Idol Headlines for 4/22/08

I totally agree (bring back Sanjaya): http://weblogs.redeyechicago.com/americanidol/

American Idol” is still the No. 1 show on TV, by far, but it is showing cracks in it its armor.

This week’s results show drew 22.7 million viewers, a stout number indeed, but far less than the almost 30 million it was attracting last season. In fact, according to The Hollywood Reporter, Wednesday’s show was the least-watched “Idol” episode in five years.

So, what’s the problem with this season? I’ve got some ideas.

No standout contestant: Last season, Blake Lewis blew people away with ability to beat-box and make himself sound like a CD skipping, feats that many artists could only pull off with a little studio magic. Who can forget his rendition of Bon Jovi’s “You Give Love a Bad Name”? David Cook is coming close to being a can’t-miss-contestant, but his horrible “Innocent” a couple weeks ago turned many people off.

Obvious front-runner: David Archuleta is the singer to beat this year; that’s been clear since Day 1. Why? Simon said so. And he keeps upping the praise for D.A., as do the other judges. It’s a forgone conclusion he will be the winner, so what’s the real point of watching?

No Sanjaya-like presence: He may have became a running joke, but at least Sanjaya made things interesting last season. What’s his hair going to look like this week? Sorry, he may have a great voice, but David Archuleta is about as interesting as watching grass grow.

Nice judges: I said right here on this blog earlier in the season, but the judges are just too nice this year. Where’s Simon’s comments about people’s weight or hair or any of the other verbal smackdowns we’re accustomed to. Instead, he’s gone to a variation of the “karaoke,” “hotel lounge singer” or “cabaret” comment. Bo-ring. And Randy hardly ever criticises the singers. Paula, let’s not even go there. She’s never met an “Idol” she didn’t “love.”

Those are just a few reasons, but there are even more. The Writers’ Strike turned people off to TV in general and there hasn’t been a big controversy this season, for example.

As for next week, who’s getting excited about Andrew Lloyd Webber night? See what I mean? Who’s going to go out of their way to see him? The only thing that really matters is which female will be voted off. That’s where you, Vital Idol readers, come in. Vote below.

Obvious front-runner: David Archuleta is the singer to beat this year; that’s been clear since Day 1. Why? Simon said so. And he keeps upping the praise for D.A., as do the other judges. It’s a forgone conclusion he will be the winner, so what’s the real point of watching?

Was Season 4 boring? Because that’s pretty much how it went down that year. Carrie the front runner–judges pimping her to the hilt.

I completely disagree with these reporters who have latched on to this idea that this season has no personality. To be honest, I don’t miss Sanjaya at all. He was amusing, but frankly I thought the crazy hype around him–that had nothing to do with his talent or with singing–sucked the show dry.

Season 5, the judges pimped Daughtry to the hilt from Day One, nearly every casual watcher took for granted that he was the inevitable winner. That apple cart wasn’t upset until nearly the end of the season.

This year, little Davey is considered the front runner, but you never know which contestant is going to break out with a moment. And there have been more “moments” this year for my money, than any other. Jason Castro’s “Hallellujah” and “Over the Rainbow”, David Cook’s “Billie Jean” and “Always Be My Baby”, Brooke White’s “Let it Be” and David Archuleta’s “Imagine”.

The finale is shaping up to be between the two Davids. If that happens, then it’s anybody’s game. There’s the potential for this year’s finale to be as much of a nail biter as Season 2.

I’m not getting the boring part, at all.

Chicago-Sally — Your link doesn’t match the post. Also, if you post a headline, could you please not post the entire story? An excerpt and a link like I do is enough. Thank you.

Excellent post, mj! That pretty much sums up my feelings to a T.

i know that if jason castro and david cook get booted off i won’t be able to watch the rest of this season
cuz the rest of the contestants leave me cold

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not getting the boring part, at all.

Neither am I. After last season, this one is quickly becoming tops for me.

This season is much better than last, IMO. David Cook and Jason Castro make it anything but boring.

I am not finding this year boring at all. Last year? Oh yeah. Even with Sanjaya’s shenanigans.

The only part of S 4 I found boring was the eventual winner. But this year, and in Season 5, there was/is diversity among the performers and that is what keeps the show alive, at least for me. David A may not be the most exciting of performers, but I always look forward to his performances because he is such a superb vocalist. (And also, I guess, to see if Daddy A might charge up to the stage, wave a pistol around, and threaten any judge who chooses to speak ill of his son. But, so far, that has not happened. The speaking ill part, I mean.)

Despite Blake, there was too much sameness last year (S 6) and probably, to me, the single most boring winner, ever. Sweet and talented, but — Oh. So. DULL!

Other than losing Michael Johns too early, there will be entertainment to be had in all the very different vocalists who will fight it out to the finish this year.

The people who were turned off by last year and have not returned to watching are missing a treat, IMO.

I’m looking forward to each show because of CC. If they get voted off, I’ll switch off. There’ll be no nail biting moments during results nights for Jason and no looking forward to how DC & JC can make these sucky songs even remotely pleasant.

The others may have ‘big’ voices but they lack star quality.

This season is a very close second to season 5 for me right now and would probably be my favorite, if not for all the craptastic themes. It certainly has two of my favorite contestants ever and has given me lots of good ear candy for my iPod.

I think the top 3 girls are a little blah compared to Kellie, Paris and even Kat. And that is why 2 of them will hopefully be the next to go.

The truth is, American Idol isn’t even about music. And I mean actual musicianship. Fancy vocal work doesn’t equal art and frankly, it it’s sort of sad that America is falling for this. Think about it. Does anyone on the show hold a candle to legends that have shaped our music history? Not a chance. Which means in 10 years, these kids will be forgotten. True music is timeless, performance is fleeting and American Idol is all about the performer. That’s it.

I for one was not “blown away” by beat boxer boy. This season is as exciting as any yet so far! And I consider myself a good judge of character(s).

American Idol is BACK, baby! IMHO.

The truth is, American Idol isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t even about music. And I mean actual musicianship. Fancy vocal work doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t equal art and frankly, it ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s sort of sad that America is falling for this. Think about it. Does anyone on the show hold a candle to legends that have shaped our music history? Not a chance. Which means in 10 years, these kids will be forgotten. True music is timeless, performance is fleeting and American Idol is all about the performer. Thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s it.

Did you just drop by here to pimp your blog?

If you were a regular reader here, you’d realize that these topics have been hashed and re-hashed here. We are a pretty cyncial bunch. None of us really think the next Nirvana or Beatles are going to come out of American Idol. It’s a cheesy TV show, after all.

I liked the article from KansasCity.com about Cookie and his brother, it was done tastefully and gave him much credit for his silence on the matter.

And ITA, I am completely enjoying this season. I was pretty bored with it all last year, except Blake, whom was cool to listen to but who’s CD I will probably never buy. I look forward to the show every Tuesday. While what Brooke, JC & Cookie may do with songs is slightly predictable, it’s always cool to listen to the song in a different ‘gendre’ (my coworker says this all the time and doesn’t even know about Bo Bice, I laugh to myself) then the original and make the show a lot less karoake!

ETA: I am not sure any season will beat S5 for me! I wish I had the mp3′s for my iPod from then!

Oh yeah, and I definitely think Daughtry is the second coming of the Beatles :doh_tb:

My opinion of the season so far:

Diversity of style – rockers, country, idies, belters, balladeers.

Ethic mix

Display of personalities – like it, or not.

Eye Candy – (3 worthy specimens)

Media blown controversy – ringers, cd availabilty, daddy A

Shocker boot – MJ (heavy sigh!)

Resident Klingon – KLC

Unpredictable song choices – with one glaring exception

Worthy downloads – (my IPod is doin’ a poddy dance)

Yep, it’s more than meeting my entertainment criteria.

Here’s another article with more asshattery from ALW, who thought several of the performances were “dire” and wanted Carly to change her song:

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/apr/22/superstar-mentor/

All I want is for Jason NOT to sing “Memories”, the most cliched of all ALW’s songs. He may as well sing “You Light Up My Life”. Yep, dating myself here. And STILL sick of that song after all these years!

Um, do we have any spoilers yet? I can’t wait!

Um, do we have any spoilers yet? I canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t wait!

This was just posted by the Popwatch blog spoiler:

“First clue: Jason will be searching for lithe-bodied round-headed fissiped mammals many with retractile claws deep in the recesses of his mind.”

So, “Memory” it is! He’ll probably have the #1 on iTunes with that since it’s such a big song and his take is bound to be different and interesting.

The article I just posted said Carly performed “All I Ask of You” for ALW and he told her she should be doing “Superstar.” (I kind of have to agree with him there. I sort of wanted her to sing Superstar)

Cheese, I’m not sure whether to thank him for his apparent bluntness with the some of the six or kick his butt for affecting their confidence. Thanks for the article.

ETA: Does Webber ever complete a sentence without those distracting asides? Geesh!

If Jason is indeed doing “Memory” I would like to ammend my afore mentioned list with: Fidgety Buttsweat Moment – waiting for Jason to crash or soar.

Is it next week that the idols sing TWO songs each?

If so, I MUST get Jason through to next week (yes, me personally). I’ve only had one other favorite make it to that point (Taylor). The other seasons I was crushed.

I’m definitely finding this season more interesting than last, vocally and musically. But from the “soap opera” perspective that often adds to my enjoyment of Idol (yes, I’m self-aware enough to realize that), I wouldn’t rank this one high up there. None of them, to me, have personalities that are engaging. Even the one whose personality I dislike the most (Syesha) only manages to stir up mild annoyance.

Like a lot of other fans, I think, there was one particular season that just outshone the rest to me, and nothing so far has lived up to it. Season 5 just hit all the right notes both talent-wise and character-wise. This is really subjective stuff here, so this is just my personal opinion based on my own likes and dislikes, but I don’t think the show has hit the right casting balance ever since.

Now, the one thing that I am loving about this season is seeing that types of music that don’t require the singer to belt at the top of their lungs is being acknowledged (Brooke and Jason), even if it isn’t being praised to the same extent as the glory-noters (shakes a stern finger at Randy Jackson). But even given the diversity, I haven’t been inspired to vote for anyone. And that, to me, is why I sometimes have to stifle a giggle when I read the very “above-it-all” posts and articles (not here, but on certain other boards *ahem*) from those who insist that they would love an American Idol-style show based purely on musical talent. I would enjoy a show like that, too, but could I be bothered to take two hours out of my life every night to vote for a contestant on a show like that? I doubt it. Although if anyone disagrees with me, I’d be interested to hear another perspective.

“It was pretty heartbreaking, especially how it was done à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  it was brutal,” said Johns in reference to his harsh elimination. “I kept it together OK; it was the wife who cried all night. I was the one telling her that it was all going to be all right.”

Aw, poor thing. Maybe that’s why she didn’t go on AI Extra.

I’m really having a hard time visualizing Jason singing Memory. :blink_tb:

Yes! On a mission for a two song download from Jason.

Paula is covering all possibilities and predicts 4 out of 6 as possible finalists.

MJ,

Season 4 would have been a total snorefest if Bo Bice wasn’t there to give Carrie Underwood a run for her money.

And as far as Season 6 goes, Sanjaya was the ONLY thing making that Season “Must See TV”. And the fact that ratings plunged after he left is just more evidence of that.

Paula’s finalists

Actually, as bad as the singing was last year (2 or 3 that I can think of)….the show was interesting and held it’s own. Because Melinda had her fan base and those who thought she was a super singer, and then Jordin came from behind to win it. But it was Melinda’s to lose for a long time…I never thought she would win because of her age and she was a “standards” singer — not a hip hop, contemporary singer….I know beat me up….but I envision her singing My Funny Valentine type songs vs. Irreplaceable type songs.

I never thought Blake “had it” and was sort of a con man. And I’ve said it before, he’s a better songwriter than a singer.

This year, of course, the range of singing is diverse, they all have strong vocals, it’s the personality that’s missing and like Simon said, they’re playing it safe.

But — the American public voted OFF the most interesting – Chikezie and Amanda. If those two were still on the show it would definitely be getting more eyeballs.

BTW, anybody know when Amanda is doing the Whiskey or did she do it already?

As far as which Season had the best Top 12. I say Season 5 hands down. I didn’t have a particular favorite. I thought the variety of music styles ran the gamut and there were also a lot of very interesting personalities and “stories”.

I’ve loved this season even though my favorite was voted off at 8th. It was only a couple of weeks ago that Paula had MJ in her top 4. :dry_tb:

Did anybody post this about Jordin? It made the NY post front page, maybe because Jordin’s Philippe’s daughter:

New York Post

I remember when Sinatra had vocal chord damage and couldn’t sing for years. Yep, I remember — I’m that old.

Terrific post, MJ!

I don’t think this season is boring at all. I think all of the contestants – yes including the boy wonder – have distinct and interesting personalities and styles. And I can easily concede that they are all talented, even the ones who are not my personal favorites.

Yes! On a mission for a two song download from Jason.

Last year, on multiple song nights, they still only released one song. I wonder if they will release both songs this year.

Is it next week that the idols sing TWO songs each?

If so, I MUST get Jason through to next week (yes, me personally).

I’d single-handedly do it myself, too, if I could (Memory notwithstanding), but since I can’t even vote, I am rooting for you, longsong. Hahaha!

Add me to list of those who find this season very, very exciting.

I am also finding season 7 anything but boring and I also think that there is a higher level of musical maturity and innovation than in any previous season. Maybe it has something to do with the introduction of instruments or maybe it has something to do with the fact that a lot of the contestants came into the competition as fully formed artists. Even the ones who seemed to veer towards Simon’s dreaded “kareoke/theme park/cruise ship” category such as Ramiele and David Hernandez were more talented than previous examples (Scott Savol, Jasmine Trias, Vonzell). I think the fact that VFTW is having such a hard time finding candidates that they can fully embrace as a worster is also indicative of the caliber of talent. Once Danny and Amanda left, there was no chance of a Sanjaya figure emerging to overtake the show.

I also agree with MJ that there have been more truly breakthough performances this year than in past seasons starting with Chikezie’s “She’s a Woman” during Beatles week and up to Cookies “I’ll Always Be Your Baby” last week.

I haven’t attached myself to any one contestant this year but I wouldn’t complain if Cookie, Jason, Brooke, or Carly made it to the finals. If Archie does win it all, I am thinking that 19E will be stuck with another winner who can’t sell beyond their fanbase.

But à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  the American public voted OFF the most interesting – Chikezie and Amanda. If those two were still on the show it would definitely be getting more eyeballs.

I’m trying desperately to remember this “Amanda” person of which you speak…..

P.S. Purple, I shall vote one hour for me and one hour for you. And I shall vote FEVERISHLY.

P.S. Purple, I shall vote one hour for me and one hour for you. And I shall vote FEVERISHLY.

Ditto! I’m right there with you guys.

i cant vote as i’m not in the us but does it cost to vote?

calls are free, dancin. And as Ryan always says, “standard text messaging rates apply” which for me means basically free since I have unlimited texting!

P.S. Purple, I shall vote one hour for me and one hour for you. And I shall vote FEVERISHLY.

Ditto! Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m right there with you guys.

Hahaha! Thanks, longsong. Go for it, Spenser!

I heard that there is actually some “gizmo” that non-US residents can use to vote, but I’ve not looked into it. I probably won’t be able to use it, anyway, since I would be in the office during the voting hours…

I have your back, too Purps! :biggrin_wp:

I’ve enjoyed each season since I started watching in Season 4. Each time I’ve found someone to root for. Personally, I’m glad there’s no “Sanjaya-type” this year.

For me, Seasons 1 and 5 were pure magic! I think the talent this year is fabulous and I really enjoy each contestant. the judges? Make for a nice sideshow I guess, but I relaly feel like I am going to vomit every time any one of them opens his/her mouth. They lost credibility for me eons ago and they are just so fake and self-absorbed. Even Ryan, one of my favs, isn’t the same. But the contestants? Excellent and lots of personality to me.

Purple, I will definitely be helping you out to get Jason thru this week. This is the first year I have really had any passion toward a singer like I do Jason. He is real, sweet, goofy and a wonderfully good and unique singer. I cant wait to see what he comes up with each week. David A – yeah great – but I KNOW I am voting my fingers off for Jason . Please help keep him on. I have 5 kids, I think I am providing them all with a phone and having them pitch in

TY Jersey

Does anybody know where I can see the video of Paula on DWTS last night?

I know, pj. Thank you!

Other than losing Michael Johns too early, there will be entertainment to be had in all the very different vocalists who will fight it out to the finish this year.

Michael Johns: A Day In The Life

I’m loving this season personally. The only thing that’s missing to me (and this is a tiny complaint) is that it’s a tad heavy on the “genre” singers so there are not enough “all around” singers. That makes things a little predictable since you know that everyone is going to be fitting their song into a musical mold they’ve done before. But I don’t think that’s anyone’s fault really. The judges/producers passed through a number of general singers, but none of them clicked with the public.

The only other thing missing is a really colorful personality – i.e. Pickler, Sanjaya, etc. I don’t really miss that. I like interesting song arrangements more that I like the sideshow types.

I have enjoyed every season of idol. Last year was actually the least interesting to me. I guess like boring singers, but all of the personalities and oddities don’t make a great show for me. Good singers do. I am not a tied to genre that is why I can say Ruben, Taylor and Bo were among my favorites.

This year I have really enjoyed. I adore little David’s earnestness, David’s polished edge, Syesha’s beauty and poise, Carly’s determination, Jason’s lashes, and Brooke’s slight loopiness. Most of all I love to watch every week to see what they will sing, who will crash and burn, and all of the inanities in between.

The ratings slide was long overdue. Nothing flies that high, without coming to the ground at some point. David A’s being the presumptive favorite certainly isn’t to blame as that script was written several seasons ago, and it never plays out the same way. The script gets flipped every year. That is still what brings millions to the set not once, but twice a week, every week. That is really unprecedented. Viva idol, lol.

This just occurred to me: I betcha the Lloyd Webber show is the lowest of the lowest for AI, and the reason some people are tuned off is because of the song selection. Like last week — Mariah has some uptempo songs in her repetoire, but they all sang slow songs.

I cannot remember the last time an upbeat song was sung….maybe Beatles week and this is what’s putting the public to sleep….song selection and genre selection.

http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20007164_20171835_20194012,00.html
This is the type of entertainment we want to see, not some slow song singing…which is what we’ve gotten for the past 3 weeks.

From the IdolChatter (Ken Barnes) (my thoughts exactly):

That comestible, sadly, seems to form the bulk of the music diet that contestants are fed season after season, so why lard on even more of it? Donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t Diane Warren weepers and histrionic Whitney covers get enough face time on the show? The ever-increasing amount of this type of material in the programà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s repertoire makes you wonder how sincere the judges are when they call on contestants to show versatility and express more sides of themselves. Why? The only occasions when you can count on Randy, Paula and Simon giving full thumbs-up to a performance are when Archie or Syesha puts across another Olympian torch song. (By contrast, Simon looks bored out of his bad haircut when Country or Fifties Week rolls around. Uptempo is his downer.)

I’m not a hard core Idol fan and only voted S5. Even when I enjoyed the contestants I couldn’t imagine bothering to vote. So I just like to be entertained and then see if my perceptions of the people turn out to be true.This season has more commercial talent than S6 for sure and started out okay.

However, the contestants are too limited in their genre to be interesting. Maybe if one of them did an up tempo song I’d feel differently. The biggest disapppointments are David A and Carly. They have the chops but pick the worst songs possible. Jason and Cook just bore me because it’s same old every week. Cook probably has the most potential but the chances of me buying his album is slim to none. However, these two guys seem to working the “thud” angle better than last year’s dudes.

Maybe something exciting will happen this season. It’s still a decent show and some of the talent has been terrific.
I’m not surprised in the least that ratings are tanking because what reads as current here is far from it for me. The personalities are quite meh as well.