oh, wait, here it is. I find her bio page on the AI site!

Favorite male pop artists?
N/A

Favorite female pop artists?
Carly Hennesy

When did you first start to sing?
Age 3.

Do you have any formal singing training?
Just when I was signed to MCA. I had a full-time vocal coach, a stylist and a gopher to pick the red M&Ms out of the packages.

What other talents do you have?
Being able to waste $2.2M

AI Bio for Carly Smithson

Is it just me or are these bios pretty short this year?

Kristen–
what?? where did you get that? This is that I get when I go to http://www.americanidol.com/contestants/season7/carly_smithson/

Favorite male pop artists?
Bono.
Favorite female pop artists?
Ann Wilson, Celine.
When did you first start to sing?
Age 3.
Do you have any formal singing training?
Some later in life but didn’t enjoy it.
What other talents do you have?
I can pour a perfect pint.

Kristenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’
what?? where did you get that? This is that I get when I go to

Man! Those bloody blighters changed it already! Back to hiding Carly’s past. Good thing they haven’t updated David’s yet:

Age: 17
Hometown: A TV set near you
Favorite Quote: “Try, try, try again!
Audition City: San Diego
Musical Influences: Nigel Lithgoe, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson

Favorite male pop artists?
That kid that won star search 4 years ago.

Favorite female pop artists?
N/A

When did you first start to sing?
My mom made me start singing for my supper when I was 2.

Do you have any formal singing training?
Yes. All contestants on Star Search get vocal coaches. Unless they train dogs or something.

What other talents do you have?
Winning reality show singing contests.

I was very excited to watch the basketball game.
Taylor was on the floor for most of the game. Scored 3 points but had numerous assists.
The boy was there to play!

oh I get it. HAHAHAAHAHAHA…….

02/25/08 Issue of OK magazine with Angelina Jolie on the cover. Page 39 — article “Silver Foxes”.

Top 10 are:

10. Hugh Laurie
9. Tim Gunn
8. Dermot Mulroney
7. Dr. Drew Pinsky
6. Taylor Hicks
5. Harrison Ford
4. Mark Harmon
3. Richard Gere
2. Anderson Cooper
1. George Clooney

*ahhhhh* msmouse sighs with contentment, thank you, mj, for unraveling the rusty password. That’s what I get for straying away, and not keeping up with old faces/ new faces, etc. Be careful what you wish for, of course.. things got QUITE exciting and heated over here during season 5, often more than you cared for!!! *grins devilishly*
QUESTION! IS anyone aware of where Jason Castro graduated, and when? I am a formerly a Rowlett resident, and at age 20, my daughter (who got married yesterday) may have graduated with him.

Hey, at least Taylor beat Dr. Drew! *wipes brow*

Gotta love Kirsten. I love people who make me laugh. i swear if Kirsten was a guy I’d propose marriage.

QUESTION! IS anyone aware of where Jason Castro graduated, and when?

I believe that Nigel has put Jason in some sort of witness protection program. Not much is none known him and we don’t even know yet if he has the power of speech. It could be that he’s really a 108 year old female. Investigators have now hired forensic photograph experts to analyse his photographic DNA.

According to AI, he’s 20. That would mean he graduated two or three years ago. He’s currently a student at Texas A&M.

Jason Castro Myspace…not much there.

In case anybody does want to hear him….here is he singing Crazy

i swear if Kirsten was a guy Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d propose marriage.

This is the internet. I could be a 108 year old man.

How do I put this? In general, not a fan of white dudes with dreads. I’m not a prude, but in the last ten years I’ve seen so many white boys with dreads begging for money at the corner of Belmont and Clark in Chicago, and many are rich kids from the burbs. You can tell by their dirty (but designer) labels. I’m trying not to judge Jason Castro by that.

Jason is very pretty. I liked his acoustic sound. Thanks, Kirsten.

How do I put this? In general, not a fan of white dudes with dreads.

I’ll help you PJ. Let’s use my post from last night about Josia. Where I put “josiah” we’ll insert “white guys with dreads”. I think it might work for you… Here’s how it goes –

“White guys with dreads irritate the hell out of me.”

lol.. thanks, Kirsten..actually, did a little more googling, and he does turn out to be from daughter’s class, but she barely recalls him. I am SO ready for this week, to start really hearing what the new class of AI 2008 has to offer.

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I’m probably very naive but are people really planning to vote for a guy on Idol that they’ve never heard sing just because he’s cute? I’m missing the gene that can tell when people are kidding on blogs.

Jordin’s rendition of “Respect” was solid but utterly devoid of an R&B feel. It’s interesting to compare that performance with Fantasia’s rendition of “Rock Steady” that she did for an Aretha tribute show.

lu, how are you??!! I think I have a hard time with the hair style myself. Always partial to silver haired 30 yrs olds, myself.
And have you gotten the main branch of the Elliott fan club set up yet?

Lu, LOL. I actually like what little I know of Jason Castro. I just hope he’s not trying too hard with the hair. Not for Idol, but in general.

Hey, Jason is even older than me on myspace. Plus, he’s female.

Hey Wendy! I was wondering if you were the Wendy from before! I’m still a huge Elliott fan – I haven’t set up a fan club though…

ROFL… yeah… thought about that.. “lu is sitting there, scratching her head, who is this wendy person?”
wendy aka msmouse has snuck back after long absence
but..we KNEW you were THE person to handle all the fan stuff for Elliott.
Last year, just could not work up the spirit.. we will see how it does this year.

Good to see you back Wendy. Stick around…. this is a fun place. MJ is still her awesome self.

Jason must have graduated from high school in ’05, since his facebook says Texas A&M ’09. Facebook is so handy when stalking people.

Question: Is he really white? In his interview, didn’t he say that he has relatives in Columbia?

prime, off season, when not playing here or watching the show.. my passion is genealogy.. your point is good. Castro is a (way back) Hispanic surname, so he may well have roots in South America. Of course, I’d back off a tad from making any conclusion on white or not, although seems so. I am not fond of that hair style for any guy, but then, those that know me here from waay back, realize I am among the…the… more mature group. I do try to keep that quiet, well, sometimes. It’s good when it works for discounts at IHOP.

On the TV Guide channel this evening, the gal from TV Guide said 4 guys in the top 24 have had no air time for singing at all. Kimberly Caldwell, season 2 top 12 finalist and host of the show, responded that she heard the ones the producers didnt want to make it didn’t get air time. She then said that Stephanie, from last year, got no on air singing time before the top 24 and made it as far as 11th, kinda backing up her statement. So the manipulations have begun.

tyler, I am sure there is some manipulation. There is also some pure roll of the dice; some deliberate sabotage/ undermining (VFTW), some Sanjaya-tism (he is in a class by himself)… and real talent.
It is not knowing the PROPORTIONS of each factor, that keeps it fun.
I believe EVERY SINGLE one of them that gets into the top, is someone’s favorite.. and when *that* one gets voted off, those same someone’s are completely certain it was rigged. If *that* one makes it through, then someone else is sure is also was rigged.
Of COURSE, there is a level of manipulation, for the simple reason, that it IS tv, it IS for profit as well as entertainment. ALL of these factors go into choosing who is getting to this point. It is what it is.
Well, I have sat down and written my predictions (most valid, this weekend, for pure guessing power). And that’s enough from me for tonite.

Gotta love Kirsten. I love people who make me laugh…Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d propose marriage.

Tried that, Lu, and got Miss Indifference. Pffft. LOL

But maybe Luke Menard will accept… :wub_tb:

When did you first start to sing?
My mom made me start singing for my supper when I was 2.

LMAO! That’s hilarious, Kirsten.

How do I put this? In general, not a fan of white dudes with dreads. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not a prude, but in the last ten years Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve seen so many white boys with dreads begging for money at the corner of Belmont and Clark in Chicago, and many are rich kids from the burbs. You can tell by their dirty (but designer) labels. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m trying not to judge Jason Castro by that.

PJ: You live in Chicago? So do I!!! and I feel the same way about white boy w/ dreads….and even white girls with dreads…it doesn’t work dude! But by the time Idol gets through with him….he’ll look like Freddie Highmore.

I have to add my feeling on the “white boy with dreads” discussion. One of my sons good friends is a “white boy with dreads”. You definately can’t judge a book by its cover. This kid is the nicest, most polite and helpful kid you would ever want to meet. He is an Eagle Scout, was head of the church youth group and volunteered for just about everything you could imagine. So you never know!

Kirsten…catching up on yesterday blog and just couldn’t stop laughing at your AI bios…very funny stuff!! You are entertaining as always.

OK, so Jason has two strikes against him in my book. The dreads and being a Texas Aggie.

I will forgive him the dreads.

Kirsten. Thanks for the bios. Got me very up-to-date ‘n all. :thumbup_tb:

This site is fantastic! Our power went out Wednesday morning and didn’t come back until yesterday. As we were sitting here freezing, I was missing Wednesday night’s show. But, I’ve read through all the posts from everyone and almost feel as if I got to see it.

Thank you for this place, mj, all your hard work and all the contributors. Considering the week I’ve had, coming back here and getting caught up was definitely one of the high points! :wub_tb: :clap_tb:

Michael Johns was on a major label, too????

“Michael Lee Johns was signed to Maverick Records with (the group) Film, and they were supposed to release a debut album in 2003.”

Amazingly enough, this is not included in his bio on AI.

Kirsten, your “bios” were hilarious.

Kirsten, your à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“biosà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  were hilarious

Indeed they were. I still think she needs to write for Leno or Letterman.

.

I’m listening to Robbie Carrico’s interview. He said that he was on a pop label (don’t know whether it was major or not). I’m glad that he at LEAST mentioned it.

EDIT: OK, Carly mentioned that she was signed in her interview. I can’t find a reason to complain now. lol (of course, if she had “inside help”, then there’s still a reason to be disgusted with her)

David Archuleta picked Elliott as his favorite past idol on his interview. Now fess up about the SS stuff and everything will be ok.

I wonder if the honest videos are a response to the criticism. I say yes.

I have to add my feeling on the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“white boy with dreadsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  discussion. One of my sons good friends is a à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“white boy with dreadsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ . You definately canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t judge a book by its cover. This kid is the nicest, most polite and helpful kid you would ever want to meet. He is an Eagle Scout, was head of the church youth group and volunteered for just about everything you could imagine. So you never know

I know Jersey, and I hate to judge anyone by a hairstyle. It just seems like something that was originally a religious or spiritual habit has been co-opted and turned into a fashion statement. Like I said, I’m not going to judge Jason Castro for it.