Idol Headlines for 3/19/08

David Archuleta back in key on ‹Idol

Last week, the Idol hopefuls sang songs from John Lennon and Paul McCartney. This week, the producers went crazy and changed the theme to Beatles tunes. No word if the money for the Beatles double-header is going straight in to Heather Mills bank account.

Whatever the reason, the …Idol choice turned out to be a bad decision. The second week of the same songbook proved to be too much of a good thing, as few of the night performances were noteworthy.

MSNBC

‘American Idol’: Mersey Killing

Anyone want to take a bet that right now, American Idol’s producers are wishing they’d followed up last week’s triumphant Lennon-McCartney night by taking the advice of Brooke White’s memorable number and simply letting it be? As we sat down tonight for a second helping of Beatles tunes, it was pretty clear someone forgot to refrigerate the feast over the last seven days, and the resultant 11-course musical meal mostly tasted dry, stale, and, in some cases, downright fetid.

Entertainment Weekly

Idol Banter: Guitars Gently Weep

Simon thought it was weird. Randy kept babbling about how great the songs were. Paula compared Jason Castro performance to a polka. The surest bet in which …Idol has ever invested ‘ the songbook of the most popular and influential rock band in history ‘ was generating flop-sweat all around. The second week of Beatles covers plunged into an abyss the first had only anticipated. What was it about the Fab Four that threw the Idols ‘ and the judges ‘ off their game?

LATimes

What you’re watching

This year however, despite an extremely fluid midfield containing a very large number of possible contenders for the finals, one cannot deny that shaping this contest is the humongous fortress looming over every inch of the battlefield, its massive cannons capable of decimating anything that moves below and striking terror into the hearts of its opponents – fortress named David Archuleta. On Tuesday night, The Chosen One reasserted himself as the prohibitive frontrunner, casting the race in terms of who will be his main opponent, ultimately, the others hope, the one who will sweep onto the field to play General Pershing and the United States to David Kaiser Wilhelm. (And that competition itself now has a nearly prohibitive frontrunner in the person of Carly Smithson, although as the race tightens she will have to fight the incredibly strong midfield for every inch of soil she gains.)

LATimes

The Final 11 take on the Beatles

Critics of the horrendous soundtrack to the even worse film “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart’s Club Band” may need to rethink their assessment now that “American Idol 7’s” final 11 have mangled songs by John Lennon and Paul McCartney and a single George Harrison tune. That film took a beating in the late ’70s, but nothing like the ugly stick these kids took to some of the most beloved songs or their parents – and grandparents’ – generation.

Simon Cowell rightly wondered late in Tuesday’s two hour show whether it was wise to do Beatles tunes two weeks in a row. At the top of the show, the assessments of the material at hand were appropriately glowing, but after the last singer, Ramiele, had yawned her way through “I Should Have Known Better, ” Cowell decided that too many of the singers had chosen “mediocre songs.” You’d think they were doing “You Know My Name (Look Up My Number), ” humming “Flying” or re-creating the laughter and applause in “Revolution No 9.” Mediocre? Them’s fightin’ words.

Variety

American Idol: Top 11 Perform

Amanda Overmyer – “Back in the USSR”
She still looks bored or as if she feels terribly out of place up on stage. That said, this is an excellent song choice for Amanda. I think her voice fits this perfectly and she pretty much nailed the vocals requirements of it. Afterward, when advised to try a ballad, she knocked the whole idea, basically saying ballads are stupid. This was a terrible thing to say and could kill her chance at sticking around much longer. Nobody likes a one trick pony. Janis Joplin rocked her ass off and still had some heartbreaking moments. It’s okay to do that.

TVSquad

‘American Idol’ goes to Beatles for today’s standards

After hearing the “American Idol” finalists lurch their way through a dozen Lennon-McCartney songs last week, a Beatles-fan friend of mine suggested the producers should have subtitled the show “The Butcher Cover.”

I like it.

But last week’s performances weren’t all dire, and even if they were, the songs of John Lennon and Paul McCartney are sturdy. They’ve survived worse abuse than Brooke’s “Let It Be.” And no matter what Simon said, Kristy’s countrified “Eight Days a Week” was kinda catchy.

NY Daily News

‘American Idol’: 11 More Beatles Songs Mangled

“American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest, the new King of All Media, gushes that this is the very first time in history the show has done the same theme two weeks in a row. Because the Beatles are Just. That. Good.

Judge Paula Abdul tells Seacrest that during last week’s Beatles Week, Idolettes with “gumption” took risks, marking the first time in the history of “American Idol” anyone has used the word “gumption.”

Correction: It’s the first time in the history of the Fox network anyone has used the word “gumption.” That word is at least twice as old as the Beatles, right?

Washington Post

Recap: Beatles well runs dry for ‘American Idol’

Since last week’s Lennon-McCartney Night was so successful — I’m not being sarcastic there, though I know it’s hard to tell sometimes — it’s back to the well once more on Tuesday (March 18) night’s American Idol, with a Beatles theme. Would lightning strike twice or would the second time on the huge Idol stage not be the charm? Let’s find out, shall we?

Zap2it

The American Idols Sing More Legendary Copyrights

Apparently there are a lot of horndogs hanging around …American Idol these days. Witness these quotes:

Kristy Lee Cook: …I can blow you out of your socks and you know it.
The ‹Crest to David Cook: …Let me grab you.
Syesha: …I want to touch everybody tonight!

It getting hot in here, so let move on to the reviews ¦

Phillyburbs

American Idol: Redefining Suck

The top 11 performed songs of The Beatles on Tuesday night, proving if at first you dont succeed, try harder to royally f*** up The Fab Four magical music. And they did not disappoint.

Quick pimp notes:

Ryan Seacrest proved he #1 when it comes to sucking corporate c***.

The Dawg is yawn ‘ass-tired from non-stop pimping Paula craptacular single.

Paula Abdul is still orbiting an undiscovered planet.

And Simon Cowell doesnt know how to say …litrally.

And now ¦

The Idol Top 11 Recap Quiz

It a multiple choice quiz. Remember: …d) All of the above is an optional answer for all questions.

Phillyburbs

Reality Check: Putting the Idols Back In ‘American Idol’

Maybe it’s the fact that were in our second week of listening to our Idol’s singing Beatles songs and everyone’s been influenced by all the screaming-girls-losing-their-minds footage from the 60s.

Or maybe the contenders this season are so incredibly cute that the ladies in the audience simply cannot stop themselves from shrieking with abandon. Whatever the reason, it’s quite clear that there are some excited fans out there.

Fox News

‘Idol Gives Back’ charities set

I made the vow last American Idol season and I’m returning to it this season: Until I make my own generous donation, there will be no mockery or joking about Idol Gives Back. The show’s producers have announced what charities will benefit from, well, the benefit.

This year’s Idol Gives Back telecast will air on Wednesday, April 9 from 7:30 (note the special early start-time) til 10. This season, the American Idol won’t even go through the ruse of pretending that amidst the altruism a contestant will be eliminated. Instead, the elimination will be held for a special Thursday episode the next night.

Zap2it

Jason Castro: unique and talented

We’re taught not to judge a book by its cover, but what about people? Some may want to turn the other way or hold their wallet tighter when they see someone with tattoos or piercings, however some of the most talented and genuine people can look very different than the average joe. Jason Castro, an Aggie known for his long dreadlocks and unique voice, is a finalist on “American Idol.”

“He is more than just a guy with dreads, ” said junior Bryan Walker, a friend of Castro’s. “A lot of people could just judge him by that and stereotype him, but he’s a really smart guy. He’s more than just a unique person, he’s a really good guy.”

The Batt

American Idol: those cool Castro tees

I’ve only owned my Jason Castro T-shirt for a week now, but I’ve worn it eight times.

Pick up your Castro tee during the watch party at Lake Pointe Church on I-30 in Rockwall tonight – and you, too, can wear it Eight Days A Week

Neighborsgoblog


David Archuleta Likely to be Made a Big Favorite to Win American Idol Once Again

After being demoted by oddsmakers this past week, young David Archuleta will probably be made the better than even odds favorite to win this season’s American Idol yet again. By “better than even” we mean the payout won’t be as great. You’ll probably have to risk more to win less in other words. Don’t be surprised by 1/2 odds where a $2 bet wins you $1 (and you win the initial $2 back if he ends up winning).

This week Archuleta came in as a 13/8 favorite, paying just better than even odds. An $8 bet would have paid $13. Odds were available at Bodog

Gambling 911

Don’t Always Believe What Simon Says on American Idol

Part of the fun of American Idol has always been watching Simon Cowell deliver the harsh truth to deluded contestants with zero qualms about hurting feelings or crushing dreams. While Randy struggles to find new ways to string his five-word vocabulary into different comments for each performer, and Paula struggles to keep from drooling, Simon sits at the end of the judge table, waiting to deliver one of his patented snarky similes that have the power to make or break someone career. Simon is the judge whose opinion both the contestants and the viewers value the most, because he the one who tells it like he sees it.

Except so far this season, Simon hasnt been telling it the way I see it. In fact, there have been moments in recent episodes where Ive feared that the cranky Brit has been sipping from Paula Coke cup.

Film.com

Simon Reveals His Top 5 A.I. Picks

There’s still a long way to go until a new American Idol is crowned, but that hasn’t stopped Simon Cowell from picking his personal top five favorite contestants. Talking to Extra correspondent and girlfriend Terri Seymour, the acid-tongued judge conceded he doesn’t remember the hopefuls’ names until “the following season, ” leading him to list his favorites as:

OK Magazine

Is Simon’s Mood Caused by Bad Journalists?

t been five whole days since the last episode of …American Idol, and we can feel the withdrawal. To help us all make it to tonight episode, Gil Kaufman offers a behind-the-scenes look at a Simon Cowell interview conducted just before the season started.

Since he never given us a teary tell-all interview with Barbara Walters or a lengthy ghost-written …my mother never loved me autobiography, weve never learned why …American Idol judge Simon Cowell is such a meanie. But sitting in on a teleconference with other journalists to talk about the seventh season of the ratings juggernaut, I got a very good idea of one possible reason.

MTV

David Hernandez Comes To Access

If you happened to catch David Hernandez’s performance on our show last night (or, you can watch it HERE — http://video.accesshollywood.com/player/?id=229808), then you know that his elimination from “American Idol” was unjust. The boy can sing. Last season, when we had the Top 12 perform on our stage, many times I would snicker to myself or gossip with others about how bad several of them actually sounded. This was not the case. He sounded every bit as good singing “Midnight Hour” as he did during Hollywood week.

Access Hollywood

VOLUME 2 OF CURTAIN CALL COLLECTION FEATURING PAST AMERICAN IDOL VOCALISTS WILL BE RELEASED ON MARCH 18, 2008

Curtain Call Volume 2 reintroduces some of American Idol?s most talented young performers with 12 original songs. Here?s your chance to discover what these vocalists have been up to since they left the show.
A joint venture between Artists – Addiction Records and Rocket Science, the Curtain Call series is available exclusively through Wal-Mart and iTunes. Volume 2 of the collection will be released March 18th.
Each installment of the Curtain Call series will present four Idol finalists performing three original songs. Volume 2 features Alaina Alexander, Rudy Cardenas, Sarah Mather and Gedeon McKinney.

Top 40 Charts

Review: Daughtry holds his own with Bon Jovi

On Sunday night at the Greensboro Coliseum, Chris Daughtry ‘  the Triad’s own homegrown rock star ‘  performed a confident, feisty set as the opening act for veteran Jersey rockers Bon Jovi.

But he wasn’t done yet.

As if kicking it hard at a sold-out show of 22, 115 ‘  the fourth largest concert attendance in coliseum history ‘  with his own band wasn’t enough of a buzz, Daughtry later got called onstage to trade vocals with Jon Bon Jovi on “Blaze of Glory.”

News-record

KELLY CLARKSON ACADEMY, GLASGOW

EVER the professional, American Idol’s first winner Kelly Clarkson made a cutesy reference to how this stage isn’t her usual size and, gosh, everyone ‘ her whole entourage of band and backing singers ‘ are up there with her. All of which might roughly translate as, “I’m one of the most famous people in the world. Why am I not in an aerodrome?”

Yet if Clarkson has let it go to her head that a worldwide audience hungrily feast on every song she happens to release it didn’t show. She is friendly and likeable, which is why she won the world’s biggest talent show, after all.

The Scotsman

The final showdown between Jordin Sparks & Blake Lewis, with guest singer Chris Daughtry!

Tonight the remaining 11 Idol hopefuls for the seventh season return to the stage, trying to dazzle Simon, Paula, Randy and all of you! Last season, though, the show came down to Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis, and we’ve just gotten word in that you can enjoy that final round on DVD this May 13th

Thanks to our friendly retail sources (who provided the information upon condition of remaining anonymous), we’ve learned that Koch Vision is preparing a 2-disc release on that date of American Idol – Season 6 Finale Performance Show: The Top 2. Here is the studio description:Relive the drama and magic of the finale performance show when Blake battles Jordin as the top two finalists. Then. go behind the scenes and learn all the secrets behind successfully auditioning for American Idol ®. Bloopers, Backstage and much, much more!

Perfectly timed to release on May 13, 2008, just one week ahead of the highly anticipated current Season Finale’s nationwide broadcast on FOX on May 21st.

TV Shows on DVD

‘Idol’-izing ice cream

American Idol finalist Melinda Doolittle will be in town today, but it won’t be to talk music. It will be ice cream on her mind.

Doolittle, who placed third on last season’s American Idol, will be at the Winn-Dixie at 11701-10 San Jose Blvd. from 3 to 5 p.m. to promote new Idol-related flavors of Edy’s ice cream. The company has five flavors vying for a permanent spot in its lineup.

There will be taste-testings, the chance for one fan to win a private performance that night and probably a little Idol chatter.

Jacksonville.com

Catch The Bus To ‘Idol’ Camp

The competition is getting fierce as the 11 remaining contestants on “American Idol” battle one another for that once in a lifetime chance at super stardom. But for a handful of the 30 million fans, watching and voting for the next Idol is simply not enough. For these lucky few, their “American Idol” journey starts this summer when they attend the Idol Camp in the Pali Mountains of Running Springs, California.

“Last year was a great experience, ” says Micki Simmons-Cooper, 14, from the Bronx, who attended the camp last year when it was located in Massachusetts. “It was the most fun I’ve ever had.”

NY Post

Clay Aiken Drinking One for the Team

He sings, he dances ¦he drinks tap water?

Longtime UNICEF Ambassador Clay Aiken is urging New Yorkers to participate in The Tap Project ‘  a US campaign to help UNICEF provide safe drinking water to children around the world.

The Tap Project will take place in select New York City restaurants during World Water Week (3/16 – 3/22). During that time, restaurants will ask their customers to pay $1 for each glass of water that would normally come free with the meal. That dollar will then be donated to UNICEF where it can provide safe drinking water for a child in a Third World country for 40 days.

ecorazzi

Jefferson County Fair entertainment is announced

Jefferson County Fair organizers were all smiles this morning during a press breakfast at the Comfort Suites conference rooms, during which they debuted entertainment for summer 2008. The fair runs July 9-13.

Jefferson County Fair Park Superintendent Roger Kylmanen, along with fair Secretary Gail Zastrow, informed members of the media and fair sponsors of the entertainment lineup, which includes ’70s rock icon Eddie Money as well as …American Idol singer Bucky Covington. Also on the musical menu are Watertown’s seasoned rockers the Screamin’ Night Hawks.

Money is scheduled to perform at the grandstand on Saturday, July 12, with the Night Hawks opening. Covington, with Madison County in support, will perform on Friday, July 11.

WD Times

Harvest Jubilee summer concert tickets on sale

June 13 ‘ Singer Songwriter ‘ Phil Vassar with his …Shaken Not Stirred Tour. Phil known for his hits of Carlene, Six-Pack Summer, Just Another Day In Paradise and In a Real Love, will headline the June 13th show which will also feature opening act ‘‹American Idol favorite Bucky Covington. Advance Ticket prices for the Vassar/Covington Concert will be: Reserved Seats $35 each and General Admission (lawn) $20 each.

Register Bee

About mj santilli 34841 Articles
Founder and editor of mjsbigblog.com, home of the awesomest fan community on the net. I love cheesy singing shows of all kinds, whether reality or scripted. I adore American Idol, but also love The Voice, Glee, X Factor and more!