Idol Headlines for 4/28/08

I’m on my way out and only had the opportunity to skim that MSNBC article, but I couldn’t agree more with the premise! Give me more current music, idol!
ETA: I’m saying that and I’m old. I love me some Neil Diamond, but come on.

I partially agree with the MSNBC story about bad song choices. These are young kids 21-23 years old; Mjohns and Carly are a bit older. These kids don’t know the meaning of CATS Memories because they haven’t been to see the play; they’re not music majors. They cannot wrap themselves around the songs because they are not “contemporary”. However, stating that, a really good singer would flush out the song and sing it to high heavens.

Also, the audience is more contemporary. To me, it seems they choose the same-o same-o songs year after year….which makes me wonder does AI have a large catalog to choose from? They have to get permission, maybe nobody’s giving them permission?

I would like to see a little Prince in the mix, more Thom Bell & the Philly Sound; I loved it when Hall & Oates & Manilow was there; what about a little Earth Wind & Fire; Ashford & Simpson?

Neil Diamond totally turns me off.

RE: Castro. He’s coffeehouse, but he’s cute and has that “different” look, which drives the teens. I’m going out on a limb and say that Jason could very well end up one of the top 2 finalists. I’m sure this is all a surprise to him, he probably didn’t expect to get this far.

I think David A is due for a big fall….maybe 3rd or 4th place. It’s possible that Syesha could be the last woman standing if she gives a rip-roaring hand clapping performance and bring out her personality more.

Darn it ..an idol gets to be at an event with Micheal Jordan and Dr. J..the problem is it is not me instead.. :surprised_wp:

I couldn’t agree with the MSNBC article more.

Prince has a huge catalog of songs and I don’t know what the problem is with him not giving license. Which is really silly. Paul McCartney has done some contemporary stuff….what about a “blues” night as a theme….I would love to hear some blues.

You have to assume there’s more to it than theme night, it has to be some artists don’t want their songs sung on AI.

I’m hoping they still get to do the iTunes top 200 theme.

RE: Castro. Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s coffeehouse

Well, maybe he really does need to head on over to one…

http://thumbsnap.com/v/YvuvDGrt.gif

:lol_tb:

Well, maybe he really does need to head on over to oneà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

http://thumbsnap.com/v/YvuvDGrt.gif

:lol_tb:

That about summed up the whole of every elimination show this year, LOL!

Prince allowed Paris to sing his song “kiss” in season 5. Of course, both are from MN. and he was on the finale that year and stopped by her dressing room to compliment her on the performance. Maybe he wont clear for anyone else? Kinda hard not to after allowing one to clear, I would think.

Saw Gina Glockson sing a song off her album shes working on . It was on Idol Extra on the reality channel. I wasnt a fan at all while she was on the show but I loved that song and she did a very good job with it. She has gained a little weight and got engaged. Shes one of the cohosts on that show this year for those that dont see Idol Extra.

Purple: That’s Cruel! :cry_wp: The guy was probably tired from all the running around that they do. Can you imagine what those kids are put through for the sake of a show?

Maybe Castro’s appeal (besides being a cute goofball) is that he is YOUNG and doesn’t know the songs, which reflect upon the teen audience? Plus, he does look like a stoner. I mean for him to state he didn’t know it was about Cats, well how many youngsters know the song is sung by cats? Most broadway show attendees are older; Broadway is trying to get the younger crowd in with Fantasia, Clay and P. Diddy and it’s working.

These youngsters don’t have a history of anything beyond 10 years — poor things.

A few points about the MSNBC story:

The problem with American Idol needing more “contemporary” music is — what music? During the past decade, Rap and club-groove Hip Hop were big. Many of the huge chart hits were chanted, not sung. Some were also, shall we say, not family fare? Hey kids, let’s have a 50 Cent week!

Blake sang songs by Maroon 5 and other current bands, but his big knock-out performances were older hit tunes by The Zombies and Marc Anthony. Why? Because until about 1990 most chart hits were more melodic and catchier, whether you heard them once or a hundred times — except for country music, which I believe is so popular because it’s still based on story-songs. A few new artists doing melodic stuff slipped through — Nora Jones, Corinne Bailey Rae, John Legend. And some of their stuff has been really butchered on Idol.

I truly don’t think the problem is “old music.” Beatles songs appeal to multi-generations. Motown is still in major rotation. Disco and ’70s-
80s nostalgia ain’t dead yet. And Andrew Lloyd Webber shows tour and are performed in amateur and educational theaters incessantly, appealing in large measure to young people. (My teenage niece adores Phantom of the Opera, and would see it 12 times if she could.)

Yes, a moratorium on Whitney Houston hits and “Bohemian Rhapsody” might be in order on Idol.

But if you consider how the new biggest “reality” show on TV right now s one devoted to the sort of ballroom dancing done mainly by people over 60, and look at Michael Buble’s throng of young fans (for records full of tunes that Frank Sinatra sang), it’s hard to believe that Idol isn’t slipping in the ratings because of its musical choices.

IMO: Basically, the novelty is wearing off. And with more “professional” contestants, there’s less Cinderella backstory stuff about coming out of nowhere to be a big star, and less suspense and schmaltz. (I’m personally grateful that David Cook hasn’t milked dry his brother’s serious illness, but it might have increased Idol’s ratings, creepily, if he had.)

For a show to be on top for seven years is so rare in an era when the multi-decade success of something like “The Ed Sullivan Show” is unthinkable. But people get a little bored, especially if they don’t have a horse in the race — which, this year, many potential watchers don’t.

Also, let’s not consider this in a vacuum: there is a very important, very exciting national election going on. People are working really hard, often at two jobs, debt is high and the economy sucks. There’s a lot going on in people’s lives, and “Idol” may not be centerstage anymore.

As much as I’m addicted to this show, nothing lasts forever. And if it’s still winning the audience it has, as TV watching in general slumps, trust me — they ain’t gonna cancel it until the numbers go down a LOT more…..

amendment of my last post: I meant it’s hard to believe AI is slipping in the ratings due to music. garbled sentence there.

and my ref to the Marc Anthony song: Latin music is also still very much melody-based, like country.

Purple: Thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Cruel! :cry_wp:

Aww, Chicago-Sally. I could never be cruel to Jason. I love him. Besides, you can ask the people here…I’ve always been a nice girl. Jason just needs to be in that coffeehouse. I’d join him there, too, because his music happens to be my cup of, err, coffee.

he was on the finale that year and stopped by her dressing room to compliment her on the performance

I didn’t know that. Very cool for Paris.

Incidentally, I just heard today that Daughtry is finally headed to my part of the world (Hah! I knew it!). He’s reportedly doing a show here on July 29. Yes, of course, I am going. My third Idol. Heh. I just hope the tickets are not too expensive (no free shows for the Daughtry!).

Castro has America in a dredlock
By Lana Sweeten-Shults

Wow!
I was gonna go correct that gal on Jasonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s eye color,
but a bunch of other fans beat me to it.
Boy! Did they clean her clock!

If anyone wants to see Alex Lees, here he is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAvGzkNzxZw

I understand what people are saying about song choice, but since Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m 49 years of age, I have been enjoying the music this year. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s familiar to me, unlike other years when I have been completely unfamiliar with the music. So I guess those people who donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t like the music from this year know how I have been feeling for the past 3 years.

Letà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not forget a couple of major premises of AI, and that is to take a song and make it sound current and make it your own. Many of you will agree with me, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m sure, that usually the Top 24 contestants donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t KNOW who they are. I think if they only chose songs that were less than 10 years old, AI would become something more like a karaoke-fest. How tough can it be to take a current song and make it sound current? Yes, I understand what the argument is, but Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not sure what the solution is.

But out of compassion for you who are suffering, I agree that surely, they could have had at least one week with music that is more contemporary thrown in there to change it up a little and keep peopleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s interest.

Colette–Your opinion was well thought out ,well written and I agree with it 100% .

Purple–thanks for making me yawn and I suspicially think that nice girl image is really a front to hide that you really are a taught motorcycle girl..;)

collette, I love you.

Jason Fans!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxUW-7m3jMg
Jason and Bruddah Iz singing together!!
Apparently, they sang it in the same key!

As far as yawning goes, it’s been proven that many times we yawn because we are waking up, not because we are bored.

Olympic athletes often yawn before competition.

The person who wrote that article for the Times Recorder is totally clueless. Of course, charisma counts on AI. If Carly had any, she may still be there. I have to laugh at her saying he has green eyes. Totally clueless. And, for the record, Randy explained what he meant by “trainwreck.” He meant it wasn’t his genre. Well, duh, Randy! It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that one out. Of course, we won’t hear anything from the pundits except the words, “trainwreck,” in their incessant venom against Jason, and, him being the reason Carly is gone.

She didn’t connect with her audience, and, she even admitted in one interview that everyone told her to stop trying to please Simon. Her response: People vote according to his critques. Oh really? Another clueless one. Some may, most who have watched this show for years, do not.

If her fanbase was that large, she’d still be on the show. Did any of those people bemoaning her elimination vote? I seriously doubt it, so, they throw bricks at those of us who voted to keep our pony in the race.

And, I honestly believe that Jason will beat Carly’s butt in record sales in the future too. I wish her well, but, dang it, she isn’t the 2nd coming.

Thanks for that video link, sciencefan. It was very cool. I’m always amazed when people take the time to do that kind of thing. LOL.

Jason Fans!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxUW-7m3jMg
Jason and Bruddah Iz singing together!!
Apparently, they sang it in the same key!

Thanks, sciencefan. I had never heard the Bruddah Iz version before. I love it.

American Idol Finalist Jason Castro: Neil Diamond Week Boost?

Is this the week that Jason Castro really makes his move? Neil Diamond week will give the American idol dark horse plenty of options for a number that can vault him into the top three. The consensus seems to be that the final show will be David Archuleta versus rocker David Cook, but what if Castro shows up to crash the party?

National Ledger

Her response: People vote according to his critques. Oh really? Another clueless one.

I think she has a point here. I think a significant portion of the casual voters (the non-board-visiting peeps who strictly enjoy this as a TV show and don’t purchase the contestant’s CD’s) really do take their cues from Simon.

My theory is that there a ton of people who may not vote all year, but will vote during the finale. And, I think as soon as Simon says “You may have just done enough to win this thing” to one of the 2 finalists – they instantly get thousands more votes.

Of course, most of my theories suck, so I could be completely wrong lol.

I’m not a fan of these alleged journalists heaping blame on either Jason or Brooke (or whoever the punching bag of the week is) when someone they think is better gets voted off. If enough of the voters wanted Carly to stay, she would have. Obviously, this indicates to me that more voters like Jason or Brooke or whoever than liked Carly.

It gets pretty irritating when people generalize about a fan base just because they are not a part of it. Jason has fans of all ages, races, genders, religions, etc. Some people just like his style of music and like the way he sings it. It’s just that simple.

I’m not a teen. Jason is my favorite. I like the music that I like. He is charming, cute and a good person but when I buy music it’s because I want to listen to it. I listen to his music. He makes me feel what he is singing. His phrasing is amazing.

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not a fan of these alleged journalists heaping blame on either Jason or Brooke (or whoever the punching bag of the week is) when someone they think is better gets voted off. If enough of the voters wanted Carly to stay, she would have. Obviously, this indicates to me that more voters like Jason or Brooke or whoever than liked Carly.

I have to agree. And Nigel isn’t helping matters.

Ugh. I really do not like when Nigel tells me what I should think. The thing about a show runner saying this kind of stuff is they lock themselves into a box. What happens if Jason wins? Not that I find that scenario at all likely. But, if it happened – what’s Nigel going to tell the reporters then? How does he backtrack from that?

They can go on their whiny “America got it Wrong” tangent anytime they want – it’s not going to change the fact that the voters still make the decision. And, if they didn’t want us to – they shouldn’t have given us the power. It’s just basically like insulting thousands of Americans in the press. We’re too stupid to know who is better, we’re just dumb like that I guess.

Jason, a party crasher? Who would’ve thunk it? And, Nigel – shut your pie hole! I listened to Carly on Ellen. Her lower register is good, but, whens he goes for those high notes, it’s totally shrill. So, Brooke forgets the words again, asks the band to start over, gets a pass from everyone but Paula, and, Jason should’ve gone? A$$hats! And, they wonder why they are losing viewers? Another clueless bunch. That’s the reason they had Jason come out with Carly. To make him the villian because Nigel thought he should’ve gone home. That article regarding their manipulations was on the money!

Holy freakin’ cow. They really have it out for Jason now, huh? I guess Syesha can rest easy for a week. Nigel TOTALLY threw Jason under a bus.

My thing is, I love Brooke, and I like Jason fine but never voted for him. But even I can admit that Jason has been stronger than Brooke lately. How does he “deserve” to go after ONE bad performance? I just don’t get it. I feel like the rest of the world is occupying a different reality than me. This blaming Jason thing makes no sense whatsoever.

I mean, haven’t they been on Carly for weeks about not connecting, not living up to her potential, etc. She has one great week and that’s supposed to cure everything? It can’t be a case of too little too late? It has to be someone else that should have went home? Has he even been watching his own show for the past 7 seasons?

Man, they are about to start turning me off again.

I’m done with this show after this season. I’m going to stay to see Jason through, watch the finale, and, then it’s over for me. I’ve had enough of their crap. I agree with you tinawina, you don’t throw someone under the bus for one subpar performance. Maybe Nigel needs a dose of reality. And,f or the record, this is the first week that Carly has had a download chart on ITunes. Are they that danged stupid?

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not a fan of these alleged journalists heaping blame on either Jason or Brooke (or whoever the punching bag of the week is) when someone they think is better gets voted off. If enough of the voters wanted Carly to stay, she would have. Obviously, this indicates to me that more voters like Jason or Brooke or whoever than liked Carly.

Reading the many AI-related articles here and elsewhere, I have also noticed that many of these media people have Carly as their favorite (and in almost as many instances, say Jason is just a talentless boy getting by on his good looks). I like Carly but I love Jason so some of this can get a little frustrating to me at times.

I am also looking forward to hearing more familiar songs sang on the AI stage, but I guess I am thankful for the themes somewhat because, having a very limited exposure to (non-pop American) music, I was introduced to songs I had never heard before. Among my new favorites are the Dolly Parton ones: Here You Come Again, Travelin’ Thru, and It’s All Wrong But It’s Aright.

Of the Neil Diamond tunes, I am really only familiar with You Don’t Bring Me Flowers, Sweet Caroline, and I’m A Believer, so I’m looking forward to the other songs the Idols are going to be doing.

Jason and Bruddah Iz singing together!!

That mash-up was really well-done. In this video, no mash-up was required…

Jason Mraz and Chris Richardson – Geek in the Pink

(I’d hardly call it a duet, though. LOL)

Question for Nigel: Wonder how Jason can “deserve” to go home, when he had 2 of the few breakout performances this year, has had the top Idol itunes download of the week at least 3 times, and made the Top 12 despite zero pre-24 screen time?? I would tend to guess his vote totals are in the top 3 of all the contestants over the course of this season. He “deserves” a little respect, if you ask me.

From outhouse to White House

AMERICAN Idol audiences voted him off the show, but Aussie Michael Johns has been embraced by Hollywood and even US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

In a bizarre moment for the Perth-born singer, Johns was invited to the White House correspondents dinner over the weekend, where he was mobbed by Rice, Rob Lowe and the press corp gushing about his talent.

http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,23613710-5012980,00.html

It says that Michael is going to Sydney on May 5 for a promotional visit. He also talks about going on a boat ride with Dolly and Kenny Rogers as a child. I guess they cut that part out when he talked of seeing Dolly’s concert.

I wouldn’t be surprised of Nigel’s sporting another cast this week. Heeeee…. Thank goodness for strong fan bases. Otherwise, DC could’ve been gone after “Innocent”, although the studio version was pretty awesome.

By the way, DCook’s story is in three magazines this week – People, Star, and OK! You can read each article here.

I have to agree. And Nigel isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t helping matters.

That could rally the fans into voting more fervently and serve as Jason’s passport to the Final 3. I just hope the backlash on Jason isn’t too great if that happens.

Maybe VFTW chose the wrong contestant to back…

You GO, mocha!

http://okmagazine.com/news/view/6256

Article on Jason. Seems an idol rep refused to comment on his condition. Geez, people, when Cook went to the hospital for high blood pressure, the entire world knew it. Not knocking David, he’s my second favorite, but, fair is fair. Oh, wait a minute, we’re talking about AI. My bad!

American Idol: Rankings of the Top 5

Now this guy says he will no longer call Jason a stoner, just a dimwit.

A Dose of Reality: American Idol 7: Top 5 Power Rankings

skylight1219
Apr 28th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
http://okmagazine.com/news/view/6256

Article on Jason. Seems an idol rep refused to comment on his condition. Geez, people, when Cook went to the hospital for high blood pressure, the entire world knew it. Not knocking David, heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s my second favorite, but, fair is fair. Oh, wait a minute, weà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re talking about AI. My bad!

Well…from MTV’s coverage of Cook’s situation – “A spokesperson for “Idol” declined to comment on Cook’s hospitalization.” It probably wouldn’t have been so blown out of proportion if TMZ hadn’t gotten hold of it.

Once again, creative editing has thrust Jason into the dimwit category. Who knows when the comment he made about cats was made? Maybe it was after ALW explained the song and show to him. And, maybe he was being snarky, because cats can’t really sing. And, for the record, I’m not a theatre guru, so, I wasn’t aware of that song, or which show it came from. I did research after Jason sang it.

The OK magazine article is old news. I am sure they are all exhausted. Jason was no doubt sick last week, but is probably much better now due to meds and time to get the virus out of his system. Let’s move on, people, it’s a new week.

How can I move on when Jason isn’t even good enough to be a doll? LOL

Article on Jason. Seems an idol rep refused to comment on his condition. Geez, people, when Cook went to the hospital for high blood pressure, the entire world knew it. Not knocking David, heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s my second favorite, but, fair is fair. Oh, wait a minute, weà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re talking about AI. My bad!

Jason’s my favorite too – but I don’t see a conspiracy here. I don’t think Idol has any right to comment on a contestant’s private medical information. When the details of DC’s hospital visit came out – I don’t think they came from an AI source.

How can I move on when Jason isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t even good enough to be a doll? LOL

Purps – that site is just creepy – warn me next time. I’m going to have nightmares about the Paula Abdul doll!

And, I think when Jason questioned that song being sung by a cat is one of my all time funny idol moments. Also, considering his age, and that the hey day of the musical has long since passed, I’m not at all surprised that he didn’t realize that all of the players in that show actually dressed up as cats. Just typing that makes it sound ridiculous enough to make me question it.

Question for Nigel: Wonder how Jason can à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“deserveà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  to go home, when he had 2 of the few breakout performances this year, has had the top Idol itunes download of the week at least 3 times, and made the Top 12 despite zero pre-24 screen time?? I would tend to guess his vote totals are in the top 3 of all the contestants over the course of this season. He à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“deservesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  a little respect, if you ask me.

Yes, Mocha – I second that emotion

Ugh. I really do not like when Nigel tells me what I should think. The thing about a show runner saying this kind of stuff is they lock themselves into a box. What happens if Jason wins? Not that I find that scenario at all likely. But, if it happened – whatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Nigel going to tell the reporters then? How does he backtrack from that?

I am going to think of Nigel this way, NOW I am voting the whole two hours for Jason because I think he is good, yes, but also because – Nigel – you are a ninny.

Purps – that site is just creepy – warn me next time. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m going to have nightmares about the Paula Abdul doll!

Sorry. Heh. But why did you have to choose Paula, anyway? Randy is there! LOL

sumidol, did you see the passport pic? That was for you.

Sorry. Heh. But why did you have to choose Paula, anyway? Randy is there! LOL

Oh, I couldn’t even attempt to look at the Randy doll!

That picture was awfully cute, Purps.

Well, someone predicted they would start throwing Jason under a bus. I guess they were right. Regardless, I’m prepared to vote my fingers raw.

Thank you purple – I will go find it right now YOU ARE AWESOME

Well, someone predicted they would start throwing Jason under a bus. I guess they were right. Regardless, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m prepared to vote my fingers raw.

We are a force to be reckoned with!

TERRRRIE – ARE YOU OUT THERE ANYWHERE? PLEASE REPOST YOUR COMMENTS ON BASHFUL PEOPLE? YOU SAID IT BETTER THAN I HAVE EVER HEARD

THANKS

HOW A LACK OF ELOQUENCE IN SPEECH DOES NOT MEAN A LACK OF INTELLIGENCE – SOMETHING LIKE THAT

Clay on QVC selling his album. Who wadda thunk it in a million years. :laugh_tb:

I think that Jason may have an odd sense of humor. Some get it, and some don’t. Just like in his pre-performance clip for “Michelle”, when he said “I didn’t even know “my bell” was French. I thought it was English.” I laughed out loud at that one. My sister? Not so much. I guess it went right over the heads of some that he actually meant “ma belle”.

The OK article I posted was in today’s online edition.

Is Jason threatening to topple their contrived top 2? Thing that make you go, hmmmm.

If Nigel’s reasoning is that Jason deserved to go home after what he called a weak performance, then by that standard, Carly should’ve gone home long before she did.

skylight, I agree, and David C should have gone home after Inspiration night if we are judging worthiness based on one single performance a la Nigel.

I think that Jason may have an odd sense of humor. Some get it, and some donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t. Just like in his pre-performance clip for à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Michelleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ , when he said à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“I didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t even know à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“my bellà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  was French. I thought it was English.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  I laughed out loud at that one. My sister? Not so much. I guess it went right over the heads of some that he actually meant à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“ma belleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ .

I think so too. He’s not afraid to make fun of himself. That choo choo move last week was priceless.

I got his humor on the ma belle quote. It’s an old nickname for the telephone company. Some just missed the snark.

Actually, Clay going on QVC is a brilliant idea. Paula made a fortune with her jewelry, as did Marie Osmond with her dolls, by hawking them on that station. This could be the wave of the future for CD sales.

pj
Apr 28th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
I think that Jason may have an odd sense of humor. Some get it, and some donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t. Just like in his pre-performance clip for à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Michelleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ , when he said à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“I didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t even know à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“my bellà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  was French. I thought it was English.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  I laughed out loud at that one. My sister? Not so much. I guess it went right over the heads of some that he actually meant à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“ma belleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ .

I think so too. Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not afraid to make fun of himself. That choo choo move last week was priceless.

Indeed. But then again, I’m a snark-lover. I kind of think of him at one of his concerts, having to chat with the crowd between songs. This is what I imagine him doing. Sadly, some will get it, and some won’t. Hopefully, that won’t affect whether or not they still buy his music.

You have to assume thereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s more to it than theme night, it has to be some artists donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t want their songs sung on AI.

Interesting thought. I’ll bet you are right – who wants a hit possibly massacred by someone on a show viewed by millions? Or, on the other hand, what if the idol sounded better than the original? It probably has more to do with $ in the long run.

Actually, Clay going on QVC is a brilliant idea. Paula made a fortune with her jewelry, as did Marie Osmond with her dolls, by hawking them on that station. This could be the wave of the future for CD sales.

I’m sure at this point, the record companies will try anything to boost the state of CD sales today. Maybe that one-day buying frenzy that QVC incites will prove helpful to Clay.

I’m not really a Clay fan, but I’ve got to believe if the obnoxious Marie Osmand can sell millions of those creepy dolls, Clay’s gotta be able to sell a big old bunch of CD’s.

I think all Nigel/judges/media are going to accomplish by criticizing Jason or “blaming” him for Carly’s surprising (NOT!) boot is unintentionally putting David Cook out to pasture (maybe that’s what they want, who knows. They’re evil geniuses). I’ve already seen some DC fans saying they feel like they have to give some votes to Jason because TPTB are so mean and unfair. I don’t think I’ve ever seen an entire fanbase so pissed off. If they want Jason gone, they should just lay off of him until Top 3 and find some other way to sabotage him.

I’m starting to think they want Jason and DA in the finale because it would (1) allow DC to go out at #3/4 and be a fake band; (2) make an Archie win somewhat more likely; and (3) shake things up a bit since they’ve been predicting David-David for weeks on end. I think we’ll get a huge “Jason’s back!” story this week and maybe even a molten hot lava bomb, yo’

Jason’s back? He never went anywhere. Randy seriously needs some English classes, or a new thesaurus. In fact, I’m all for voting him off the show.

I think some of Marie’s dolls are wonderful.

cheese: I think the Jason ground swell started after Larry King Live and the comments about Jason by Randy & Simon.

Because, by the end of the show, Jason was leading in the LKL polls. I think those comments pissed the Jason fans off royally.

I’m very nervous for DC because of this. I know alot of people like both JC and DC, but they’re giving JC more of their votes because of the negativity by the judges.

I am power voting for DC like crazeeee this week – will even continue dialing in the bathroom if need be.

Yep, I can pee and dial at the same time too.

Sciencefan- A belated THANK YOU for the Jason/Iz link. Wonderful!!

Well, angry fanbases can only do so much when casual voters are influenced (even unconciously) by these comments from TPTB.

The show’s ads make tons more money than any $ they make off the albums. Nigel’s goal is to stir up controversy and get people watching. Mission accomplished (maybe).

If the record company thinks Jason can make $ for them, he’ll get signed no matter where he finishes. Of course, he’ll get the automatic deal if he goes 1 or 2 but that’s no guarantee of much these days. Believe it or not, 4th and 6th place finishers can do better than the winner.

Nigel tends to more honest than you’d expect. I heard him S5 saying he’d voted for Daughtry and there are actually no rules against show employees voting. I appreciate the honesty even it seems odd that the show’s producer is so open about having favorites.

Nigel, good job at getting some juices going.

Maybe the ratings will get a teeny boost.

P.S. I highly doubt Jason was making some funny joke about the phone company. It’s been quite awhile since Ma Bell was around. He just thought it was “my bell.”

I think all Nigel/judges/media are going to accomplish by criticizing Jason or à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“blamingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  him for Carlyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s surprising (NOT!) boot is unintentionally putting David Cook out to pasture (maybe thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s what they want, who knows.

While I agree both David’s should probably be a little worried about Jason’s angry rabid fanbase, I’ll never believe for a second TPTB WANT David Cook out this early. No way. I think Nigel & co. are just too stupid to realize they’re antics may backfire.

I may have to lift my anti-voting because I’m a pissed MJ fan voting pledge this week and vote for DC, because frankly, with all due respect to Jason if he outlasted DC or David A.) I would be done with this show for good.

About Jasons sense of humor – its what you call a dry sense of humor. You get it or you dont. I think that Cheese, PJ, Carolina, Longsong, Gwendolyn all have that kind of sense of humor on here. I know there are more but they have stood out to me in that area

Oh and Skylight

I think David A not David C should be worry about Jason. David C’s popularity has continue to swell with buzzworthy performances. David A on the other hand, hasn’t lived up the buzz surrounding his Imagine performance. Yeah, he’s been consistent, but after the lyric fumble during the Beatles week and David C’s OMG!brilliant! performances, I feel he hasn’t gain any ground. His fans are still super supportive, but as bringing in new fans like some of the others, his remain stagnant.

(1) allow DC to go out at #3/4 and be a fake band;

And bonus: this eponymous fake band would make for less time-consuming tattoo experience.

Ok, seriously, though. I think I’m an optimist this season. I don’t think DC will be a shocking boot.

meme Apr 28th, 2008 at 4:12 pm

Clay on QVC selling his album. Who wadda thunk it in a million years.

Don’t be too shocked. Its a growing option to promote music that radio ignores. Some of your favorites may well follow in his wake.

QVC’s 39-year-old director of entertainment buying, Rich Yoegel, thinks there’s a void to fill with the disappearance of music retailers à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  for example, Tower Records.
Last summer, Mr. Yoegel (a fan of groups like Train and Journey) began aggressively approaching labels looking for compatible artists that would offer exclusive bonus material and competitive prices. “There is a business for selling plastic” as opposed to music downloads, he says.

Paul McCartney, Elton John, Bon Jovi, Alabama, Barry Manilow, Chaka Khan, Carly Simon. Goo Goo Dolls and Neil Sedaka have all been recently featured.

I don’t think he will be either. I think Carly was the shocking boot. I think if there is another, it will be DA, not DC. I agree with the poster above that said that while DC has been gaining fans, DA has kept the fans he had, maybe added some, but not nearly to the same extent as DC. I do believe they want an all male final three, though I wouldn’t count Syesha out, even though I think she should have been gone weeks ago.

Nigel deserves death.

I think David A not David C should be worry about Jason. David Cà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s popularity has continue to swell with buzzworthy performances. David A on the other hand, hasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t lived up the buzz surrounding his Imagine performance. Yeah, heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s been consistent, but after the lyric fumble during the Beatles week and David Cà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s OMG!brilliant! performances, I feel he hasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t gain any ground. His fans are still super supportive, but as bringing in new fans like some of the others, his remain stagnant.

I agree. If ANYONE this year is going to be an actual “shocking boot” (Nigel made MJ’s allegedly early exit hardly anything of a surprise after some thought, that bastard), it’s going to be Archie. I don’t know how many casual voters tend to throw votes to him, though, so I could always be wrong…oh please don’t let me be wrong. I need my Cocky McSmugface at that finale.

I agree with the MSNBC article, too. Personally, I’d never not watch the show just because the themes almost always focus on music prior to the 21st century, but having grown up in the 90′s, I am more likely than not pretty lost on some nights since I’m not familiar with the songs (I needed to do loads of Youtube-ing on Dolly week as well as last week, namely). It really would not hurt for TPTB to hit us up with a more current theme; they could probably draw in some of their lost viewers if they did that, actually.

ETA:

Nigel deserves death.

Violent today, are we? LOL. I don’t completely disagree, though. He’s an a$$hat, IMO.

I loved Idolatry this week. They hit on all of the tiny things that TPTB do to affect the voting public subconsciously (i.e. putting the Davids together during the results show, having ALW comment on Castro’s performance in a negative way, cutting away from Archie when he flubbed his lyrics last week, and the judges’ ability to completely undermine or pimp a contestant with their comments).

No matter how you feel about Carly, you have to admit that TPTB (including the judges) threw her under the bus this season. No matter how you feel about Archie, you have to admit that the TPTB (including the judges) have blown his talent way out of proportion. No matter how you feel about Jason, you must admit that he has been treated unfairly esp. in last week’s results show.

Nigel and his crew are masters at manipulating their audience, and it is sickening. Maybe that’s what makes good TV….maybe that’s why we are all so addicted to this show. :ponder_tb:

I don’t think Carly was shocking – to a lot maybe because Simon has always said before that big notes get big votes. She had not been selling as much as Davids and Jason until this last week and it was just a little (very good) but too late. I saw a video of her before Idol where she wasnt just belting out her song and I liked that side of her better.

Shocking to me was Michael Johns this year and Daughtry last year

Since Idol seems to be nothing but a game of fanbases and shifting voters, considering the possibility that Archie gets booted at #3, where on earth would his votes go? Personally, Jason would probably have it in the bag.

Lots of Randy’s and Nigel’s response to Jason reminds me of the way they would respond when asked about Elliott. Nothing would irk me more than when Randy would snort (or ribbit) and say, “Elliott won’t win.” Grrrr. Okay…so, I’m not over it…yet. Anyway, he didn’t win. But, I’m glad that he’s where he is now. He has grown as a performer. He has developed more stage presence. And lo and behold, he still has a great relationship with Idol. Regardless of where he ends up, I think Jason will probably follow Elliott’s path post-Idol and will probably be more successful.

I’m not believing for one second that voting is all that counts though. There is an interesting article from AZ Central about TBTP not wanting to release past vote totals “as the release of such information would only serve to create additional rumor and speculation.” Heh. Heh. Heh. That just rubs me raw.

So, I’m kind of on the fence about whether the producers actually end up getting exactly what they want in the end.

I think that the early and often predictions by the judges that there will be a David v. David finale left a lot of viewers cold especially after each received perceived undue praise for some performances. It just seemed that the judges had made their decisions and would say whatever it took to make it seem that those two were better than they actually were. Many figured that since it was a done deal, why get attached – why watch? Hence, the lower stats this season.

I’m starting to feel really, really bad for Jason. He does seem like a very sweet, sincere person. It is in no way his “fault” that anyone got voted off. America obviously sees something in him that they didn’t see in Carly. Plus, I don’t get the one bad performance = gone mentality. He has had more stand out performances this season than everyone except probably DC. That’s not enough? He doesn’t sing LOUD enough for you, Nigel??

I think that Jason’s sense of humor is completely hilarious. Just about everything he says/does makes me laugh. That choo-choo thing last week was HYSTERICAL!!

There really wasn’t a ton of backlash against Jason until around last week. I wonder if his vote totals are coming close to one of the Davids (probably Archuletta) and TPTB are scared that Jason will mess up their perfect finale.

GO CRASH THAT PARTY JASON! CASTRO FOR THE WIN!!!

Cheese…my love …..SHADDUP!!! You’re killing me. Here I am feeling great about DC’s chances and you throw me back under the bed, clutching my teddy bear. My emotions are see sawing worse than Pauler without her meds. UGHHHHHHHHH!!!!

I will vote my fingers numb for DC on Tuesday night and if he doesn’t make the finale and JC does, I will vote for him. Until then, Cocky McSmugface, who I fear will now need every vote I can throw him, will be my focus.

I feel like freakin Rainman….must vote for DC must vote for DC must vote for DC must vote for DC must vote for DC……

Here is the link to a website DCook designed in his multimedia apps college course. It’s a pretty neat site, but what I really posted it for was so that y’all (who want to) can here another one of his songs – “Dear Heaven.”

I do not think Jason C is the only one Blamed for the vote off and this is not a new thing for Idol..Oh and I must admit if David C gets voted off before JAson thier it will be worse..
Jason C is not Elliott at all So I would not compare them thier both in diferent situations and have diferent persona on stage.

Gwen, the link isn’t working. Can you repost?? Please??

What to do? What to do? I have been vote splitting between Cookie and Jason, but was thinking Jason needed all my votes to keep from getting the boot, but now I am not sure……..maybe DC needs them?

And I LOVE JC’s quirky sense of humor.

David Cook and Jason Castro are the reason I LOVE the show this year. I do think Cookie deserves to win it all and I love his voice and creativity, but

Jason is Love

Well ! All those fatheaded reporters/bloggers can take a hike~

I love Jasonisms!

Jason reminds me of Blake…another contestant I can’t stand. They’re both described as different, unique, and have supposedly distinct musical identities. They’re paltry, average vocals are justified by the reasoning that one doesn’t need a huge, diva-like voice in order to be considered a singer. They both are said to have been “thrown under the bus” by the judges and the producers because of harsh, sharp criticism (BLAKE – Simon to Jordin: “You just wiped the floor with Blake” & the decision to pair Melinda with Blake during the top 3 elimination show to produce a “Blake robbed Melinda” effect |||| JASON – Randy to Jason: “Vocally, that was a trainwreck” & showing ALW disagreeing with Jason’s song choice decision).

I think the parallel will continue well into Jason’s future (Blake’s present = Jason’s future)

Nigel is a pissant.

I think everyone should send him a roll of duct tape with instructions: apply daily and generously on yo’ big mouth.

I think Jason has a lot more to offer than Blake did/does. Blake was my favorite contestant last year, but mostly just because I found him entertaining and I liked watching him on TV. His singing does leave a lot to be desired, though.

Jason, on the other hand, does have a very nice voice. He hits wonky notes every now and then, but he has a very nice instrument. With some experience and training, he will just continue to get better. Not to mention that his phrasing is exquisite. Some of the stuff he’s written is really, really good too. A true talent, Jason is.

Mj, What about David Archuleta’s Angels? Wasn’t that released in the last decade?

“paltry” — now wait a sec! I’ll admit he’s kinda pasty but paultry? Nevah!

AMEN, CARO!!

Nigel and Randy really drive me nuts. Can we vote them off instead of the contestants?

RE the subject of Clay on QVC. He was on app. 40 minutes singing 5 new songs this evening. QVC brought in 12,000 copies On My Way Here for pre sale and over 11,000 were ordered in that time length. Not too bad for a few minutes work. :exclaim_ee:

Steph
Apr 28th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
Gwen, the link isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t working. Can you repost?? Please??

Well, it would appear that today’s traffic killed the website. Nevertheless, the song is here.

-I should of stated it this way —I think that if Jason C stays on while Daivd c gets voted off that it might be worse with the blaming……no offence to either just a wild guess at reactions of some…

–Elliott and jason c what I ment each contestant is diferent….

Thanks Gwen – great song by DC – I assume this was made before Analog Heart?

I assume this was made before Analog Heart?

I’m not sure, Dante.

Sorry, I don’t see the Jason/Elliott comparison. If Jason looked like Chris Sligh, I don’t think he’d have much of a fanbase at all. He needs the visuals to get the fans. Elliott got much cuter but his vocals were his bread & butter.

Jason reminds me of Taylor, Blake, Kat – all people who were helped by being seen and failed once they became recording artists. That said, Jason is a much better singer than Blake ever was.

QVC brought in 12,000 copies On My Way Here for pre sale and over 11,000 were ordered in that time length. Not too bad for a few minutes work.

Isn’t that more than what Blake sold the week he sang on AI this season? :lol_tb:

Totally agree with Tony and jpfan. Jason is so overrated. I mean, I don’t like many singers on AI, but I have to say they have vocal abilities that I don’t have. I just can’t see much difference between Jason and my roommate, who also plays guitar and sings better than him, or any other street corner singers. I think he is this year’s Sanjaya

Well, it would appear that todayà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s traffic killed the website. Nevertheless, the song is here.

Okay, that song is precisely why Cocky McSmugface is deserving of the win. He’s got a built-in voice for radio, has got some killer songwriting and arranging skills, and he will undoubtedly sell. Whether he can become a “success” Ã   la KellyCarrieDaughtry, we’ll see.

The top ten tour pic is up!

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/1811/top10tourphotoqo8.jpg

Holy whiteness, Batman!

ETA: Back to an earlier topic… I think if anyone is “at risk” because of Nigel’s comments and Jason’s angry fanbase, it’s Brooke. She’s probably splitting some votes with Jason and she got a pass.

The top ten tour pic is up!

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/1811/top10tourphotoqo8.jpg

Holy whiteness, Batman!

Photoshopped? DC’s hair still wasn’t in the “hot” stage at that point.

While I agree both Davidà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s should probably be a little worried about Jasonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s angry rabid fanbase, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll never believe for a second TPTB WANT David Cook out this early. No way. I think Nigel & co. are just too stupid to realize theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re antics may backfire.

I may have to lift my anti-voting because Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m a pissed MJ fan voting pledge this week and vote for DC, because frankly, with all due respect to Jason if he outlasted DC or David A.) I would be done with this show for good.

HEY – IM NOT AN ANGRY RABID JASON FAN, JUST A MOTHER OF THREE THAT LOVES JASON AND DAVID C AND WANT TO SEE THEM THRU TO THE END

Photoshopped? DCà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s hair still wasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t in the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“hotà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  stage at that point.

I think this is photoshopped. Some of them look pasted in. What is that look on Brooke’s face?!? “What am I doing here??”

I REALLY REALLY THINK THAT THERE IS NO WAY IN THE WORLD THAT DAVID C WILL BE VOTED OFF. THE ONE THEY ARE WORRYING ABOUT BEING VOTED OFF IS DAVID A

IN THE TOP TEN PIC – WHO DO YOU SEE TOGETHER IN THE CENTER? SUBLIMINAL MESSAGE?

Why is KLC the only one smiling in that pic? Did she not get the memo that she was supposed to look all serious?

Why are all the guys wearing such light colors while David C. is wearing dark brown? Weird.

Trina
Apr 28th, 2008 at 10:14 pm
Why are all the guys wearing such light colors while David C. is wearing dark brown? Weird.

Cuz he the dark horse, darn it! :smiley2_tb:

Jason aint leaving, and neither are the Davids. In danger now are Syesha and Brooke.

Cuz he the dark horse, darn it!

I was going to write about his alleged “emo-ness”, but that’s spot on right there.

Brooke’s outfit in that pic, Photoshopped or not, is the best thing she’s worn all season. Her life, maybe.

Why are all the guys wearing such light colors while David C. is wearing dark brown? Weird.

Dark brown? I thought it was (dark) gold lame. Whew!

I think it actually IS dark gold, purps…it’s shining in spots.

MJ is making an unfortunate facial expression in that picture, but most of them look good, albeit somewhat shiny.

Out of curiosity, I hunted down the Extra episode where they interviewed Nigel about Carly’s eliminatation. Here it is.

Nigel Talks about Carly’s elimination

He says that Jason was the weakest that night, but didn’t say he should have gone home instead of Carly. I think OK may have been putting a few words in Nigel’s mouth.

Jason = Sanjaya?? Surely you jest! Sanjaya never had a truly good Idol performance. Jason has had 2 Idol moments, and several other very well received performances. I disagree.

Photoshopped? DCà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s hair still wasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t in the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“hotà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  stage at that point.

Well, he cut it between top 10 and top 9 week, so it could have been right after it was cut. Or maybe the picture was just taken later? Who knows.

I thought the same thing about KLC being the only one smiling and MJ’s odd facial expression.

That’s a lot of white and gold.

He says that Jason was the weakest that night, but didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t say he should have gone home instead of Carly. I think OK may have been putting a few words in Nigelà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s mouth.

Awwww come on, MJ. Are you trying to say that a gossip rag would sensationalize a story like that?! *gasp*

Brooke looks startled in that picture. Hehehehe.

Why does MJ look like he’s about to solve a crime? “A-ha! The butler did it!”

grrr – it’s a good thing I wasn’t drinking my bottle of water just then. You would owe me a new computer!

Why does MJ look like heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s about to solve a crime? à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“A-ha! The butler did it!à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

LOL. That is complete and utter WIN.

Well, he cut it between top 10 and top 9 week, so it could have been right after it was cut.

Maybe. It still looks Photoshopped to me, though.

I remember Michael saying in one of his post-boot interviews that the tour promo pictures were taken the day after his elimination and he said he was so worn out he expected to look lousy LOL

For comparison, here is last year’s tour pic.

Ummmm…I think I like this year’s better.

I can see why everyone is wearing something off of the white/gold/tan palette this season…

I wasn’t going to say anything but, Gina…? C’mon! Melinda looks like she’s going in for a day at the office…. But, at least their all smiling.

I don’t like that Brooke is in front of Michael. That’s just wrong. :mad_tb:

Hmm… just looking at the 2 pictures, I think this year’s tour is going to do better than last year’s did. Say what you will, but I think there is better talent this year in the Top 10, and more Idols that people would actually pay to go and see.

Thanks, MJ. But Nigel did make a dig that Jason’s popularity kept him in the show, as opposed to his singing. That irked me. The quote is there, when he refers to the fan base. It was on the Extra site too when it first came to light. I disagree with Nigel and don’t think it’s his job to make comments like that. I know he does it every year. Doesn’t make it kosher to me.

LOL. I’m such a fantard.

It truly bothers me that these articles about Jason fail to mention that the viewers did not see his audition or any Hollywood week material, therefore he had a late start in establishing his fan base. He is different, refreshing, and I like his voice as well as his looks. For me, Jason represents the whole concept of finding undiscovered, raw talent. I am so happy he has gotten this far!

Also, he has many fans over the age of 40 years old, and many that are Grandmas. Yep PJ, they have started throwing him under the bus.

So happy to hear Taylor is having fun and doing what he wants to do – sing!

I personally like the theme nights, just NOT for the top 24. That’s just all kinds of wrong. Now, on to serious matters, cause you know MJ isn’t the only one who loves this cheesy show.

My theory, for what it’s worth, and, probably not much, is that they are going for a singer/songwriter winner this year. Wanna know why? Well, even if you don’t, I’m gonna tell you.

Look at the mentors they lined up: Dolly, Mariah, Neil, and, then throw old crotch pants, ALW in there. HE isn’t a singer, but, he writes the songs.

Several times this year, Randy has used the singer/songwriter verbage. For the most part, whatever Randy says is garbage, but, if you pick through the trash, you can hear what the producers are after. Yep, the winner will be a singer/songwriter. My guess is that DC is going to win, and, even though I’m a Jason fan, I think DC is the whole package. I want Jason in the finale because I think David A. is just too boring. They’re after another Ruben/Clay finale. That was the bomb!

I didn’t find this posted anywhere else, so I apologize if it was.

A copy of the survey that FOX has been circulating about AI:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/04/28/fox-considering-major-cha_n_98910.html

If TPTB really don’t want Jason in the finale and fear him as a spoiler, they will find a way to sabotage him and do it THIS week.

I wouldn’t mind that so much. :twisted_wp:

mocha
Apr 29th, 2008 at 12:23 am
Hmmà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ just looking at the 2 pictures, I think this yearà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s tour is going to do better than last yearà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s did. Say what you will, but I think there is better talent this year in the Top 10, and more Idols that people would actually pay to go and see.

No argument there. Not. At. All.