Idol Headlines for 4/4/08

Wow. that chick from CMT sure is cranky. Nice to know people love Carrie Underwood that much though.

Of course Simon thinks he should be in charge! LOL! Sheds a whole new light on his impatience during the show.

Ummmm…Carmen wrote a BOOK?!?!

Teri Hatcher sings? Who knew?

From CMT:

And when Dolly herself performed last night, she sounded downright nervous on her just-released “Jesus & Gravity.” A weak and shaky voice, then later an awkward interview with host Ryan Seacrest, showed the world she was way out of her wheelhouse. Even worse was the performance by country trio the Clark Brothers, with the oddly punk take on the Christian preschool anthem “This Little Light of Mine

That’s exactly how I felt too. Utterly disappointed…but maybe Dollie was nervous, because it’s not often she’s on the biggest show in the world….I guess that could mess up pros like Diana Ross and Bette Midler too.

Re: the MTV article and Blog

WOW…Seriously, Archie fans really need to tone it down about 100 notches. People are entitled to their own opinions. I hope those soldiers don’t take any of those comments personally.

Slightly OT but, add “wheelhouse” to terms I never want to hear again.

Slightly OT but, add à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“wheelhouseà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  to terms I never want to hear again.

LOL. Word. Add “pitchy”, “cruise ship performance” & “you look gorgeous tonight” and we can do business.

CMT person know that recently Dolly suffered from a bad back and had to cancel prefromances.

Carrie Underwood has a good pretty voice and seems quite stiff compared to how she looks in music videos. I did not see much of season four at all so the first I saw of herr was on a video .

Idol Gives Back all the unviverse knows I will be missing it and why..(big comapnies showing how thier doing a good deed)

The article on “Daughtry” the writer a bit grouchy or did not want to be there.
NYT-tuesday- 25.1 million viewers…wed-24. million….Ai is still a monster but compared to other years and the srtike not as good…hopefully it will grow .IGA will be big and may rub off on the other days so wondering what happens after…Why interested Simon threw down the guanlet.

Simon C wants it his way no surprise…”good looking”"rock/popers” that are in.”opera” singers that are good.

A guess of what SImon wants as contestants ..they need to make him see green.

Question about Josh Gracin’s complaint about not being on Idol Wed. night — he sold about 700,000 his first CD….why would his record company not want to promote his new one? Scratching head….
And for a small label like Lyric — isn’t 700,000 considered a “hit?”

Gee, if Simon got to package Carly what would we end up seeing? Possibly a chanteuse instead of a perceived over the hill rocker chick? Class to match the voice? I’m all for that.

You know, that raised a good question… Carly undeniable has a great voice, but something has been missing. I’d love to hear what everyone else thinks she should do. Let’s play Carly’s manager/A&R rep for a second:

I say she should go with what she projects naturally – tension, drama, angst. Perhaps an Evanescense (sp) Amy Lee type record? I definitely think she should front some kind of band though, she’s not a solo act to me.

Anyone else wanna take a stab?

Actually I kinda like the idea of songs being chosen, that way they can’t be blamed for song choice. I would also like for the stylists to do a better job. Carly is not a bad looking chick but she looked like she was wearing riding breeches that night. She doesnt have a clue about clothing, and sorry to say it does matter.

I like the was Leona is being packaged. She is wearing very basic yet trendy clothing so that it doesn’t distract from the voice, which I am really starting to love. She does remind me of early Mariah, before she lost her mind and started dressing like a streetwalker.

I don’t understand why Josh’s label isn’t supporting him, but it’s obvious that there was some problem with this cd. It was supposed to be released last year and it kept getting pushed back. That and the slight the other night makes it seem like where there’s smoke…..I don’t get it, neither do I get his open displeasure. He’s taking it to his fans instead of to the people who have the answers. The whole thing is odd.

To Abby: Carly IMO is dressing more like a “barmaid” and I hate to say Simon is right but he is….Amanda dressed more “star” quality than Carly. CS can wear her hair up, change it up like Jordin did last year. Maybe borrow some of Kat McPhee’s clothes — no joke….because she’s a very pretty woman, but working the bar and retail, you know, you get a little sloppy in your attire. I’m starting to like her more…she reminds me of Kelly C… and I think Simon wants to see her relax, step it up and start acting like a star….she had a shot one time before….maybe she’s anxious this time because it could be another disappointment.

Regardless, she’s on the tour, she’s got another shot.

http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2008-04-03-idol-report-card_N.htm

Idol grades. Interesting comment.
I think Fantasia needs to go Sharon Jones and front a blues band.

I said the same thing about Mindy Doo….she would be the perfect artist for a Sharon Jones & DapKings type career.

Watching Leona Lewis on GMA this morning and then listening to Simon’s wish regarding song selection, I have to think it is worth a try. Simon and Clive gave Leona a long time to work on and develop the songs she ultimately recorded for her album. It is paying off beautifully and she is making a huge splash everywhere. Makes you wonder how much better every Idol could have done if they had had that kind of time and support. I think they might have made some more stars (read money-making machines) if they had done that – particularly for the Idols who didn’t have an easily identifiable genre.

Where is the link to Josh’s complaining?

erennick: It’s on his blog, and an early American Idol Headlines.

It does take time to chose quality songs and to market a person. What Clive and Simon did with Leona is how stars used to be launched. It doesn’t always work, but in this case I think it will. She is a class act, and I think Simon saw the potential and ran with it. Smart guy.

Packaging is important Chicago-Sally, and perception is too. She is so tense and wants this too much that is seems like desperation. The chick is one of the best singers in this bunch, she needs to just relax, get a good stylist, and continue to sing her heart out. I’m listening. Like I said in another post, I like so many of these guys this year, I really don’t care who wins out of who is left, but that annoying KLC person.

WFOWFOWFO–Teri sang on one of the Desperate Housewives’ episodes. She was actually very good. She was mad at her ex, I believe, so the performance was hysterical!

I don’t see AI ever doing the “taking time” approach with a winner. They will be too anxious to make a quick buck. I think they might do that with an also ran one day – a “shocking” boot that the producers love. This year, perhaps Carly would get that treatment if anybody.

I truly think it ends up being “all about the song.” If Ruben had done a great song, he would have been heard from again, but because he never had a hit song, Ruben didn’t sell. Same with Taylor – he would not have been dropped if he had a hit song. That CD was good in my opinion, but really nothing ever ended up being radio friendly. Of course, the CD was badly promoted in the first place. Kelly Clarkson’s CD songs were great, as were Carrie Underwood’s. I guarantee if neither of them had a hit song from their CDs they would be just as obscure as some of the others are turning out to be.

I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t see AI ever doing the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“taking timeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  approach with a winner. They will be too anxious to make a quick buck.

I beg to disagree. AI is actually the artist development part — AI is the only company taking time to develop artists with the show. You notice the singers come in green; they learn how to talk to press, dress, do commercials, walk the stage. 19E seem to be doing OK with Jordin she’s making appearances, cutting records, going on tour….she didn’t get those gigs by herself. So 19E is doing a good job. It’s just tough out here. And Reuben should feel lucky that he has management. period.

grayhound Apr 4th, 2008 at 12:25 pm

I truly think it ends up being à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“all about the song.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  If Ruben had done a great song, he would have been heard from again, but because he never had a hit song, Ruben didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t sell.

Ruben has had hit songs

Hot Gospel Songs 2005 I Need An Angel
Hot Gospel Songs 2008 Love Him Like I Do
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs 2004 What If
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs 2003 Superstar
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs 2007 Make Ya Feel Beautiful
The Billboard Hot 100 2006 Change Me
The Billboard Hot 100 2004 Sorry 2004
The Billboard Hot 100 2003 Flying Without Wings

Also, if your theory were correct then how can it be explained that Kim Locke gets tons of airplay and radio hits but can’t sell CDs?

I beg to disagree. AI is actually the artist development part à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  AI is the only company taking time to develop artists with the show. You notice the singers come in green; they learn how to talk to press, dress, do commercials, walk the stage. 19E seem to be doing OK with Jordin sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s making appearances, cutting records, going on tourà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.she didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t get those gigs by herself. So 19E is doing a good job. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s just tough out here. And Reuben should feel lucky that he has management. period.

I was actually talking about taking time to record an album. As it is, they rush to get it out within the calendar year, between the tour and the christmas season. What I was saying was that it is unlikely that Clive/19E will ever take more time to record the winner’s album like they did with Leona Lewis. It would make for a better album, but they want the quick buck.

Also, if your theory were correct then how can it be explained that Kim Locke gets tons of airplay and radio hits but canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t sell CDs?

Rueben and Kim had radio hits on charts that do not typically move albums. High album sales tend to be associated with Pop, Hot Urban Country, etc. Of course there are exceptions, but that’s the general rule.

The idol grades article was interesting. It’s a sad commentary when Elliott gets a “‘C” on his celebrity appeal because his nice guy image is hurting him. Keep gettin’ those Cs Elliott. Your fans love you for it!

undecided: I can’t explain the reasons for my thoughts. I know Ruben has had songs out, but there’s a reason he was dropped by his record label. Maybe its all about the numbers, maybe its all about mainstream air time, I simply don’t know. I just know that Kelly, Carrie and Chris Daughtry seem to be selling better, and I hear their songs all the time, but rarely have I heard Ruben’s songs played. I’ve also not heard Kim Locke’s songs. From what you are saying she is played on the radio, but apparently no one is buying her stuff. Maybe people don’t like the songs she puts out? I don’t know, but I think it starts with the song, people like it, they buy it, it becomes a hit, etc. What do you think the reason is?

This is just my opinion, based on nothing but what floats through my brain!

I agree with Lu, those grades are spot-on. I was surprised that Fantasia wasn’t “A” quality, and that’s because IMO she’s a little lost and a little lazy. Sorry folks. Her management isn’t doing a lot with her. Management matters. I mean, if someone like Jordin can get a major tour, get a chart topping album, duets with Chris Brown, makes you wonder what Fantasia is doing.

It will be interesting to see if Jen-Hud continues with acting, which I think she will, big and small screen….but the record company may be having problem getting material for her type of voice.

Her description of Carrie being “bland” was spot-on too. Great voice….but the personality is not coming through. It may take years before she really looks comfortable on stage. Seems they’re trying to make her Shania Twain2. (my words).

I don’t know the answer either, grayhound. Maybe some songs are supported to radio by the label but they don’t make the listeners want to own them, as pleasant as they may be.

Mario Vasquez, the guy who quit Idol just before the final 12, was supported to Pop radio with a song called Gallery. It charted high, had tons of spins for many many weeks, had millions of audience impressions yet he only sold 12,000 CDs.

Carly Smithson is another example of someone who was pushed to radio yet couldn’t sell.

I only brought up Ruben’s hit songs because it seemed like you were under the impression that he didn’t have any radio hits, but I don’t have any answers.

Did Taylor pass on Hollywood is Not America or was it never offered to him? I’m listening to it right now on Z100 and it sounds great. AI should have kept it as the boot song as well (although the words don’t fit the guys.) I’m not saying Taylor would have had a hit with it but this song will goTop 10 for sure. Again, I don’t know the details but if Taylor did pass on the song, it was a big mistake.

Everyone off AI is the winner of a reality TV kareoke contest until proven otherwise. I don’t blame their labels for thinking short term.

I think Reuben was actually more successful than he gets credit for. His fist CD did well, and his second was a gospel CD and it did well in that genre. He didn’t really flop until this last record. Ditto Fantasia, who is still very popular in the adult R&B circuit, and had a big Urban Radio hit this year. There are lot of Idol alumni with similar careers in the Country field. People forget about the world outside the mainstream charts sometimes.

undecided:

The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind, I guess, cause I don’t know it either!!

Well I’ll be dammed. Clive is going to let Clay release a single BEFORE his CD is released. Not that it will be supported or anything, but hey. Baby steps

The RCA Press Release just went up on prnewswire and the part I’m talking about is this.

The title track “On My Way Here” will be the first radio single from the album to be released later this month. Additionally the single, “On My Way Here” will premiere as an “AOL First Listen” on Monday, April 7th.

I love Simon’s idea of picking the songs for the contestants.
It always irritates me that someone gets a poor review from him just because he didn’t know or didn’t like the song.

Well Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll be dammed. Clive is going to let Clay release a single BEFORE his CD is released. Not that it will be supported or anything, but hey. Baby steps

undecided, I totally believe that Clive will release and support a single from Clay…if by “release and support” you mean “send to the wrong department at the radio and forget to send the check for radio play”

Wow, what a vibrant discussion. In the R&B community Fantasia and Ruben have never been gone. Since both of their debuts they have been radio mainstays. Ruben has has hits from every cd. His sales lagged for his last cd, but even that garnered two R&B hits. His sales have always been higher than Kim Locke’s so I won’t begin to compare. I don’t understand why radio loves her so much, but her sales are low. Did she get the idol bump last week? If Ruben has a problem it’s more about his genre not being more mainstream. Fantasia is more hip/hop and therefore more mainstream at this point. If Ruben goes a bit more pop, he might have a shot at more mainstream success. If you look at others of his genre Jaheim, Donnel Jones, and Neo for example he is just as ‘successful’ as they are. It’s that in taken within the context of being an Idol winner that the comparisons make him seem lesser so. These guys don’t have big solo tours, or go double platinum every time out. R&B fact of life.

Undecided, this is not the first time Clay’s had a single released before his cd, and frankly that lead time still sucks as it gives it really no traction for impact before drop date. I don’t understand why there is such a rush to release this cd if they arent’ going to give it proper treatment, especially since he said he is not touring this summer. I don’t get it.

Tinawina, thanks for posting all of that because I hate reading this “I never heard Ruben after he won stuff”, it’s because he is not a pop singer in general, because if I do turn on my radio on those rare occasions, during the right times I can hear him every day. I also hear him on the Sirius radio R&B station as well.

Chicago-Sally, I know Fantasia missed many dates during the color purple, and I offer no inside knowledge, but I can also say that from what I read about from her fan groups she works her butt off. The thing with both Ruben and Fantasia as well as Bo, Taylor and others is even when they are not touring they do small and special events all of the time. I am not one of those street teamers where I post every darn thing, cause it’s not my job, but they are all working, Fantasia Ruben and Taylor are all working on their next projects, not singular, plural. Maybe they are not gonna be pop/rock stars, but something tells me that they will all still be working on their craft 10 years from now.

Blogger @ CMT can kiss my ASS

AI is actually the artist development part à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  AI is the only company taking time to develop artists with the show. You notice the singers come in green; they learn how to talk to press, dress, do commercials, walk the stage.

None of those examples given have anything to do with singing. There’s a difference between developing a singer and developing a “celebrity”. Yeah, the contestants learn the basics of doing press, etc while on the show. But when it comes to the music and sales, it’s a completely different story.

Clive Davis views these AI peeps as a way to make a buck. There is a difference between artistry and commerce, and I believe I’ve read a couple of articles/interviews where he’s basically said AI contestants = commerce.

The people he signs from the show (winner, runnerup, fourth placer, whatever) seem to be held to different sales standards because they (supposedly) have a built in fanbase from the show, who should go out and buy their albums when they are released. The longer you wait, the more you risk that people will forget. Thus, the albums are released quickly to capitalize on the name recognition from the show – and before the next season starts and a brand new crew starts taking away the attention. Especially for contestants whose demographic is the tween crowd. Because once the next big thing comes along, those kids will flock right to it faster than you can say “Hannah Montana”. And in some instances, everyone is like that, not just tweeners. A LOT of people are always looking for the “next big thing”.

Maybe if you get the chance to make a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th album, the better the chance that there will be some true musical artistic development along the way. But because of Clive’s “need” to line his pockets, I don’t see them ever taking the time to really “develop” an AI contestant as a debut artist. Like I said, maybe down the road…

I’ve said it every year and I still hold it to be true – you have to expand on that AI fanbase, because as we’ve seen, placing high on the show does not guarantee you sales. The AI fanbase (at least the part of it that actually buys the music) can only do so much. Past that, you have to expand your appeal. I would almost guarantee you that the 6 million albums that Kelly Clarkson sold of “Breakaway” and Carrie Underwood sold of “Some Hearts” and the almost 4 million that Daughtry has sold weren’t ALL to people who watched AI.

Carly needs a better stylist, stat. In that yellow top Wednesday night, she looked as if she stopped by the studio after picking up a kid from soccer practice and on the way to the grocery store. Not stage ready at all.

Sadly, the perception that Ruben and Fantasia were not doing well was based upon people not listening to their genre of music.

Same with everyone, I guess. I never listen to rock music stations because I don’t enjoy the music so I have not heard of a lot of the artists others here seem to know and like. I rarely listened to Top 40 radio before listening for Elliott on the radio. Now I’m back to not listening to it. Will start again when he releases something new. LOL.

Rami seems like a sweet young lady. I wish her well.

Simon Cowell, life saver, who knew!!!

I’m just glad that coco is back and still kicking ass !

I just discovered that The Clark Brothers AI performance is on itunes! Yay! It sounds great to this fan’s ears!

Undecided, this is not the first time Clayà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s had a single released before his cd, and frankly that lead time still sucks as it gives it really no traction for impact before drop date. I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t understand why there is such a rush to release this cd if they arentà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ going to give it proper treatment, especially since he said he is not touring this summer. I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t get it.

The only other time was “Invisible”, the lead single for his first CD. That was released in August 2003 for a September release, but his CD was pushed back to October because Ruben’s was not ready and RCA finally got impatient and went ahead and released Clay’s CD first.

There were no singles for his Christmas CD and the last CD had a single released on the same day the CD was out.

The lead time sucks for sure but you must know by now that these choices are at the label’s discretion. RCA decides the tracklist, the release date, the single and the level of promotion.

Jp fan–The song was made with Taylor in mind but another guy convimced them that his guy would be a better fit…Taylor was never offered the song.

I just heard a little while ago on Idol Wrap, I think it was, that Mariah Carey week is coming up next – April 15th – after Idol Gives Back week.

I noticed everyone this week sang a song that Dolly wrote except one person. I wounder what the rules are with Mariah’s music. Does she write?

I noticed everyone this week sang a song that Dolly wrote except one person. I wounder what the rules are with Mariahà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s music. Does she write?

It’s possible there will be a broader theme that isn’t just specifically her music.

Did you guys know that Randy Jackson has worked with Mariah?

One can only hope

ETA: Do tell, Lu. Shocker!

Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s possible there will be a broader theme that isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t just specifically her music.

I hope so. Unless the non-belters (Brooke and Jason) come up with inspired arrangements, a Mariah-only week could really be the end of them.

I just saw this on Brandon Green’s myspace:

May 9 2008 7:00P – Mabee Center w/ Alaina Whitaker, Kady Malloy, Colton Swon, Kyle Ensley – Tulsa, Oklahoma

Awwww! I wish I could go! I liked both Brandon and Colton. He has a few more dates on his myspace too, but mostly in South MS, one in Memphis, and one in Mobile.

I just saw this on Brandon Greenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s myspace:

May 9 2008 7:00P – Mabee Center w/ Alaina Whitaker, Kady Malloy, Colton Swon, Kyle Ensley – Tulsa, Oklahoma

Awwww! I wish I could go! I liked both Brandon and Colton. He has a few more dates on his myspace too, but mostly in South MS, one in Memphis, and one in Mobile.

Yup, wasn’t Josiah Lemming included in one of the shows also?

Have any of you seen this? Amazing stuff!

A VERY detailed look at iTunes popularity bars and where each contestant stands.

Go to post #12054.

“I noticed everyone this week sang a song that Dolly wrote except one person. I wounder what the rules are with Mariahà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s music. Does she write?”

Yes, Mariah co-writes the majority of her songs.

http://www.amazon.com/Disneymania-6-Various-Artists/dp/B0015HZAPC/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1205713593&sr=1-4

Elliott is on another Disney cd. He’s singing Can You Feel the Love Tonight from Lion King. He’s going to sound great on this.

“Can You Feel the Love Tonight” was first sang by the Lengendary Elton John. When I think of that sound I think of him or to a lessor degree the “Lion King” the broadway production. The problem for me is the comparison to Elton John whom they should of used instaed but wanted more in artist. I know it is good for Elliott but not a song that is associated with Elton .

The ratings for Idol Elliott got a C for being nice..He should be himslef he is not flashy like an Elton John or doing stuff like a britney. The Tabloid world nice sometimes means boring maybe he can rob a bank.

The above imo–ok I am wary of change in some songs …….The last part was a dry joke about what the tabloides want and I am still ticked with TMZ.

Disney asked some newer artists to perform previously recorded songs. I’m anxious to hear Elliott’s version of Can You Feel the Love Tonight but I also love Elton’s. It’s natural for people to compare and I’m sure everyone will have different opinions.
My Disney addicted daughters can’t wait for Elliott’s version so apparently Disney knows what they’re doing. Elliott mentioned at the JCC forum a few weeks ago that he had to head straight back to LA to record the song. Of course his mom was in the audience that night and he had to give her a shout out. Wow – a lot has happened since then.
Yeah Pop, the TMZ thing was cruel. I know they’re in it for the shock value but still… someone’s mother had JUST died. I don’t how people that warped sleep at night.

I sorry Lu hope it was not offensive ..the explanation makes sence just an old foggy when it comes to changing some songs and what is hip in music today….It is good marketing for disney to do this .:)

Oh Pop I didn’t find it offensive one little bit. It’s your opinion and all opinions are allowed.

About Teri Hatcher’s singing chops, this is from Playbill.com, and the appropriate link to prove its authenticity:

http://www.playbill.com/celebritybuzz/whoswho/biography/5950.html

TERI HATCHER (Performer) has become one of the most sought after actresses and has achieved popularity around the world in film and television. Teri made her stage debut starring as Sally Bowles in the national tour of “CABARET.” Film credits: The Big Picture, Soapdish, 2 days in the Valley, Heaven’s Prisoners, Tomorrow Never Dies and the upcoming Fever and Spy Kids. TV credits: TNT’s “Running Mates,” “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman,” “Sunday Dinner,” hosting “Saturday Night Live” and guest starring on “Seinfeld” and “Frasier.” Teri lives in Los Angeles and New York with her husband Jon Tenney and daughter Emerson.

Here is the description of CABARET http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0068327/ which happens to be the movie that won Liza Minelli (as Sally Bowles) her Oscar for Best Actress…

This video, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JilezQSbjcE is from when Teri was part of the National Tour…

I am trying to figure out when this particular Tour happened, but so far, I have not been successful…