Idol Headlines for 5/12/08

Ugh, must be a slow news day in Idol land. Everyone is still talking about JA.

Actually there is less bottomfeeding than I anticipated. Great!
Popwatch is a must see Syesha as Wonder Woman, luvs it!

Funny that ratings for the coveted demographic is down 20% and Fox down only 11% yet we are writing idols epitaph? Maybe we should be writing an epitaph for network tv, it’s all so splintered now anyway.

Has anyone seen Jason yet on Regis?? How did he do?? Skylight?

I am waiing for it now. about 10 mins to go here in nw florida

I hope MJ posts the video of R&K, because I’m anxious to see it, too!

Here are a couple of pics of Bo and Jason from last week. I think fans of both will enjoy.

http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/2954/bojasoniif6.jpg

http://img380.imageshack.us/img380/5185/bojasoniibq5.jpg

I saw Jason. He did Rainbow with the ukulele. Vocally, it was beautiful and perfect, but he seemed a little nervous or something, and his countenance wasn’t as bright as I expected. I guess I was hoping he’d be refreshed by now. But he seemed to smile and relax when the song was over.

The interview went well and was not entirely the same hash as all weekend.

They talked about his dreads and wasted WAY too much time showing pictures of how he’d look with different hair!

Ellen at 4 PM on ABC!

Jason was great on Regis and Ellen. He did SOTR on Regis and Daydream on Ellen. Excellent performances.

The USA Today article brings up a good point about how the lack of his dad’s presence might affect David.
David has been using his dad as a go-between to communicate to the band, because he’s too shy.
I wonder if the change at this late date with set him emotionally off-kilter and cause him to upset.

I don’t care.
I’m voting for him regardless.
I REALLY want Jeff Archuleta to irritate TPTB a lot longer,
sort of like a stone in their shoe!

Thanks for posting those pictures, PJ. Love the look on Bo’s face on the one where Jason’s getting his face done… kinda like, “well kid, you ready for your sing out?”

Bo’s such a fantastically nice guy — they’re a bit of a match, aren’t they?

eta – rickey’s got a clip of Jason up. He did a great job. Kinda weird interview with Regis wasting too much time showing stupid haircut pictures — Ellen’s will probably be better.

I caught the one on Regis and Kelly .I thought he did awesome on the song .
Ellen is on later here .
Does anyone know about Mike and Juliette show ?I don’t get that show here but I heard he may be on it .

Thanks for posting those pictures, PJ. Love the look on Boà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s face on the one where Jasonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s getting his face doneà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ kinda like, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“well kid, you ready for your sing out?à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

Heehee, I read Bo’s look in that photo as “Hmmmm, maybe I should do that to my hair!” :lol_wp:

http://img380.imageshack.us/img380/5185/bojasoniibq5.jpg

Jason sure is a cutie, but whenever I’ve heard him express his fear of doing 3 songs next week (this week) had he been voted through, makes me wonder how is he ever going to go on to become a professional musician and have to give concerts with more than 1 or 2 songs!! LOL

Jason sure is a cutie, but whenever Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve heard him express his fear of doing 3 songs next week (this week) had he been voted through, makes me wonder how is he ever going to go on to become a professional musician and have to give concerts with more than 1 or 2 songs!! LOL

Well, here’s what I think:
-He’ll have longer than 1 week to learn those songs.
-In concert, he’ll probably do the stuff he’s familiar with, or
-Hopefully, they will be stuff he wrote.

He’ll be fine.

I think Jason will be fine – he needs more vocal training and coaching in that area. He was in a band and must of had to learn song after song on the drums and did it. He is just pretty new to the world of singing right now. I bet he will be able to get those songs down now, now that singing has become his focus and not so much the drumming

Jennifer Hudson says she’ll be at the finale and comes out as a big Archie fan

http://torontosun.com/Entertainment/Movies/2008/05/11/5531646-sun.html

Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll have longer than 1 week to learn those songs

Right. Most professional musicians do not learn songs and perform them in a week. They have a body of work from which they perform. Not to mention that the AI week also consists of 15 hour days filled with interviews, photo sessions, ford commercials, group choreography, trips to Vegas, etc. Yes, his inexperience showed, but that’s one thing that can be fixed pretty easily. The tour should help!

I saw those pictures of Bo and Jason, and, wondered whose hair was the longest. Then I wondered how Bo would look with dreads, and, Jason with Bo’s flowing mane. I guess I had way too much time on my hands. LOL

Yes, if they idols had time to really work on their songs, they wouldn’t be as stressed. Plus, they have to cut it to less than 2 minutes, and, do a studio version on top of everything else such as the photo shoots, etc. They are run ragged, but, I guess it’s a nice bootcamp for the real world.

I do think the tour will help Jason. HE did seem tired on Regis & Kelly, and, I thought the pictures with different dos was funny. It sure was a nice change from the same old tired questions he’s been getting.

They don’t really have a week to learn their songs. They get about 2 days, and, that isn’t full days we’re talking about. I think the packed schedules have been the culprit for so many missed words and lines this season. They don’t have enough time to prepare. And, let’s not forget, they have to put their best foot forward for the audience. I think some of the fluff could go, and, rest be added.

Interesting interview with Dean Kaelin, DA’s vocal coach for past few years, on the Early Show. Said he’s never heard the father raise his voice or be anything other than a caring parent.

He said the ban during rehearsals is not about Jeff’s attitude, it’s about fairness to the other contestants in that they don’t have any family or coaches there on site to help them arrange songs. So, basically just what we’ve been complaining about here! Thank you, AI prods.

Also – he said he worked with Archie on Star Search and Jeff wasn’t banned or in a security box there, either. Then went on to say something about during the finals of that show, The US bombed Iraq, so there was confusion and Archie never got a chance to see some of the judges he was promised to see. Eh?

ETA – found the story on the CBS website.

well he is a family friend…what else do we expect him to do except damage control?

In a radio interview on Friday, a DJ specifically asked David Cook about how he does his arrangements for the show. DC said that it is all up to him to choose and/or create his own arrangement for all songs, convey those choices to the musical director and work with the them to finalize all changes. After reading that EW Top 5 Song Choices article, it is clearly evident that DA’s dad is the arranger for all his songs. In all fairness to all of the Idols, this should have been stopped a long time ago. I don’t care if Little D has issues with “expressing” himself. The other contestants don’t have the luxury of having, on hand, a “musical constultant” to do the arranging for them. Experience in doing this is one thing..ie: David Cook, Michael Johns….another to have a “staff” at hand to do it for you. You want to make a phone call and talk it over with someone, fine, but once your in the rehersal studios the onus is on the Idol to get it done. IMHO there has been an unfair advantage for Little D on this show and it should have been handled a long time ago.

I guess being a minor in DA’s case got him his own private arrainger. It would have worked too, but the private arranger is a nut job and screwed up and stepped on his own private part.

Well, hereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s what I think:
-Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll have longer than 1 week to learn those songs.
-In concert, heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll probably do the stuff heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s familiar with, or
-Hopefully, they will be stuff he wrote.

Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll be fine.

True. But you have to admit it does sound a little odd, especially as the other contestants are under no less pressure to learn more than one song than he is.

well he is a family friendà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦what else do we expect him to do except damage control?

Oh, I’m just as skeptical, only reporting what he said.

Jeff’s probably a difficult and pushy guy, but…I wouldn’t be surprised if this final decision came down to fairness, and the lyric change was just the final straw. Surely, the producers are also finally realizing little Archie is not the cash cow they’d hoped for, nor a dynamic representative to win AI. So, anything they can do to help derail him at this point…

Frogpond, Jason will be on with Mike and Juliette tomorrow 9:00 a.m. cst.
I’ve got my tivo set for all the shows that I think Jason will be on all this week. I don’t get Ellen anymore, though. I liked him on Regis and Kelly.

I just saw the story about David’s dad on Fox News. First time I’ve seen it on television.

Well the ‘little prick’ line from the phillyburbs article was worth simply logging on to this site this morning.
Yet a 17 year old with an over bearing parent never should really be held accountable for his actions, while all the other contestants are judged on their every move.
So go luck with the sympathy vote little David, you so clearly have earned it. May you move on to the final two.

The longer this goes on, the more I can totally see where Jason was coming from in wanting to get out.
He took his dreadlocks with him, but I fear he left behind the dread, cuz that’s my feeling as the night of the final three approaches.
Man, I would so much want to be distancing myself from this right now. I am petrified of rough landings, and as AI7 approaches the runway in its final descent, all I see is the turbulence.

David A may have had an advantage with his Dad arranging songs but he also has a disadvantage in the fact that he has to do schoolwork 3 hours a day. The other contestants have that extra three hours to practice or sleep or just relax. I think it all comes out in the wash.

While everyone had to prepare the same number of songs, Jason hasn’t been committed to singing for as long as the others, so he may have a harder time getting things to the finished performance end of things then the others. Also, I am sure that many of them got to sing songs they had done before. I know Carly made on more than one occassion it was her favorite song to cover at the bar type comments. Jason didn’t have that experience on the guitar/vocal side of things from what I have read.

Gotta disagree with with “it all comes out in the wash”. I don’t think anyone that rearranges a song or two for that matter gets it done in three hours. Little D may have had to go to school for three hours, but then again he gets to walk right into the rehearsal studio and have everything ready and waiting for him. Daddy has already prepped everything for him. Not to mention he is living with his musical consultant, so he can practice after hours when the Idols can’t.It sure doesnt sound like even with that extra 3 hours that the other idols have the luxury of relaxing or sleeping.

MrsTrep, exactly! That’s the point I was trying to make with it all coming out in the wash. Every contestant has disadvantages and advantages so the media picking up on one aspect of this competition is pointless. What’s going to be is going to be. I’m still mad because MJ left so early and he had a lot of advantages going for him.

Seraphina
May 12th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
Interesting interview with Dean Kaelin, DAà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s vocal coach for past few years, on the Early Show. Said heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s never heard the father raise his voice or be anything other than a caring parent.

He said the ban during rehearsals is not about Jeffà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s attitude, ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s about fairness to the other contestants in that they donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have any family or coaches there on site to help them arrange songs. So, basically just what weà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve been complaining about here!

Gotta love Dean Kaelin. He’s been a steady defender of Jeff Archuleta since Naomi Judd let the cat out of the bag.

Seriously, I would love a family friend to come forward and say something bad, but…not gonna happen.

At this point, I’m really needing to see Jeff Archuleta disproving rumors on my television screen – and not thru some interview with US Magazine.

David A may have had an advantage with his Dad arranging songs but he also has a disadvantage in the fact that he has to do schoolwork 3 hours a day. The other contestants have that extra three hours to practice or sleep or just relax. I think it all comes out in the wash.

In the wash? I think it is a little more serious than this! This man has been grooming this poor child since birth.

Ditto on disagreeing that schooling time is counter-balancing any advantage Archie might have. Especially when he’s being given credit by the judges for his song re-arrangments. The closest they’ve come to letting the voting public know on air how much is being done for him, is the suggestion that maybe his father picked a song or two for him.

So he doesn’t have daddy helping him and he goes to school for three hours now David C and Syesha have the advantage because they had a head start. This is what I mean, the issues just go around in circles. There isn’t many ways to be totally fair to anyone in competitions like this.

For one week???? One week that Little D may have to do it himself….which I laugh at cause I would bet money Daddy has already arranged his songs for him. All Little D has to do now is manage to spit out the instruction to the musical director. One freakin week…BIG DEAL. How about the previous 12 weeks when daddy has been around????

ETA….If we are going to discuss who has more time, let’s look at this week. Sat and Sun…no school. Everything is equal. Friday..hometown visits…all equal. Thursday…well Little D wins. Syesha and Dc had longer travel times to and from their hometowns and throw in the time changes, esp for Syesha and Little d comes out way ahead.

SO in the end, for this week, we have two days in which school even comes into play. Sorry but I still dont agree with the it all comes out in the wash.

In the wash? I think it is a little more serious than this! This man has been grooming this poor child since birth.

Ummm I’m talking about this competition not David’s LIFE. I’m just trying to give some other things to think about in the spirit of conversation. This is entertainment. I’m trying to enjoy a show. I like reading everyone’s view points especially if it differs from mine because maybe I can see something in another way.

I’m officially uncomfortable now so I will take my stimulating (but trying to be friendly) convo away for awhile.

To back up Bax…..DA lives with Daddio during the competition. Since Daddio is his arranger and circus handler, I don’t think they watch sitcoms together at night…..they drill, and drill and drill. Daddio can write the arrangements down on a sheet of paper so that DA can bring it to the band. Again, DA seems like a nice kid and while I don’t like his singing, I am not putting him down in any way. I feel sorry for him.

I dunno…last year Jordin had the same “disadvantage” of having classes 3 hrs a day (and she did mention in an interview that she was envious that the other contestants got to sleep in while she had to get up early for school.) But she did just fine on the show. Without a personal music director.

Gotta disagree with with à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“it all comes out in the washà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ . I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think anyone that rearranges a song or two for that matter gets it done in three hours.

It’s three hours a day. That’s 15 hours of schooling a week. You can get in some mad arranging during 15 hours.

Besides, even if David A doesn’t have a lick of arranging talent in him, he’s about par with most of the contestants AI has ever had. Ricky Minor isn’t going to stand there and say, “What do you mean you don’t have an arrangement for us? What are we going to do? Do you think the band is able to play without you telling them each and every note to play? Do you think that I can just decide on my own what tempo to pick? What are you on kid? Do you think Nigel is going to pay money for us to buy the sheet music? No! Unless you tell us exactly what to do, I’m having Paul strum tunelessly for 90 seconds and that’s all you get!”

No, if Daddy isn’t arranging, somebody from the show will be. I know that much has been made of the utter unfairness of David having a PROFESSIONAL arranger in the room with him, but I’m not hearing any credentials here for Jeff. Did I miss something? Is he really the talent behind David Foster and Sir George Martin? Has he been credited with arranging 58 Grammy Award winning songs? Did I miss all that, because the best I’ve heard is that he’s played jazz trumpet (so have I and, believe me, no contestant wants me arranging their music) and that he runs some internet company. And, from the results we’ve seen, I don’t think he’s a very good arranger. So, far from having a professional arranger helping him out, I think David A has been saddled with a stage parent from hell that thinks he knows more than he does.

So, from my corner, it looks like he’s doing 15 hours of schoolwork and has the “show’s worst arranger” working for him. Talk about unfair. The others need some more weight in their saddlebags.

But, David A knew that all coming in, so he’s got to live with it.

I’m sorry, but all this praising of Jeff A as a professional arranger is making me ill. The man sucks. David has no advantage from having that terror hanging around him. None. Well, maybe Jeff is a good cook. Surely, the dude has to be good at something.

To back up Baxà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦..DA lives with Daddio during the competition. Since Daddio is his arranger and circus handler, I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think they watch sitcoms together at nightà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦..they drill, and drill and drill.

But see, that could possibly be a disadvantage because maybe Ol Archie is tired and the extra drilling is stressing him out! That what I mean by it all coming out in the wash. I wish I was as articulate as Kirsten so that I could get what I mean out better. (heh maybe I need Jeff A ! lol)

You are correct Michelle.

Jazz trumpet, wow, I am intrigued.

I know nothing of JAs arranging skill. I do know that he can work DA even if DA doesn’t want to work. We agree that JA is no saint.

But see, that could possibly be a disadvantage because maybe Ol Archie is tired and the extra drilling is stressing him out!

I totally agree. If Jeff is a quarter the stage parent he is rumoured to be, there is no advantage at all to having that guy around. Practicing all night is not a good idea. Rest is also important. I’m sure we’ve all crammed all night for an exam only to screw it up the next day by making stupid mistakes because we were exhausted. Practicing all the time is probably what caused the vocal chord issues in the first place.

Is Jeff an a$$? Yes! Is David dependent on him? So it seems. Is this an advantage? I don’t think so.

Look. I don’t care who wins this year. Syesha would be funny because she’s totally the “Little Engine that Could”. She never gave up and the producers would be dumbstruck with her win. But, she seems a little fake. David A and David C would both be fine winners too. David A has the better voice, but David C makes the more interesting choices. The producers would be elated with either one.

But Jeff, I don’t think he deserves any credit for being a master song selector or arranger. Nope. He’s terrible at both those things.

BTW There were a lot of rumours last year that Jordin’s parents were being difficult and that’s why we didn’t hear that she was signed until months later (when normally, we hear the next week). So, methinks that Nigel and Clive have a little bit of experience at dealing with stage parents. Even there, I don’t think Jeff excels at being the best worst stage parent ever.

Kirsten, I’m so jealous of your skills of expression!

I didn’t know there were rumours about Jordin’s parents too. Very interesting!
I’m fine with whoever wins also.

Frances, GMA on ABC had stories on their weekend edition yesterday and again on this morning’s edition too. Not much new news, but having “experts” discuss everything, you know?

Here’s what I think – Jeff Archuleta’s a pain in the butt. That’s what I think.

The producers got tired of dealing with him early on.

They confront him, and he threatens to pull DA out of the competition.

“Heck no!” the producers cry. “He’s the most popular contestant here. We’d lose half our viewing audience if he’s gone!” (I concur. DA was miles ahead of everyone else for quite some time).

So, they let it go on…and JA is just as overbearing and nearly impossible as he’s always been. But, we can’t lose our moneymaker, can we?

Well, we’re at Top 3 now. It looks like DA’s a shoo-in for the finale. Think Daddy will remove him from the competition now, when he’s just as good as gold? I don’t think so.

So, they ban him from rehearsals with two weeks left in the competition.

OOOOHH Good one GwendolynD!

Interesting, Gwendolyn. Definitely sounds plausible.

I know Mario dropped out of the competition at top 12. I have been under the impression that the top 12 contracts are pretty air-tight. How could Jeff A take him out of the competition at that point without some serious legal reprecussions? That would seem to be the point where the producers could’ve banned him? Hmm.

Anyway, I think they need to ban any outside help (whether it’s considered good or bad) and raise the age to 18 (no school) to level the playing ground. I don’t think it matters whether Jeff A can arrange a song or not. I think the contestants should stand on equal footing in terms of vocal coaching, arranging, etc.

It is entirely possible, that you are right GwendolynD!

pj
May 12th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
I know Mario dropped out of the competition at top 12. I have been under the impression that the top 12 contracts are pretty air-tight. How could Jeff A take him out of the competition at that point without some serious legal reprecussions? That would seem to be the point where the producers couldà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve banned him? Hmm.

I think that with a good lawyer, one can get out of even the tighest contracts.

David A hasn’t been #1 in the past 3 or 4 weeks.

He father spent all that time arranging songs and who would have noticed if the song had been done straight up? Not many. I agree with Kirsten — Daddy A needs to be fired for incompetence.

Re: the who has it harder discussion. DA is getting an advantage that others aren’t and that should be stopped. Season 5 there were 3 idols in school, Paris, Lisa Tucker and the Little Nebish (can’t remember his name!) with nary a complaint.

Thanks, Bobbi. I missed GMA, But, I tivoed Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood, Extra, Inside Edition, and all the Idol shows for all this week. Got to have my Idol fix. I did see Regis and Kelly and thought Jason was real good.

Re: the who has it harder discussion. DA is getting an advantage that others arenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t and that should be stopped. Season 5 there were 3 idols in school, Paris, Lisa Tucker and the Little Nebish (canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t remember his name!) with nary a complaint.

I’m really frustrated that I can’t articulate what I meant about the school thing. I wasn’t saying that it was a counterbalance to the help from Jeff. I was meaning that you can find MANY things that can be an advantage or a disadvantage to every single contestant. I just used that as ONE example. I really don’t think any contestant has it harder or easier than the other. The only thing I think for real that is a disadvantage is when a top 24 contestant isn’t shown before the first performance. Otherwise, they just have to play with the toys they have and hope for the best.

ETA I’m not meaning that as a rant against you carolina just in general that my point has been misinterpreted a lot…. my fault.

It is true that the tutor situation has never beeb a big deal in the past. Little Nebish…Covais? What a great name Nebish (cute but geeky) !

That’s it — Kevin Covais!

I get cranked, it’s all ok. I get what you’re saying and there are advantages and disadvantages that come with being a Top 12 idol.

That said, I don’t think it’s fair to offset a disadvantage by taking advantage of another aspect of the process.

Thank you and I agree with you! I’m glad I’m not a politician! I was successful at creating conversation! :biggrin_wp:

You sure did create conversation IGC — what time are you posting your next observation ? I need to prepare !

Gwen I agree with part of your post.

I think DA was ahead at the beginning. Then Cook comes along and stomps all over the competition, his iTunes were pure gold. TPTB said *Woah*, now it does not really matter if they tick off JA or not because they have the best of both. TPTB have both DA & DC for awhile, I have no doubt their claws are hooked into both. It’s a win win for them.

There was some contestant, I believe season 5, who used to call his (her?) vocal teacher from high school or college for assistance. I remember them talking about that. And I think that, just like in any job, bouncing ideas off other people is necessary, unless you are super sure about everything. However, having someone do your talking for you is another story, if that is really what JA did. I think most idols have some sort of help, whether it be friend or ex-teacher to bounce ideas, but I don’t think any idol has ever had a parent talk for them during rehearsals and so forth.

I don’t think any idol is going to come out and say “No Fair!” for fear of being labeled a sore loser or baby. And the others probably feel sorry for little D like the rest of us. But remember Foghorn Leghorn when he babysat the Widow Hen’s son? Bamboozled everytime. That David probably has learned a lot of smarts and may just appear naive.

TPTB said *Woah*, now it does not really matter if they tick off JA or not because they have the best of both. TPTB have both DA & DC for awhile, I have no doubt their claws are hooked into both. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a win win for them.

Very true. After all the drama’s done, TPTB still come out on top…clever.

Back OT, I think the only ones hurt by the Daddy Archie blowup are Syesha Mercado and David Cook, since Squinty McMormon is going NOWHERE now.

Wait, did I just violate my own rule? Hmmm…

*ahem* “McMormon” here (former, but my family’s still strong and I certainly respect them).

As I’ve said before, you don’t need to be affiliated with a certain religion to be a stage parent.

Just banning JA from rehearsals doesn’t totally solve the problem. Remember, they room together, so, daddyo still calls the shots. Jeff can help with the arrangements, but, it’s still little David who has to sing the song.

My concern is what did he do or say to the other contestants that may have thrown them off their game, if this allegation is true? And, why wasn’t something done about the badgering before the money issue came up? I honestly don’t think if AI didn’t have to pay the extra money none of this would be an issue at all.

And, if he wins, he’s also going to have to do the talk show circuits,and, that’s where his immaturity is going to kick in big time. Everything he says will include the word awesome (giggle) Although little David did step out of the box when Simon was criticizing Jason, and, said, he liked Jason’s song. That wasn’t scripted by his dad. So, I think in the future, he will be able to come around and be his own person. However, I’m still not voting.

McCatholic here !

McCatholic here !

Me too, Caro!

I feel like DA’s dad has been stifling him. Has anyone considered the possibility that DA will do BETTER without his dad hovering? Having a dad like that around all the time would make me REALLY nervous. Maybe pulling daddy out will let him relax a little.

I really have no idea what’s going to happen, but that’s another side of the story.

Either way, I think he’s gone this week. Three weeks ago, I said that the finale would be Sy and DC, and I’m sticking with my theory for the time being. DA has been slipping in popularity and Sy is stepping it up at just the right time. Plus, a lot of the general public isn’t going to know about the dadchuleta story, isn’t going to know a lot about the story, or won’t care. I don’t think the situation is going to have any bearing on the vote one way or the other.

Just my opinion!

Has anyone considered the possibility that DA will do BETTER without his dad hovering?

I really hope that is what happens, KrazeeK. I’m just afraid he’s been so controlled and so sheltered all his life, he really doesn’t know well enough how to operate on his own. I don’t particularly care for the kid’s singing, but I certainly don’t want to see him disintegrate in the middle of the stage. I think he’s going to feel a lot more stress.

If JA in rehearsal is looked as favoritism these last 2 weeks; why wasn’t it looked at as favoritism the first 12 weeks(or whatever)? I wonder if the other contestants that have been voted off for lack of song choice or presentation are wondering if things could be different for them if they had their own professional manager with them constantly?

Ken Barnes: Why I’m not rooting for David A. to win ‘Idol’

Kirsten, I gotta applaude your diplomacy, you manage to get your point across without a bunch of name calling and innuendo based on tabliod journalism and still come to smarter conclusions than most.

What could that man have said to any of these ADULTS to throw them off of their games? Maybe he asked Brooke, can you repeat that, or asked Jason, what is two plus one, (oh crap I gotta learn three songs next week). Or maybe be told Carly he was gonna take an eraser to her husband, or told Michael Johns there was a rabid Roo in his bedroom!

I mean the guy very well may be a stage Dad, maybe not even abusive, just intense. We don’t know. It’s funny since all of this have surfaced weeks ago, nobody has come out with anything concrete. Is he still intimidating them 5 years later? Even the person I saw in passing on one of the morning shows had nothing concrete and she was there. It seems this kid has been the story this entire season.

I assume Jason wasn’t lying when he said Daddy Jeff was a great guy on TMZ. He could have kept his mouth shut and said nothing. I’m sure Daddy Jeff is a pain in the ass but doubt he’s responsible for all the ills of S7.

Since I did listen to the entire David A Fox interview, I can say that he’s not as damaged as he may appear to be on Idol. Just like Carly, Brooke, Michael Johns and Jason seem more “together” off the show, so is David A. When he’s finally off the show, people may be surprised.

I think the Daddygate thing will have little if any effect on the voting. Why punish (or reward) Archie for his Dad’s actions? In terms of winning, shrug, I’m fine with either David taking it. I think Syesha would be a horrible winner though.

Idols featured in new TV Guide:

Cover

Obsession #1

Obsession #2

David A speaks out in TV Guide Article:

“Archuleta adamantly defends his Pop. “I’ve heard some of the weird things that people have been saying, and it’s kind of a bummer,” he says, not gigging at all. “I think I, of all people, would know what’s going on, and he’s been great. He’s given me a lot of good advice and helped me from making any dumb decisions. He understands more than anyone what I want in music, and I’ve felt really blessed to have someone like that.

David seems a bit worked up now. “I don’t really care what people say,” he continues, “but I know it’s affected him and stressed him out.” As for reports that his dad withheld water from him during a recording session, the Idol insists, “That’s kind of stupid. I’m 17! I think I’d be able to stand up for myself if he were to take my water away.”

From Ken Barnes Idol Chatter

“Again, it’s speculative, but it’s not difficult to imagine David’s apparently domineering and thoroughly obnoxious father (here’s the key line in the tmz.com story, unverified as it is: “He has badgered producers, the band, vocal coaches and even other contestants.” If true, that last part is WAY over the line) creating a climate in which David is rendered tongue-tied for fear of saying the wrong thing or messing up the careful plan to turn him into a marketable showbiz commodity. It sure appears that way on TV, and obviously we’re not seeing more than a fraction of what’s going on. ”

*****

The whole Sean Kingston – Stand By Me thing is merely a smokescreen.
What did all the judges say after that performance?

Randy was so over the top sayng DavidA was playing to win the whole thng.
Paula credited DavidA with ‘taking everything in we are telling you’ to improve week after week.
And Randy chimes in ‘Yeah. he is really listening to us.’
Simoin said it was the best pefoirmance so far.

And now, AI has banned JeffA because he altered the lyrics when, when the three mouthpieces said nothing at the time when it was obvious the lyrics had been altered.

And how does banning JeffA from rehearsals prevent the same thing from happening again, since David is still lving with his father and will sing whatever he is told to sing just to avoid his father’s wrath. And looking at the photo taken Friday, that is a lot of wrath.

But banning JeffA from rehearsals does keep him away from other contestants at least until the tour begins. And to me, that is the issue.

GwendolynD! Homina Homina Homina!
Thank you for the scans.

Considering Ken Barnes hasn’t exactly been an Archie supporter I pretty much don’t care what he has to say.

Jpfan, I saw alot of David A’s hometown coverage and he is just a normal 17 year old kid. Hell I have one and they get flustered when questioned and judging of any kind is a little stressful. It’s funny how some are saying he was groomed for this, why? At home he was comfortable, funny, and cute.

I think that some look at other contestants with fan colored glasses. Daddygate should have nothing to do with his chances. I would be ok with anyone winning, but I would be elated if he did. I just like the kid’s voice and for me that is the key. I think he has a wonderful, unusual voice.

Frankly if he gets the boot this week, it’s probably gonna be better for him, than if he won, because this story will have legs and will overshadow Syesha or David Cook if they win. The questions would be thunderous.

Abbysee – I’m with you. If David A gets the boot this week, I’m fine with that. It’ll be the third year in a row the best singer got kicked off in third place.

I don’t like many of his song choices and may not follow his career after Idol but I do think he’s got the best voice this season.

Reminder: Could we keep the thread on topic? Politics is a different forum. Thank you.

Politics is a different forum.

Paula’s Tics, however, are totally on topic. Oh yah, I went there. And it’s rated ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRgh.

Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s funny how some are saying he was groomed for this, why?

Possibly because this isn’t the first singing-based televised competition that he’s been on? Oh, and the fact that he was on the other one when he was like 12. Once it was discovered that the kid could sing and had talent, it appears that daddy dearest ran with it and has never looked back.

this story will have legs and will overshadow Syesha or David Cook if they win.

LMAO. Since a simple answer to a question and then changing the subject – which both of these interview savvy contestants will likely be adept at doing – won’t work. No. The entire interview will focus on David Archuleta, since that’s allllllllllllllllll America cares about. Please. Give me a break.

Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll be the third year in a row the best singer got kicked off in third place.

Well, IMO, the best singer this year went home in 6th place.

Idols featured in new TV Guide:

Obsession #1

This photo deserves its own topic. Wow, just wow.

Thanks for that, Gwen!

This photo deserves its own topic. Wow, just wow.

That photo deserves it’s own webpage, zip code and Holiday Special. obsessed.
Tried to make me go to D-hab, I said no no no.

Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll be the third year in a row the best singer got kicked off in third place.

If Cookie or Archie go this week it will cement this whole year as a total joke. Michael going out at 8th and Carly going at 6th still pisses me off. Then again Blake outlasted Melinda last year so nothing should surprise me.

Paulaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Tics, however, are totally on topic. Oh yah, I went there. And ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s rated ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRgh.

Hee, is it bad I’m still giggling over that awful pirate joke?

That cover. YUM.

*ahem* à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“McMormonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  here (former, but my familyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s still strong and I certainly respect them).

As Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve said before, you donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t need to be affiliated with a certain religion to be a stage parent.

Aw, I wasn’t trying to disrespect anybody! It was just a joke. I never thought his religion had anything to do with it: McMormon just sounded funny. I should have said McBoringSongChoice. LOL! Sorry if I offended anyone.

If Cookie or Archie go this week it will cement this whole year as a total joke. Michael going out at 8th and Carly going at 6th still pisses me off. Then again Blake outlasted Melinda last year so nothing should surprise me.

Eh, Nikki McKibbin? Jasmine Trias? Scott Savol? Idol history is full of questionable contestants outlasting some better singers, it’s not like this season is anything new to me. If anything, for the first time, the “bad” contestants are actually pretty good for a change. Just my opinion.

What happened to Melinda? Will she ever be marketable? Did she get signed?
Damn fine opinion tinawina.

Possibly because this isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t the first singing-based televised competition that heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s been on?

This is germane to nothing, but I found an article the other day talking about Jordin and did you know that she auditioned for the same version of Star Search that Archie went on to win?

I must say that version of Star Search certainly produced a number of AI contestants. I just thought that was an interesting factoid and you finally gave me a tiny opening to put that out. As those kids come of Idol age, I wonder how many more we will see.

As has been well reported, Jordin was also on American Idol Juniors (but didn’t win that one either). Looks like third try was the charm for her. I’m sure there is a lesson in there for stage parents everywhere. (though, to be fair, Jordin did win a number of other contests along the way…why am I still rambling about this? It’s like a thread on a sweater that’s come loose. Pretty soon I’m going to have no sweater and a big mound of yarn).

Oh Kirsten, I enjoyed your rambling. Your post of course reminds me why I have no love for stage parents, or the little pageant bots they stage-train from birth.

Kids like Jordin & Archie, they miss so much. Lost opportunities to bond with their peers, missed proms, not having a dormmate they hate their first year in college, not taking your mom’s car without permission, telling your parents you’re going one place when you’re really going another, no football games, skipped graduations. Even the crappy stuff, like having your crush gloriously dump you, or holding your best friend up the whole way home from a party while she’s puking on your shoes.

I know when they become “stars” they all say that missing teenage milestones doesn’t mean anything. But, I believe it does. Learning to exist among people outside your immediate family and growing from your mistakes makes life a richer experience. These kids go straight from the cradle into the hands of their hollywood “handlers” and it’s a very long time before they have a normal life experience – if ever. I believe that sucks for them – I just don’t think they know it. And, that’s what makes me sad for them.

tinawina, I thought it was rather McFunny !

While I certainly feel bad for David A whatever the hell is going on, it doesn’t change the fact that his boy band arrangements make me die a little inside every time I hear them. The boy should’ve waited a few years to try out for Idol so that he had time to figure out what music doesn’t suck.

This is germane to nothing, but I found an article the other day talking about Jordin and did you know that she auditioned for the same version of Star Search that Archie went on to win?

O’rly now. Verra interesting Watson. Great find! So Lil BabyArchibald could not try out last year maybe because that would upset the apple cart, so they held him out till this year? Great 2 *OMG 17!!!!!* yr olds back to back, female/male, a real matching pair. UGH.

I remember last year seeing photo’s of Randy & Jordin & Jordin’s dad from years earlier. Wonder where the photo of Randy & BabyArhchibald & Jeff are.

If this goes down like that this year people will abandon this show.

Nice feature on Tampa Bay Fox website:

Their Idol correspondent Charlie does a feature on Luna Guitars which are located in Florida.

David Cook gets his real guitar on this coming Wednesday – the others have theirs from top 5. Cook’s (top 5) black guitar will be replaced with a Luna custom white one – very cool! Apparently it took longer because he is a leftie.

link:

My Fox Tampa Bay