Idol Headlines for 3/7/08

By On 03/07/2008 · 61 Comments · In American Idol

‘American Idol’ picks finalists, and they’re a diverse dozen

One school of Idol thought holds that we could skip the whole three-month ritual of the finals and just mail teen heartthrob David Archuleta the American Idol crown right now.

Another school says hold on now, Carly Smithson is the best female pop singer the show’s uncovered since Kelly Clarkson, so don’t count her out.

Other, smaller schools hold out hope for rockers David Cook and Michael Johns, or fresh-scrubbed folkie Brooke White.

USA Today

‘Idol”s David Hernandez breaks silence on stripper reports: “I’m here to sing”

American Idol contestant David Hernandez has finally broken his silence on press reports that he performed nude, reportedly for a “mostly male” clientele, at a Phoenix, Arizona, strip club called Dick’s Cabaret. “You know, honestly, I’m here to sing,” Hernandez told EW.com at the Idol Top 12 party in West Hollywood on March 6. The singer appeared cool-headed and relaxed, despite the controversy. “I think America’s judging us all off of our voices right now. Obviously they were, because I’m still in the Top 12, thank God.

Entertainment Weekly

American Idol made $63 million for 19 Entertainment in 2007, up from $47 million in 2006

The American Idol franchise made $63,212,000 for its parent company 19 Entertainment last year, up from $47,211,000 in 2006, according to an SEC filing made by 19à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s parent company, CKX.

The show actually earned $83,859,000 in 2007, but had expenses of $20,647,000. In 2006, though, the total revenue was $67,710,000, with expenses of $20,499,000 for a total of $47,211,000. (These numbers donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t count revenues the show brings in for other companies, such as Fox.)

From the Idol contestants who have become recording artists under 19 Entertainmentà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s control, the company made $27,056,000 in 2007 and $18,231,000 in 2006.

Reality Blurred

More Idol Headlines After the Jump…

‘Idol’ producers choose new director

The producers have voted, and John Pritchett has made the cut as the new director of “American Idol.”

Pritchett replaces longtime “American Idol” helmer Bruce Gowers, who departed the smash Fox competish late last month (Daily Variety, Feb. 22).

Pritchett is no stranger to the show, having served as technical director on “Idol.” He had worked closely with Gowers in handling the show, which programs more live broadcasts than any other primetime series.

“He’s phenomenal,” said one “Idol” insider. “He knows the show well.”

Variety

Clive Davis urges singers to stop writing songs

Music mogul Clive Davis, who has launched stars like Whitney Houston and Alicia Keys, said singers who are signed for their vocals should focus on what they do best and not feel pressured to write their own songs.

Davis, chairman and chief executive officer of the BMG Label Group, said he has seen many entertainers lose their careers by not concentrating on finding hit songs — no matter who they are written by.

“The odds are always against you,” Davis, 75, told the Billboard Music and Money Symposium on Thursday. “You have got to go over the best material, and that should win out, not withstanding any track record. I don’t care how many number ones you have written in the past, have you written a new No. 1?”

Reuters

‘American Idol”s Top 12 Celebrate

America voted — 12 were sent home — now, the competition for the next singing sensation begins in earnest as the Top 12 will compete to see who will become the next “American Idol.”

But first, ET’s KEVIN FRAZIER was at a party to celebrate the occasion with judges SIMON COWELL, RANDY JACKSON and PAULA ABDUL, as well as host RYAN SEACREST — and the Top 12 — held at WOLFGANG PUCK’s restaurant in the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, CA!

ET Online

TV Guide Parties with the Top 12

As the sun set Thursday on Los Angeles, it left behind a streaky pink sky … and only 12 Idols remaining this season. While the contestants heard vote counts and left the stage, TV Guide’s Top 12 party was getting underway at a rooftop venue. Inside the event, cameras queued up, lights were bright and publicists, crew members and press buzzed about, eyeing the congratulatory cupcakes adorned with each Idol’s photo.

Suddenly, the contestants burst into the room, cameras started snapping and the party had officially begun. The mood was exuberant, the energy electric. TVGuide.com was there to congratulate the contestants, find out what they loved best and feared most about the show à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  plus, of course, share some laughs and cake with the new top dogs of the season.

TV Guide

Down to the final 12 on à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹American Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢

Getting voted off on à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“American Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  is never a fun experience, but the last of the three semifinal rounds is always particularly cruel. Each of the four contestants voted off the show on Thursday was one week away from being one of the 12 finalists. They came within a few moments of a huge chance to develop a fan base, and then had it snatched away while hearing Simon Cowell talk about how they really werenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t all that good anyway.

MSNBC

American Idol: Top 12 Revealed

Thank god it’s the end of three-times-a-week Idol. Tonight, we lost four more contestants to the ether and said hello to our Top 12. It’s been a long road coming, and while I can’t say I agree 100% with the Top 12, I will agree that most of the contestants in it deserve to be there.

Honestly, I think the Idol team accomplished their goal of creating the most talented Top 12 in Idol history.

TV Squad

Recap: ‘American Idol’ Reaches its Top 12

Thank heavens for American Idol and the interruption it offers from wall-to-wall coverage of Brett Favre’s retirement. In my book, he was maybe the ninth or 10th best quarterback in NFL history and only the seventh or eighth best There’s Something About Mary star. Does that deserve three days of non-stop ESPN coverage? Really? I mean, maybe if he’d been making his living as a stripper at gay clubs in Phoenix… So anyway, who will be eliminated on Thursday (March 6) night in the final Idol cuts before the Top 12?

Zap2it

”American Idol”: Rough Cut

Ladies and gentlemen, put your hands together one last time for the self-proclaimed second-rate Whitney Houston, the first-rate Britney Spears impersonator, the obnoxious(ish) teenager who generated more (intentional) laughs than the rest of the top 24 combined, and some dude who’s been whining incessantly on my TV screen for the last three weeks.

Were they the right ones to go home? In two instances, the answer is a clear-cut and resounding ”Oh, hell, yeah!” In fact, the case could be made that Kady Malloy and Luke Menard both lasted a week or two beyond where their talent levels should’ve carried them.

Entertainment Weekly

It’s OK if practic doesn’t always make perfect By Carmen Rasmusen

For “American Idol” contestants, singing on live TV takes them to a whole new level of performance.

It’s not enough to sing a song they may have just learned well, they also have to perform well, portray the right kind of emotion for the camera and a room filled with strangers, remember the lyrics, stand out from the crowd and be different yet remain true to themselves.

Not to mention, of course, they must win over the judges and millions of fans. Sound tough? You have no idea. I’ll never forget my first performance in “Idol.” I was so worried about being “perfect” that I psyched myself out and performed poorly.

Deseret News

American Idol Week Three: Hallelujah and Bullsh*t

If you’re still on the fence about whether you should be watching American Idol, this would’ve been a pretty great week to start. In the two hours of singing-competition shows that have run on Fox primetime this week, we’ve been treated to exactly one great performance and then two hours and fifty-eight minutes (commercials included) of mind-boggling trainwreck f**kery, which is pretty much all you can ask for from this show.

Village Voice

Carly Smithson Continues to Win Hearts and Minds of Internet Savvy Idol Fans Everywhere

My increasing–yet still grudging!–affection for Carly Smithson increased a little just now, when I found out that while other contestants said in their latest Idol questionnaires that their favorite moments of the show were their admission to the top 24 (Asia’h, who should enjoy it while she can) and Idol Gives Back (Luke, who… ugh), she selected as her favorite the night that Sanjaya Malakar got voted off last season. Say what you will about her past; Carly certainly knows how to rile up the bloggers and message-board posters who decried her eligibility because of the major-label flop she put out a few years back. And it’s kind of awesome. An example: There are 94 comments about Carly’s flippant answer on Idolwatcher haven/Fanjaya gathering-place rickey.org already, spurred on by the very-displeased site proprietor Rickey:

Idolator

‘Idol’ Banter: ode to an Overmyer

Hey, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  dialers — if youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re voting for Amanda Overmyer, can you drop me a line? Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m really curious about her fan base. Overmyer is emerging as the biggest exception in à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  history, a contestant who continues to succeed despite her refusal (and in some ways, inability) to fit within the showà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s parameters. Sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s had her rough moments — letà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not mention Kansas — but tonight she applied her sandpaper voice to a Joan Jett rave-up and won everyone over, even Simon. Even then, his lavish praise brought only a half-smile to her deliciously deadpan face. It would be way too à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  for Amanda to act like she cares what the judges think.

LA Times

Danny & David: Scandal? What Scandal?!

Sources close to Danny tell TMZ that Noriega is unfazed by all the media attention his video rants are getting. We’re told it’s a non-issue for the 18-year-old and he chalks it up to just being young. Yeah, but what’s his excuse for this week’s purple extensions?!

As far as David is concerned, sources close to the 24-year-old say that you wouldn’t know there was any scandal surrounding Hernandez based on his current behavior. We’re told David has maintained focus and channels all his energy into his music. Sources say David doesn’t appear upset and is very professional. People who have received lap dances from David probably consider him a pro too!

TMZ

Carly Smithson’s ‘American Idol’ Viewing Party

While former bartender Carly Smithson hits the stage on “American Idol” in Hollywood, Access spends an evening with her admiring friends, fans, and co-workers at the Irish pub “The Field” in San Diego where she formerly worked.

Access Hollywood

Randy Jackson’s Music Club Vol. 1
Now Jackson has put all of his knowledge and expertise into his latest release, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Randy Jacksonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Music Club Volume One.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  The Music Club is an R&B album (with pop, rock, country and gospel influences) containing 12 over-polished songs from a wide range of artists: John Rich, Kebà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢Moà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢, Bebe Winans, Jason Mraz. Jackson is listed as album producer but his actual involvement varies from track to track. For some songs he serves as both producer and studio musician, while others he seemingly has no involvement other than soliciting the track. Still, Music Club does showcase Jacksonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s ability to produce (or choose) quality music, but the album also reveals why we know Jackson as an American Idol judge and not as a musician.

Fuss Magazine

Paula Abdul Plotting Comeback Album

After re-launching her music career with an appearance on fellow “American Idol” judge Randy Jackson’s new album, Paula Abdul is getting busy on her first new album since 1995′s “Head Over Heels.”

The as-yet-untitled project will include remixes of Abdul’s best-known hits, plus a host of new songs. In addition, Abdul tells Billboard that Paul Oakenfold and Akon are preparing remixes of “Dance Like There’s No Tomorrow,” her contribution to Jackson’s album. The artist has already chosen three new tracks to accompany the remixes.

Billboard

Anthony’s daughter has pop at Simon

Singer songwriter Abigail Hopkins has apparently told Simon Cowell he should stop criticising X Factor contestants and get on the stage himself.

Abigail, the musician daughter of Hollywood giant Sir Anthony, reportedly called The X Factor’s “cattle market” cruel – and doubted the programme’s Mr Nasty would have the backbone to step up to the microphone himself.

This is Nottingham

Bon Jovi, Daughtry offer an ode to the ’80s

The concert began with former à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“American Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  star Daughtry and his same-named band. A year ago, Daughtry played for about 600 people at the South Side club Diesel, and while he went on to sell a million albums since, he didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t diverge from his tried-and-true formula of post-grunge, in the vein of Nickelback or Creed.

Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s got charisma, though, or maybe thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s sex appeal. And he came up with a clever and soon-to-be-often-imitated trick where he got the crowd to simultaneously snap photos with their cell phone cameras. He made fans wait precisely until the count of three, remarking, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t be premature, because nobody likes that.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

Beaver County Times

‘Idol’ star performs at Gilbert home

It’s been quite the journey for American Idol finalist Melinda Doolittle, who finished third overall in last year’s competition.

With a new album scheduled to come out in June, the former professional back-up singer from Brentwood, Tenn., says she is happy to keep on singing.

Gilbert fans got a taste of the American Idol star Wednesday as Doolittle visited Bashas’on Val Vista and Queen Creek roads, where she signed autographs and posed for the camera as part of Dreyer’s Slow-Churned Light Ice Cream American Idol Tour.

AZ Central

Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban cross over to fans with hits from rock to country

This was officially a country show: Both performers have plenty of CMA statues at home.

But if thereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a chase to cut to in this story, it would be the encores, which were from another territory: One of the singers roared through a Guns Nà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ Roses song, the other led the crowd through a few bars of something Violent Femmes.

Kansas City.com

Underwood and Urban raise roof at Coliseum

Blonde country darling Carrie Underwood isn’t Dorothy, but she showed a Wichita audience Thursday that she “ain’t in Checotah anymore.”

The Oklahoma native performed with country royal Keith Urban in their “Love, Pain and the Whole Carnival Ride Tour” stop at the Kansas Coliseum.

As Underwood’s portion of the concert began, a large screen illuminating the stage depicted a desert scene complete with a rattlesnake. Then a woman’s silhouette appeared and morphed into a video of Underwood walking in the desert.

Kansas City.com

Star Exclusive: American Idol Meltdown

While a new season of American Idol contestants steal the spotlight, Season 1 star Nikki McKibbin is struggling to hold on after a terrifying breakdown that left her strapped to a bed in the psych ward, Star can reveal exclusively.

Idol alum like Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood have gone onto superstardom, but flame-haired Nikki has had only minor musical success, including the release of an album, Unleashed, last May. Things went from bad to worse when her mother died suddenly in August and Nikki was thrust into a tailspin which culminated in a shocking breakdown at her Fort Worth, Tex. home on Feb. 21.

Star Magazine

‘Idol’ Tracker: The ladies’ closing arguments

And so the ladies have made their closing statements, their last attempts to warble their way into our consciousness and earn a slot in the finals have been recorded. The question for the female half now hangs in the air as ominous and unforgiving as a Simon Cowell dismissal: with an epic battle brewing on the boysà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ side, the battle foretold in “Idol” scriptures between The Chosen One and the Duende From Down Under, between the incarnation of Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s sweetness and light and the embodiment of the show’s long squelched id — with this Armageddon beckoning on the horizon, are any of these girls equipped to play a role as it reaches its final stages or are all destined to serve as cannon fodder in the next six weeks?

LA Times

‘American Idol’ Recap: Brooke White Brings ‘Battlefield’ Bliss; Kady Malloy Still A Robot

It was a relatively scandal-free week for the ladies, save for Amanda’s unearthed DUI arrest, but after last week’s performance, what she needed was an IV of quaaludes.

That’s not to imply that Amanda was last week’s sole catastrophe à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  far from it, as this year’s crop of female talent proves to be the least “Idol”-ready in memory. Going into Wednesday night’s talent show – which, along with the boys’ Tuesday-night performances, determines who gets a place in the top 12 hierarchy à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  one would have assumed it would be a call to arms to bring forth the inner cavalry and sing like there’s no tomorrow. Well, you know that old saying “When you assume …”

MTV

‘American Idol’: Eight Chicks on Embarrassment

On “American Idol” it’s the chicks’ turn to tackle songs from the ’80s — a decade judge Paula Abdul is reminded was big for her. The age reference would make most women working in TV very insecure, but Paula’s still sucking on whatever crazy juice she got into the previous night and prattles on merrily about all the great songs, the weird clothes and the pompom hairdos she takes credit for making popular.

Host Ryan Seacrest asks judge Simon Cowell who needs to step up tonight. “Everyone. No one’s safe.”

What follows is the worst night in “Idol” history.

Washington Post

Paula Steals the Show From Under the Girls’ Feet

Last night’s American Idol was something of a comedown after the Danny Noriega sass- and Jeff Buckley homage-filled episode on Tuesday; the eight remaining ladies in the competition turned in mostly OK work, with Kristy Lee Cook’s lozenged-up tongue and Paula Abdul’s antics providing the most spice during the evening. My rankings of the top 8 and picks for who’s going home after the jump.

Idolator

Reality Check: Girls Outshine Boys on ‘Idol’

Despite the headlines, the big “Idol” news of the week wasn’t the revelation that David Hernandez spent three years as a stripper à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  it was the evidence that David Archuleta doesn’t do everything perfectly.

Don’t get me wrong. He sang the heck out of Phil Collins’ “Another Day in Paradise” while managing to play the piano through the first half. And the piano somehow made him seem older than usual à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  or at least less like the cherubic wonder boy with the perma-grin.

Fox News

‘Idol’: Nadia Turner on the Top 8 Women’s Performances

You’re in the Coca-Cola room. All eight ladies are scattered in various areas, some attempting to fit in a small vocal warm-up, stretching, waving to family and friends in the audience, getting pep talks, or laughing with the staff. Some of us just sit in silence meditating on our upcoming performance. Some of us find ourselves remembering the friend who was eliminated the previous week. Our nerves are off the charts. ”If I don’t have the lyrics tonight, I will never have them.” Our vocal coach, Debra Byrd, comes in, gathers up her wandering sheep, and we sing a song she made up called ”It’s Ladies Night on American Idol.” It’s pretty catchy! This is Byrd’s way of shaking out the nerves and sneaking in a vocal warm-up at the same time. :) Nigel Lythgoe tornadoes in with words of vigor. It was this segment of the competition that I enjoyed the most. ”IT’S LADIES NIGHT ON AMERICAN IDOL.”

Entertainment Weekly

 
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  • t2

    The bad news first — I miss my Danny Noriega.

    The good news — we will get Danny’s exit interviews, which I personally am looking forward to. (although I wish he were still in the competish — see the dilemma here?)

    I fully expect Michael Johns to turn it on in a big way on the big stage. He appears to love the stage. I hope the sweating gets toned down a notch though.

    I too, am very concerned about David A’s breathing. Seriously, that can’t be healthy can it?

  • jersey

    At Sarah’s request:

    Since the headlines thread isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t up yet, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m gonna put this here. Will someone please take it over to headlines when that one goes up??

    From a bulletin the Clark Brothers posted last night:

    We are performing on American Idol Gives Back. The show airs on April 9th! We donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t know what song or anything yet, but we will give it everything weà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve got.
    We love you.

    The Clark Brothers

    YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!! What a great way to start off my Friday!! Two years running on IGB, for Ashley. :)

    And let me add my own YAY!!

  • IGetCranked

    I don’t see why Kellie is confused over not being taken seriously because the casual person that doesn’t follow her closely sees her country bumpkin routine and then she appears on idol with great big ol bazoongas when she looked great before.

    YAYAY Clark Brothers!

  • sciencefan

    Maybe we should have a poll on whether they will ever get Michael Johns to comb his hair before he performs. He has definitely mastered the just-rolled-out-of-bed look.

  • IGetCranked

    He has definitely mastered the just-rolled-out-of-bed look.

    Why did that kinda turn me on?

    Nadia is right about Asia’h's pants. I was very distracted by them when watching her performance. I just kept thinking “why?” I didn’t care for Syesha’s either but they weren’t as in your face.

  • taran33

    Well my boy, Mr. Hernandez made it through and I’m thrilled. I’ll admit I’m really going to miss Danny and Asia’h and I’m suckin’ in the polls.

    I hope they never get Michael to comb his hair, he’s way to hot that way to change it.

  • poporange

    Kellie P is worried about people think she is a flake maybe because to the common viewer she protrays one very well..even if she is not.(Dolly P has the same problem to a small degree except she is an established writer and singer)Enough said.

    Stated why Danny was booted already combination overdose of sass and maybe not the his best singingwise of “Tainted Love” . Danny was entertainingand will do well enough said..

    Serious note that is very small potatoes I feel bad for Nikki and her attempt on her life. This is very serious and I hope she gets help that she needs.This story makes who got kicked off idol miniscuel and non-important.I hope others feel this way also.

  • Chicago-sally

    Wow! where to begin: 1) About the profits that AI is making. Those numbers are impressive. It looks like we’re in for more AI for a long time. Will it jump the shark? I think this season will be telling. If the numbers go down, then none of the contestants have won our attention. And don’t forget the tour–last year, it wasn’t that successful as prev. tours, and I’m predicting it will run into a downturn this year…mainly because of the economy…prediction – the tour will play to smaller venues.

    2) Clive Davis makes a good point. However, it seems that even the best “writers” want to cut a CD…Ne-yo…Pharrell Williams…the names go on and on….Alicia Keys collaborates with writers…but I see his point, if you’re a singer, then sing, if you’re a writer than write…the artists that do both only have a short span of time to be successful and then they fizzle (Stevie Wonder, Barry Manilow) as song-writers….I’ve never understood why Stevie doesn’t just write and let others sing his songs…the same for Prince…

    3) About last night: I wanted Asiah to continue. I hope an agent or producers approaches her, but we’ve seen from the past (have we heard from Sabrina ? Stephanie Edwards?) that if you don’t make the top 12, very little attention is given to you.

    Hey guys I’m starting a petition online to fire Paula Abdul; is anyone with me? Slezak at EW suggests Jody Whatley or Lisa Stanfield in her place….god that woman is awful….is she screwing one of the producers?????Whenever she talks I walk away….and I’m getting that way with Randy too, but I respect him more than her….and
    was Blake Lewis off-key or just plain terrible last night? He needs a serious boost in record sales…Blake is a better writer than he is a singer/performer. But it was nice to see Chris S. on drums, that S6 group seems to be very close, which I doubt we’ll see that kind of closeness with S7….you don’t see a lot of smiles in S7…sad group…sorry for the longish write.

  • taran33

    That really wasn’t Sligh on the drums was it? I got home late and fast forwarded to the eliminations so maybe I’m wrong.

  • ealbino

    That wasn’t Chris Sligh on drums.. just a drummer with his hair look…

  • t2

    I love, love, love that this year seems more competitive. To me, that is what makes it interesting and brings the best performance out of everyone. Yeah, I’m interested in the show again and not just because of a singular contestant.

  • Chicago-sally

    I agree w/T2 (more than I want to :smile_wp: this season does seem more competitive and more “diverse”: more gay, more black/Hispanic….however, how they could only find ONE BLACK male out of 100,000 is beyond me – head scratcher….

    Did anyone read that Reality blurred article about the AI profits, where they make their money? AI is the gorilla in that 19E family. And that Fox has the right of refusal based on ratings? Interesting. AI is signed for another 2 years. The majority of their revenue is from licensing…and the contracts may require contestants to release a certain number of records — what does that mean anybody?
    Also…Our recording artists are generally signed to long-term recording contracts under which we and Sony have the right, but not obligated to require the artist to release a specified number of albums….interesting….but that’s SOP right?

  • Lu

    Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve never understood why Stevie doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t just write and let others sing his songsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

    OMG!!!! You’re kidding!!! I love me some Stevie! (Probably why I love Elliott so much – kinda the same soulful sound.) Keep sangin Stevie!

  • Chicago-sally

    LU: You misunderstood what I meant. At this point in his life, Steve’s not recording “as much” as he did when he was a youngster….but he’s still writing….his last two albums flopped because he sang/wrote it…maybe he should turn the singing of his songs over to somebody else to deliver.

    Now, I’m almost at that point with Prince. Why not write the song and give it to somebody else to write…that way the song “may” become a bigger hit.
    Get my point? I think that’s Clive’s point too.
    The gist of his argument had to do with Kelly C. and wanting to write her album. Read what he said.

  • Chicago-sally

    Can I recommend Nadia’s turn as judge for EW:

    http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20007164_20171835_20182668_2,00.html
    Very insightful…btw “where is SHE?”

  • http://www.xanga.com/werwanderflugen Preston

    ^ That was a good recap… some really great commentary there.

    Nadia Turner is everything that Syesha Mercado has tried to be… but for me, she’s always paled in comparison.

  • http://www.myspace.com/gundomom CarieB

    I may have gotten my wires crossed, but I thought Beatles night was going to be Top 11 week, and next week would be songs of the 90à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s? Could someone straighten my ass out?

    I couldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t watch the show, but got emailed the results. At first I was shocked about Asiaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢h over Syesha and Danny over Chikezie, but after a bit of reflecting, I think Syesha was really helped by the pimp spot and Asiaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢h going first then accepting being a à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“second rate Whitneyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  couldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have helped. I wanted Danny to make the tour, but I guess not enough people had connected with him yet.

  • PrplDva

    Ok, I know its early, but I’m excited for Beatles week. Here’s my wish list:

    David Cook -I Want You (dedicated to me)
    Jason Castro- Help!
    Amanda Overmyer -Helter Skelter
    Brooke White -Here Comes the Sun
    David Hernandez-Come Together
    Syesha Mercado- All my Lovin’
    Michael Johns -Revolution
    Carly Smithson- 8 Days a Week
    David Archuleta-When I’m 64 (he’ll prob. do Yesterday, Hey Jude or Let it Be)
    Kristy Lee Cook-Hello, Goodbye (btw-my prediction)
    Chikezie-Twist and Shout
    Ramiele Malubay- Strawberry Fields Forever

  • http://www.youtube.com/user/iamthepurplewalrus purplesmile

    I didn’t get to see the results show because Friday night traffic sucks. What sucks more, though, is Asia’H getting cut. She was my earliest favorite on the show. :(

  • jpfan

    Commercials for Randy’s new CD are starting to show up. They only feature the two songs with the Idol connection – Paula’s tune and Real Love.

  • http://www.myspace.com/gundomom CarieB

    I answered my own question. It is Top 12 week. I get confused easily on Fridays.

  • http://www.myspace.com/gundomom CarieB
  • ealbino

    David Cook -Penny Lane
    Jason Castro- Yesterday
    Amanda Overmyer -Helter Skelter
    Brooke White -Long and Winding Road
    David Hernandez-If I fell in love with you
    Syesha Mercado- All my Lovinà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢
    Michael Johns -Revolution
    Carly Smithson- 8 Days a Week
    David Archuleta- Can’t buy me Love
    Kristy Lee Cook-Hello, Goodbye
    Chikezie-Ticket to Ride
    Ramiele Malubay- Strawberry Fields Forever

  • Chicago-sally

    Go to tmz.com, their mole is fast at work:

    According to our spy, Kristy Lee Cook’s parents had no faith in their daughter beating out Asia’h Epperson and were convinced she was getting the boot. Carly Smithson’s mom was at the opposite end of the spectrum, acting cocky about her baby — who has wowed the judges so far.

    When Kady Malloy had to sing after getting axed, our insider saw Simon and Randy trying to hold back their laughter. After Danny Noriega sang his swan song, Randy was seen telling Simon, “We should have kept him.”

    It was also clear Simon has a few favorites — looking extremely happy when Brooke White and skunk-headed Amanda Overmyer were allowed to stay in the competition. He even told Brooke, “I’m glad and not surprised you made it this far. Keep it up, I got your back.”

    Hmmm…that’s why you can’t too invested in this program…the judges have as much say about who goes as the viewer voting.

    Carieb: Do you think like I think that maybe the judges have more to do with the results than we thought?

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    LINK LINK LINK LINK LINK LINK!!!!!

    If you can’t link, leave posting headlines to others.

    TMZ

    It’s NOT enough to say “go here”. Linkage is important. It helps readers find the EXACT item you are talking about. And it helps me. I follow up on EVERYTHING that’s posted here. I DON’T want this thread full of trash.

    Also, when I find my work…stuff that takes TIME for me to write, cut and pasted on another blog without a link, it PISSES ME OFF. I’m not the only blogger who feels this way, believe me.

    Write a blog. You’ll know what I’m talking about.

  • calimari

    OK, I just peaked over at the Idol Forums to see what names they have come up with for the various fanbases. I mentioned here a week or two ago that Chikezie, if he made it thru, would have the EZE Riders. I was dead-on. Too funny.

  • http://www.myspace.com/gundomom CarieB

    I believe TPTB reserves the right to eliminate a contestant despite voting results, but have said they would only do so in the case of a “glitch”. Simon’s and Randy’s comments, if heard correctly, would suggest they can shape the Top 12 they want as well.

  • http://myspace.com/saltwatercures pj

    I believe they shape the top 12 by their comments and who they put in the top 24, certainly.

    Here’s the LA Times report of the Top 12 Party.

    Constantine never fails, ya know. :lol_tb:

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    Don’t go to crazee with the Beatles list…I’ll be posting a separate thread for that.

    I love me some Beatles, so I’ll be posting my own guesses!

    Also, are you guys up for more fun with captions? :) .

  • http://www.myspace.com/gundomom CarieB

    Sure, MJ — even though I’m not very good at it. I like reading what peeps come up with.

  • poporange

    Yep captions would be great if it is ok if I use some movie references with them? Ok on the other hand not that good at that..

  • abbysee

    Clive is dead wrong. I mean say for instance the young man who was booted prematurely Josiah Leming had made it and won. Should he stop writing because Clive has an office full of crappy, sappy, pop songs at his disposal? Absolubely not. I mean some people are just not song writers, but some people have it. Kelly, Chris D, and Kellie P are good songwriters. I know they all had help with the songs they write, but they have the goods. Now if David A wins, he should have writers because I don’t think he is a songwriter. There is no cut and fast rule on this. Should Mariah, Xtina, and Alicia stop writing? Well maybe Mariah, lol, Clive speaks with fork tongue. As for Stevie letting others sing his songs…..he’s done that, should he stop singing just because after a 40 year career people stop buying. Absolutely not. Singing and writing is his joy. Stevie is still awesome. Prince is too, and he has a right to be selective as to who should sing his songs.

  • PrplDva
  • primeminister

    pj, thanks for the link:

    Jason Castro was dolled up for the occasion, with braided dreads and flowers in his locks. We discussed eliminations, and despite his laid-back persona, Jason confessed that they were pretty grueling. “You’re even scared for the guy next to you,” he moaned. “Even when you get a yes, it’s not like ‘yeah, I’m so happy,’ its like, ‘aw man, I’m sorry guys.’ ” Despite his sympathetic tendencies, however, Jason is not very social. “It takes me a long time to get a best friend,” Jason confessed, explaining that in his spare time, he either reads or plays music.

    Awww, so he reads…perhaps he’s probably not as dumb as he appears. haha. Or at least I hope so. :)

  • Trina

    From that article PJ linked:

    You’re one of those little, sarcastic L.A. Times girls too, arenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t you,” inquired Constantine Maroulis, after I complimented his recent theatrical achievements. We were at the “American Idol” Top 12 party, and Constantine had convinced himself, for reasons unbeknownst to me, that I had it in for him. “Those that can’t, ya know, write,” Constantine informed me. I told him that was a peculiar thing to tell a reporter. “It is what it is” he replied. Then, as we parted ways, he added, “You’re very pretty. You’re very nice.”

    Ew he’s still so vile.

  • t2

    Jason Castro was dolled up for the occasion, with braided dreads and flowers in his locks.

    Hey What!!!! I want pictures and I want them now … ummmm….please….

  • flicker

    Hey What!!!! I want pictures and I want them now à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ ummmmà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.pleaseà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.

    Just for you, t2. Beautiful Jason and more.

    http://girlstalkinsmack.com/index.php/8301/american-idol-top-12-party-pictures/

  • http://www.myspace.com/xmisstarax Miss Tara

    ok….Jason’s dreads look A LOT looser than say….last week! They better not be thinking about getting rid of those.

  • http://www.myspace.com/gundomom CarieB

    Ugh. Constantine in that pic with KLC. Nice face! Why do they still invite him?

    Blake looked SO good!

  • t2

    Hey What!!!! I want pictures and I want them now à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ ummmmà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.pleaseà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.

    Just for you, t2. Beautiful Jason and more.

    http://girlstalkinsmack.com/index.php/8301/american-idol-top-12-party-pictures/

    SQUEEEEEEEEE!!!! Thanks flickr

  • http://myspace.com/saltwatercures pj

    Oh, how I have grown to love Constansuck for being a complete asshat and amusing to me. And yeah, he’s looking like he’s had a few too many rough nights.

    Can’t wait for the caption thread. Mine won’t be great either, but it’ll be fun reading what peeps have to say. Some of these pics are priceless. :-)

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    You’re one of those little, sarcastic L.A. Times girls too, arenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t you,” inquired Constantine Maroulis, after I complimented his recent theatrical achievements. We were at the “American Idol” Top 12 party, and Constantine had convinced himself, for reasons unbeknownst to me, that I had it in for him.

    DO I KNOW YOU!!???

    LOL

    PS: The Caption thread is up…

  • primeminister

    OMG Hallelujah is now NUMBER ONE on the iTunes chart beating Usher’s Love in This Club.

  • longsong

    primeminister: I have NOT been able to get that song out of my head all the live long day – and I’m HAPPY about that! WOOHOO!!

  • BigNLiddle

    Ruben has new pis on his myspace – he’s lookin’ good!!

    http://a678.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/94/l_04a38d50e2797f42f5d4726b9d7b51cd.jpg

  • poporange

    Crap not Reuban thing agian I wished it stayed in the past….They pick thier favs up and let thier non ones fade…The show is jeckel and hide…………………….never change since season 2……

  • primeminister

    Hallelujah (Jason) and Hello (David C) have been neck to neck over that last few days, but now, Hello has just edged its way past Hallelujah.

    Both are closing the gap with first place, Imagine (David A.)

    (I need to stop checking iTunes…)

  • http://www.myspace.com/swood1104 Sarah

    Primeminister – if you need to stop checking iTunes, then I need to freaking stop watching the videos. I’m addicted. It’s ridiculous. LOL.

  • cheese

    Hallelujah (Jason) and Hello (David C) have been neck to neck over that last few days, but now, Hello has just edged its way past Hallelujah.

    Oh good, it’s not just me watching the little bars go up on the iTunes popularity-o-meter :help_tb: I would be thrilled if either one of them caught up to ArchIdol’s Imagine. I listened to both guys songs a lot today. (and maybe I watched a video or 10)

  • http://myspace.com/saltwatercures pj

    LOL, I just checked iTunes and my version still has Hallelujah slightly ahead of Hello. LOL. I guess we’re all geeks.

    I read an article today that said Lionel wants to record the song again with David. Think old Lionel needs some publicity? Heh.

    Y’all need to address the caption thread. Ahem.

  • moody

    Exit interviews are posted at EW.

    http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20007164_20171835_20183041,00.html

    I was hoping we’d get some more inside info on how the contestants were forced to sing something they didn’t choose, but no such luck. They really are that clueless when it comes to picking good songs. Have they never watched the show before?

  • http://www.myspace.com/xmisstarax Miss Tara

    awesome, so we’re all freaks. I too have been checking the popularity bars about every 30 minutes. I just want David C. and Jason to pass TCO. It will happen. IT WILL!

    ……going to bed now. :bye_tb:

  • IGetCranked
  • http://inkdbylilyanna.com carolina

    It’s a sickness.

    Last night I found myself on itunes. So, while I was there, I counted the number of ‘reviews’ for each remaining idol.
    I decided hard core fans leave reviews and is an indicator of.. something. So, I went back tonight and looked again, Jason overtook David A, the rest are pretty much the same.

    Boys
    Jason C – 171
    David A 152
    David C 118
    David H 35
    Michael J 28
    Chekezie 14

    Girls
    Brooke 81
    Amanda 61
    Kristy 26
    Carly 25
    Ramiele 17
    Syesha 7

    I’m calling an addictions counselor on Monday.

  • primeminister

    But clearly, Awwwrchuleta is the favorite, and his competition knows it: Michael Johns, Brooke White and Amanda Overmyer all picked him to win, and Jason Castro said, “It’s pretty much the David Archuleta show.” (For the record, not a one of them sounded bitter, which was sweet.)

    So why are they competing if they don’t think they can win? I hope it isn’t like last year, when the only goal was to make the tour. Let me see some COMPETITION!

    Also surprisingly likable and real is Amanda, who explained that she’s not smiling when Simon flatters her because she’s trying to soak in every word the judges are telling her. “It’s just three opinions, but it’s three very experienced opinions. I’d be a fool to not care about what they have to say.” Good point.

    hmmm…interesting. I like Amanda. Very real.

  • http://inkdbylilyanna.com carolina

    Oh, proof the boys are much more popular than the girls.

  • primeminister

    Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m calling an addictions counselor on Monday.

    Please schedule a group session. Maybe we keep each other accountable…or just sit and chat about them popularity bars!

    Oh, proof the boys are much more popular than the girls.

    Clearly. This is also reflected in the number of posts on the ai boards for each contestant. The rankings are similar to the itunes reviews rankings. How do I know this? I NEED HELP!

    Okay, time to hit the books- midterms next week! Which means I’m limiting myself to one hour of Idol videos, news, iTunes popularity bars, and MJ’s blog per day. ;)

  • http://myspace.com/saltwatercures pj

    I haven’t even gone that far, Caro, and trust me, I want to win the damn poll. Not because of a prize, but because I’m WAY too competitve. Not at work, lol, but with games.

    Anyway, I think Jason’s version of Hallelujah got tossed out of the top 100. I’m betting he was there by mistake b/c TBTB didn’t filter his name out b/c they didn’t expect it. Sounds like “Imagine” should have been in it too.

  • http://inkdbylilyanna.com carolina

    pj, now, look on the bright side!

    Who do you think got Hallejulah to #1, even if it was sung by Jeff Buckley.

    Jason.

    hmmm. I might need early intervention.

    prime, we’re so there. We just need a counselor to mediate the fan base wars. That’s all. (first stage – denial).

  • barefootgirl

    Oh good, ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not just me watching the little bars go up on the iTunes popularity-o-meter

    Can you tell me where this is on iTunes? I’m not finding it.

  • xoxoyc

    They want a boy winner this year- with the law of averages over the last 7 seasons makes sense. I think they pretty much picked weaker girls on purpose to make it much easier for the guys, because history shows that a girl with a good voice going against a guy will win MOST of the time. (Season 5 being the only exception). Archuleta has already won the thing anyway, which gives me little reason to pick a favorite. He will go the Jonas Bros/ Miley Cyrus route and sell tons of albums to the Disney crowd. I think that will hurt the creditbility of the show somewhat because why will older, serious singers want to try out just to get beat by a cute kid with a good voice?

    Word on the street is they want boys in the finals because there are too many pop princesses out there right now. Kind of ironic since TCO will be nothing more than a male version of a pop princess.