Idol Tidbits – Baseball, Last Minute Disco and Song Choice!

By On 04/17/2009 · 61 Comments · In Uncategorized

I’m hearing from a reader who has a friend at tonight’s LA Dodgers baseball game that the Idols are there and got to throw out the first pitch!   Pretty sweet.

Speaking of the Top 7, Richard Rushfield told a group of post Idol chatters today on his LA Times Idoltracker blog that he had dinner with the Top 7 after Wednesday night’s results show.

He posted a few tantalizing tidbits from his report, set to run on Saturday:

  •   During a break on Wednesday night’s show, the the 6 safe contestants began the “Save Save” chant during the judges deliberation of Matt Giraud’s fate.   The Idols hatched a plan during break that no matter who was eliminated, they would start chanting.
  • Richard says there was total jubilation amongst the Idols after the save.
  • The producers only settled on Disco as a theme Wednesday morning after a previously scheduled mentor canceled their appearance.
  • Adam’s quote on his personal life, “This is a singing contest, not a kissing contest.” Adam took a tip from David Cook, “He programs his song list thinking about the whole season as a set list rather than living week to week.”
  • Danny is nice and thoughtful, but instense.   Allison is “completely irrepressible…hilarious.” Anoop is aware of the perfectionist streak that makes him appear frustrated and angry–he’s hardest on himself.

So, make sure to check out Richard Rushfield’s story on Saturday. Should be a good one.

Idol music director, Rickey Minor,   had some insight to share on that last-minute Disco theme with Brian Mansfield of the USA Today Idol Chatter blog.   Did he just give up some song spoilers?

“The tempo of disco is all about the same à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ it’s marching tempo, 120 beats per minute,” he told me after Wednesday’s results show. “For those that are used to singing those big ballads, it’s going to take some showmanship.

“It’s going to challenge them in a couple ways à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ tempo and, then, these songs are signature songs. Last Dance, We Are Family, Ain’t No Stopping Us Now à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ people know these songs. They’ve heard them all hundreds of times.”

Hm.   All three songs are iconic disco songs that will be tough to pull off.

Also, Rickey had an interesting tidbit about last week’s movie theme:

Both Adam Lambert and Scott MacIntyre had Seal’s Kiss From a Rose (from Batman Forever) on their short list. Ultimately, neither performed the song: Scott was eliminated, and Adam opted for Steppenwolf’s Born to Be Wild, one of the night’s few uptempo numbers.

“I think Adam made a wise choice,” Minor says.

 
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  • CathyMK

    Adamà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s quote on his personal life, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“This is a singing contest, not a kissing contest.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

    Good for him! I wish that I was as self-possessed as him! And good for him for paying attention to David Cook’s game plan- it can’t hurt to try to learn what you can from previous winners.

  • hypertwink

    I’ve seen the pictures of the hugging after the save. I’m so shipping Kris and Matt! :wub_tb:

  • terps

    I wonder what mentor backed out?

  • chicksineggz

    Just because of the fact that the contestants wanted a save no matter what, I am so glad it was Matt and not Lil who got the lowest number of votes.

  • Suzanne

    I bet Adam would have sounded great on Kiss from a Rose.

    I wonder what mentor backed out?

    And what names Simon Fuller called him/her??

  • pj

    Wow, I thought Anoop seemed laid back during the results show. His body language was cool. Lil had bitch face until some little girl said she floved her. LOL. Then she flashed a brilliant smile. Very pretty. My take is that Anoop knows the bus is smacking him down and Lil thinks she still has a shot. Not.

  • Suzanne

    You know, I just saw Mamma Mia and all the ABBA songs of the late 70s are in my head. Other than Dancing Queen, I wonder if any of the other ABBA songs would qualify for disco night–Take A Chance or Mamma Mia or Money, Money, Money or SOS? They are far better songs, and not oversung, than the songs Rickey mentioned. (We are Family, or Ain’t No Stopping Us Now would be such a waste for someone.)

  • OldHag

    During a break on Wednesday nightà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s show, the the 6 safe contestants began the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Save Saveà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  chant during the judges deliberation of Matt Giraudà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s fate. The Idols hatched a plan during break that no matter who was eliminated, they would start chanting.

    Good for them.

    Just because of the fact that the contestants wanted a save no matter what, I am so glad it was Matt and not Lil who got the lowest number of votes.

    That.

  • JohnM

    Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m hearing from a reader who has a friend at tonightà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s LA Dodgers baseball that the Idols are there and got to throw out the first pitch!

    Hmm, how do you suppose all seven of them threw one ball at once? :wink_wp:

  • Allie721

    I’m the reader who sent MJ the e-mail about the Idols being at the LA Dodgers game tonight. My friend sent me a text saying the American Idols were there and that they threw out the first pitch. I thought the same thing.. “uhhhh.. how could 7 people throw out the first pitch?” I asked her WHO threw it (hoping for a description — she’s not an Idol fan) and she said “they all did at the same time.” LOL I have no idea how that worked unless she means they each threw a pitch. Not sure.

  • Dlynne

    You know, I just saw Mamma Mia and all the ABBA songs of the late 70s are in my head. Other than Dancing Queen, I wonder if any of the other ABBA songs would qualify for disco nightà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’Take A Chance or Mamma Mia or Money, Money, Money or SOS? They are far better songs, and not oversung, than the songs Rickey mentioned. (We are Family, or Ainà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t No Stopping Us Now would be such a waste for someone.)

    I agree. I hope that they choose songs that haven’t been sung before on Idol. Doesn’t Allison love Abba? Or am I dreaming that?

  • JohnM

    Doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t Allison love Abba? Or am I dreaming that?

    No, you’re right — she is an Abba fan.

    Would be interesting to hear those chiming Euro-voices turned into her rich alto.

  • http://www.myspace.com/rjveritas MrRJ

    Suzanne , I hope you saw Mama Mia in a stage production because the movie was just aweful in comparison. I think some Abba would qualify, but the judges would not like it as we have seen.

  • hypertwink

    Lay All Your Love on Me and SuperTrouper would be awesome.

  • RemusL

    Multiple celebs can throw out the first pitch by having the same number of catchers and everyone lined up in a row facing their respective catchers. Generally, they all throw their pitches simultaneously.

  • lovecert

    I’m just glad they both dropped “Kiss From A Rose”.

  • cookcricket

    Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m just glad they both dropped à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Kiss From A Roseà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ .

    mmm, such a beautiful song! However, I do think Adam was right to do something other than a ballad.

    I am officially on board for this season after last night. Or two nights ago. LOL. (Too much good stuff posted today, there were things I wanted to watch over and over again. I think I’m on an AI high I don’t want to come down from. :laugh_tb: :unsure_tb:) Their “lurve” for each other was awesome!!! I think I can now find ‘like’ in my heart (really love) for each one of them now. I think it’s absolutely fine for them to be happy they’ll be together one more week. Reality will hit them soon enough. I say, let them enjoy this time. ;)

  • jz

    A few other tidbits from Mr. RR not posted above, for those that want to know more:
    Note: I edited Mr. RR’s grammar/wording a bit. Good practice for SATs.

    - “A lot of the idols seem to claim Matt as their BFF,” including Lil and Danny.
    - “Matt and Kris are totally BFF’s.”
    - “Kris Allen is such a painfully nice guy. You really feel that he does not have an unkind bone in his body.”
    - “Adam is very, very smart… he thinks through what he’s doing very carefully.”
    - “Adam is much more nervous about the potential backlash and sensitive to how people perceive him than I [Mr. RR] would have thought.”
    - All the idols “admitted they do look online to see what people are saying…Adam especially says he really looks to see how his performances are perceived.”

    ETA: I hope Gokey doesn’t google himself too much. Yikes.

  • http://www.myspace.com/rjveritas MrRJ

    >- All the idols à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“admitted they do look online to see what people are sayingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦Adam especially says he really looks to see how his performances are perceived.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

    ETA: I hope Gokey doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t google himself too much. Yikes.

    //Thank-you for the laugh!! Fantastic!//

  • jz

    Glad to be of service, MrRJ! :)

    Last Dance? DNW.
    That’s been done three times already, with an average rating of 33.7. In other words, youwillbescrewed.
    (Stats from WhatNotToSing, which I hope the Idols take a look at. Very often.)

  • g0dsavethequ33n

    For disco night, ADAM SHOULD TACKLE GEORGE BENSONà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢S à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“LOVE BALLADà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FP8XqK6C7wc)!!!!

    He can have tender moments with the first part (it’s time for some slow) and display his great low tones at the same time. Then he can kick up the tempo with the second part and have mad fun the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“glambertà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  way! This performance will (1) definitely stand out from the rest and catch everyone by surprise (again), (2) showcase his wide vocal range without compromising the high falsettos he loves to hit, (3) appeal to a wide audience!

    If not à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Love Balladà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ , then George Bensonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Give Me the Nightà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ . McFadden & Whiteheadà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Ainà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t No Stoppinà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  or Sophie Bextorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Murder on the Dancefloorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  (re-arrange and pull out killer moves) might prove interesting.

    Dlynne suggested Rod Stewartà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Do You Think Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m Sexyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ! Adam would totally work the camera and send hearts swooning:)

    Him performing Diana Rossà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m Coming Outà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  would be hilarious! Ha. Bill O’Reilly would have a heart attack:)

    Bottom line, though: Adam Lambert – Love Ballad.

  • hypertwink

    - à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“A lot of the idols seem to claim Matt as their BFF,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  including Lil and Danny.
    - à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Matt and Kris are totally BFFà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

    I love the fact that everyone thinks that their Matt’s BFF. I love it even more that

  • geekygirl

    Disco – BLAH!!! This night is always a disaster with overdone, rehashed, crapfest songs that weren’t meant to be solo renditions, cheesy drivel that was made to bump and grind to! Simon has his bitchface on the whole time, and karaoke is the most over used word of the night. I HATE IT!!

    I went to a website of the top 700 disco tunes as chosen by DJs and they are mostly all YUCK!!!! I can’t see too many I want to hear. Even the songs I like, ie Love is in the Air, Electric Dreams , You’ll Never FInd, will come off as cheesy and karaoke on stage.

    And you know anything Adam does will be called camp, because they are. Altho I laugh that he could sing any of the BeeGees songs in his falsetto!

  • Grammie Kari

    Dlynne suggested Rod Stewartà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Do You Think Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m Sexyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ! Adam would totally work the camera and send hearts swooning:)

    Honest, it was me!! I remember dancing to that song in the clubs, and it just FITS Adam to a tee. AI wouldn’t allow it, but it would be cool. I think people just don’t read my posts, except Dlynne. :surprised_tb:

    All the idols à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“admitted they do look online to see what people are sayingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

    I hope Anoop is reading the messages of support that many peeps are posting for him!

  • http://twitter.com/nokking nokking

    How do we get to read the full article? Good for Adam to google himself to see people’s reaction. I do hope he keeps that balance between pleasing old fans vs. acquiring some new ones, to be able to give it his all and tone it down if needed. Wow I wonder about Lil’s reaction if she does? :)

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

    I read that Rickey Minor interview at Idol Chatter yesterday… I didn’t take those as song spoilers necessarily, just examples to make his point that it was going to be difficult to make these songs their own and not sound karaoke. And I usually jump right on the spoiler stuff. LOL.

  • savgal

    à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Kris Allen is such a painfully nice guy. You really feel that he does not have an unkind bone in his body.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

    That’s how it seems, for me out in teeveeland. Glad to know it is true.
    Somehow I think this group will keep in touch in future. Love the story about the chant plan.

  • leome

    - à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Kris Allen is such a painfully nice guy. You really feel that he does not have an unkind bone in his body.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 
    - à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Adam is very, very smartà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ he thinks through what heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s doing very carefully.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 
    - à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Adam is much more nervous about the potential backlash and sensitive to how people perceive him than I [Mr. RR] would have thought.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 
    - All the idols à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“admitted they do look online to see what people are sayingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦Adam especially says he really looks to see how his performances are perceived.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

    It’s funny, I read this and I feel like you could have Archie’s name instead of Kris and Cook’s name instead of Adam and it would fit. I find a lot in common between those guys.
    Anyways… more on topic, that’s sweet they all decided to chant SAVE no matter who was there. It made for a very good moment, even if I don’t think that had any impact in the judges decision.

  • Victoria

    ^ Very true!

    - All the idols à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“admitted they do look online to see what people are sayingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦Adam especially says he really looks to see how his performances are perceived.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

    ETA: I hope Gokey doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t google himself too much. Yikes.

    Haha… poor guy. I don’t hate him, but I can’t say I’m a fan either.

    The producers only settled on Disco as a theme Wednesday morning after a previously scheduled mentor canceled their appearance.

    I wonder who it was? And they couldn’t have come with something better than disco??

  • SpenserJ

    My take is that Anoop knows the bus is smacking him down and Lil thinks she still has a shot. Not.

    This is likely. Also, Annop is competitive, and critical of himself. When things don’t go his way, he looks to himself for reasons. An excellent personality trait, since the only way to solve problems is to try and fix the things you can control, not the stuff you can’t. Lil is the girl in the cubby next to you at work who always screws up but has 87 different excuses and none of them have anything to do with her.

    Whether or not Anoop makes it in the music biz, he’s a smart, talented, educated guy who’s self-motivated. Those things signal success regardless of the path he chooses. Lil, wherever she ends up, will still be blaming her failures on everyone else but herself.

  • clearone

    Adamà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s quote on his personal life, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“This is a singing contest, not a kissing contest.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

    Good for Adam. It has to be disappointing to him that such focus is being placed on his personal life rather than his talent. Yes, he is apparently out and proud, but he obviously knows this isn’t the place to flaunt it and no doubt wishes others would understand that. I don’t understand the fascination with it in the media. What does his being gay have to do with his being able to sing? Nothing so shut up about it already!!!

    I daresay that those expecting him to be more OTT are going to be disappointed. From reading the way Adam is going about this, he is seriously wanting to win this thing. Like the man said, Adam is smart. He’s not going to alienate middle America at this point. If he wants to try more OTT, he can do it on the concert trail after the show is done.

  • http://www.myspace.com/gwendolyndiane GwendolynD

    Danny is nice and thoughtful.

    Nooooooooooooooooooo, really?

  • Jayd

    Annop is competitive, and critical of himself. When things donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t go his way, he looks to himself for reasons. An excellent personality trait, since the only way to solve problems is to try and fix the things you can control, not the stuff you canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t.

    Agree. Nicely put.

    All the idols à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“admitted they do look online to see what people are sayingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦Adam especially says he really looks to see how his performances are perceived.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

    Well Adam, if you’re reading this: You sir, are amazing! Thanks for sharing yourself and your talent with us!

  • dbdelight53

    I think if the idols pull these songs off and make them their own the show will be awesome

    Adam – Super Freak by Rick James
    Allison – I’m So Excited – Pointer Sisters
    Kris – Wishing On A Star – Rose Royce
    Matt – Let’s Groove – Earth, Wind & Fire
    Anoop – Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough – Michael Jackson
    Danny – Love Hangover – Diana Ross
    Lil – Rapper’s Delioght – Sugarhill Gang

  • Jayd

    My edit feature didn’t come up. The paragraph that starts out “All the idols “admitted..” is supposed to be in block quotes. Original post is from jz (thank you!)

  • sunchick

    Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s funny, I read this and I feel like you could have Archieà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s name instead of Kris and Cookà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s name instead of Adam and it would fit. I find a lot in common between those guys.

    Heh I thought the same thing. Adam even outright said he was taking a page out of Cookie’s book and plotting out his song selections like an extended setlist to be judged as a compilation of work over the course of the season, rather than playing it week by week. Smart boys, both of them.

  • weareallinnocent

    - à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Adam is much more nervous about the potential backlash and sensitive to how people perceive him than I [Mr. RR] would have thought.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 
    - All the idols à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“admitted they do look online to see what people are sayingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦Adam especially says he really looks to see how his performances are perceived.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

    Awwww, of course he’s nervous about it, who wouldn’t be?

    So, Adam, dahling, if you’re reading… Don’t you worry, we love you, dude! Keep doin’ your thang, we’re here for you, your beautiful self, and your mad skills. “Be who you are and say what you feel. Those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.” (quote from the great, Dr. Seuss (now, there’s a guy with a curious image and style, eh?! LOL))

  • SparklesATL

    Lil – Rapperà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Delioght – Sugarhill Gang

    You really want Lil to go home don’t you?

    Remember the old woman doing Rappers Delight in the Wedding Singer movie?

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tpz5WcCrhR4

  • cay

    I’m always surprised when people are surprised at how sensitive Adam is. People around him have been saying this and how sincere he is. I guess it’s part of a rocker stereotype. Wow. He really has to overcome so many of these stereotypes.

    Great group of guys. I so see a little Archie (Kris) and Cook (Adam). Adam is the leader, person they go to for advice and pep talk. A sweet, sensitive rocker with a little cute bad boy side. Both very well spoken. Kris so sweet and kind without a bad bone in his body. Very religious yet non judgmental. Tween/teen idol. I so hope they are the final two and that Allison comes in 3rd.

    I honestly feel those 3 deserved a save next week whereas Matt didn’t. We’ll have to see, but they don’t make a save. Use it on the obvious choice to go home and it not come back to bite them.

  • lefty

    I posted some of this in the last disco thread but as this thread seems to be most current place for discussing song choices, I’m going to move it over here.

    I want someone to sing Yvonne Elliman’s “If I Can’t Have You.” I think Allizon could really do well with this song.

    I also just pulled out my Bee Gees’ Greatest Hits (not ashamed to admit that I own it) and I really, really think Kris should do “Jive Talkin’.” The rhythm in that song is so great – he could just strip it all back to simple percussion (wood block and shaker or something) and his guitar, with the backup singers clapping and it would be awesome.

    The key for all of them will be lightening up a bit – they have to have some fun with it or they will crash and burn. You just can’t be all serious about disco.

    (This is totally OT, but I was watching Scrubs the other night and someone sang a slowed-down, acoustic version of Hey Ya! and I thought, well, if that can be done with an OutKast song, it can be done with nearly anything. It gave me some hope for disco night.)

  • Meg23

    Anoop is aware of the perfectionist streak that makes him appear frustrated and angryà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s hardest on himself.

    Also, Anoop is competitive, and critical of himself. When things donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t go his way, he looks to himself for reasons. An excellent personality trait, since the only way to solve problems is to try and fix the things you can control, not the stuff you canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t.

    I’m glad these comments are being made. Maybe the “arrogant” rumors can be put to rest. Maybe people can see that he’s not full of himself, but rather disappointed in himself when he thinks he doesn’t do well. Go Anoop! I’m behind you all the way!

    Anyway, I’m glad these contestants all seem to get along so well. This AI experience seems like a crazy ride, so it’s nice to know how supportive they are with one another.

  • tinawina

    Yes, he is apparently out and proud, but he obviously knows this isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t the place to flaunt it and no doubt wishes others would understand that.

    I don’t mean this personally, but I’m sad that there as to be an appropriate “place” to “flaunt” it, you know? Especially since “flaunting” it often means to some people just mentioning that you are in fact gay. It such a crazy line to walk… like if you are straight you can talk about your girlfriend or wife or whatever without thinking, be filmed giving them a kiss and no one bats an eye. Its just part of showing who you are. But if Adam does the same, he’s pushing some kind of “gay agenda”.

    Adamà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s quote on his personal life, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“This is a singing contest, not a kissing contest.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

    I don’t know how to feel about his answer to the question. On one hand I know that in a lot of ways he’s scared/reluctant to just say it directly, but on the other hand, I kind wish he just would already. In some ways I feel the “nobody’s business” line of thinking is just a convienent way to not have to deal with people’s attitudes. It’s not really that its “nobody’s business” its just that he knows there are people out there who just don’t want to hear it. But I’m not the one trying to have a career and maybe even win Idol, am I? So I completely undersatnd where he’s coming from. It just makes me a little sad.

  • wjmtv

    Yeah, Adam’s walking a scary tightrope. America is becoming more accepting of our neighbors who are not exactly like ourselves, but we have a ways to go (in some parts of the country more than others).

    If he wins, he’s going to be an ambassador whether he or anyone else wants him to be or not (and I don’t envy him the number of reporters who will try to make every interview about his personal life instead of the music–hopefully, he took a page out of Cookie’s playbook on that subject too).

    If I were gay, I would be proud to have him as my spokesman because he’s clearly intelligent, articulate and kind. He’ll go a long way toward getting some people to see that, wow, them queers are a lot like us. But it’s still a tough position to be in. Fortunately, I have no doubt he could handle it.

  • monleo1705

    HEY YA ALL!

    For those of you who were wondering how did all of them manage to throw the first pitch at the same time at the Dodgers game, i found this on youtube:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-0ITEqd92A

    hahah, they are so cool! :lol_wp:

  • LoveU

    It seems obvious to me that Lil will sing Donna Summer.

  • lefty

    It seems obvious to me that Lil will sing Donna Summer.

    I think you are probably right. She hasn’t been full of surprises this season.

  • Tess
  • Suzanne

    In some ways I feel the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“nobodyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s businessà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  line of thinking is just a convienent way to not have to deal with peopleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s attitudes.

    I get your point, but to me, I think Adam was saying “My sexuality/lifestyle doesn’t impact or effect in any way the competition” not “My sexuality/lifestyle is none of your business.” And, although not direct, his statement does deal with people’s attitudes in that it (indirectly) says that a negative attitude about him in the competition based on his sexual orientation is misplaced because it’s irrelevant.

    Honestly, I thought he did a good job with creating that soundbite. It’s short, it’s humorous, it delivers a (subtle) message, and it’s not offensive.

    I really don’t get the comparision between Kris and David Archuleta, btw, except that they are both male extraordinarily talented vocalists and polite. Kris is a grown up man; David is just joining everyone in adulthood now. I like David a lot, but it kind of sells Kris short to call him the David Archuleta of Season 8 because Kris has done some living (mature in his experience and speaking skills) and has some demonstrated music skills (plays numerous instruments; has recorded his own original music). David A is more like this adorable glowing nugget of potential.

  • Suzanne

    WJMTV–

    1. like your “name.”
    2. Agree about Adam. I also think it’s great that they have been letting him talk a bit during the main show (which is what most people see; not the Extras show or the online AI videos). I think his eyeliner and nail polish (if nothing else) can be off-putting for some people in mainstream America. The more people hear from him, the more it will be obvious that he’s a nice, smart guy who’s just like everyone else.

  • tinawina

    I get your point, but to me, I think Adam was saying à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“My sexuality/lifestyle doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t impact or effect in any way the competitionà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  not à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“My sexuality/lifestyle is none of your business.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  And, although not direct, his statement does deal with peopleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s attitudes in that it (indirectly) says that a negative attitude about him in the competition based on his sexual orientation is misplaced because ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s irrelevant.

    Yeah, I know what you are saying. But for me no matter how you slice it, it’s all just a justification for avoiding a direct statement confirming the obvious. Its the difference between saying “Yeah, my boyfriends a good kisser! But that his nothing to do with my singing, so whatever” and an answer that just avoids the whole deal, you know? I’m sad that he in some way needs to sidestep the question in the first place. Saying “my sexual orientation is irrelevant” to me just masks the fact that we are all bending over backwards to make sure no one is “uncomfortable” at the expense of people who shouldn’t be asked to play those stupid games in the first place.

  • justshootme

    (This is totally OT, but I was watching Scrubs the other night and someone sang a slowed-down, acoustic version of Hey Ya! and I thought, well, if that can be done with an OutKast song, it can be done with nearly anything. It gave me some hope for disco night.)

    This. I actually think folking up an old disco tune is safer than keeping it uptemp without sounding corny/dated. Everyone seems to think this is a slam dunk for Adam, but I think Kris has the easier path. To illustrate, here’s KT Tunsell doing Chaka Khan …
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTDqhiavP3E

    (I really gotta learn how to do a pretty link.)

    ETA That first paragraph should’ve been in blockquotes. Oops.

  • clearone

    I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t mean this personally, but Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m sad that there as to be an appropriate à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“placeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  to à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“flauntà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  it, you know? Especially since à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“flauntingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  it often means to some people just mentioning that you are in fact gay. It such a crazy line to walkà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ like if you are straight you can talk about your girlfriend or wife or whatever without thinking, be filmed giving them a kiss and no one bats an eye. Its just part of showing who you are. But if Adam does the same, heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s pushing some kind of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“gay agendaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ .

    Yes it is very sad but unfortunately if there are some things you want in life you have to make subtle changes. I don’t think by his deflecting the question or toning it down on stage he is in any way denying who he is, I think he has just made a conscious decision to win this thing and in order to do it he has to compromise some. Should he have to? No he shouldn’t but if he has made the decision that he wants this career and in order to have it he has to deflect his orientation some, then who are we to question him on it? I honestly think if the press would leave it alone, it would not be such an issue but unfortunately they are obsessed with it…..talent doesn’t matter to 99 percent of them or those who would not support Adam because of his orientation.

  • Tess

    Does anyone know whether Matt is gay? or Anoop? They don’t seem to have a girlfriend…and in Anoop’s case he did go the music, performing route in college.

    Those lines were perfectly awful and I am sorry that I had to type them out. IT IS NOBODYS DAMN BUSINESS what anyone’s sexual orientation is…anytime, anyhow, anywho. Now that I am over 60 and widowed I wish I were gay. I don’t want to ever have to put up with a man again….does that make me a bad person that I prefer the company of women over men at this time in my life?

    I just want the Adam needs to “come out” stuff to stop. It infuriates me and makes it that I tune out the posters who keep bringing it up…and on a lot of stuff they have some good things to say.

  • cheese

    Everyone seems to think this is a slam dunk for Adam, but I think Kris has the easier path

    I totally agree. He can just play whatever song on his acoustic guitar and he’s automatically: (1) original!1! and (2) excused from working the stage or dancing and potentially looking cheesy or awkward. It should be a breeze for him.

    The results for next week are practically written in stone anyway, so I think most of the contestants will have an easy time pulling through even if disco is not their strength. The people they want in the top 5 sort of have a freebie, although I guess they’ll need to put someone in the bottom 3 with Anoop and Lil before they send them home.

  • tinawina

    I just want the Adam needs to à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“come outà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  stuff to stop. It infuriates me and makes it that I tune out the posters who keep bringing it upà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦and on a lot of stuff they have some good things to say.

    I don’t know if this was directed at me, but I am not saying Adam needs to come out. I understand why he hasn’t. I am just sad that the world is such that he has to be put in this position in the first place.

    But I do get those who want him to come out, because nothing ever changes as long as we call keep playing the game. I just don’t want to make that kind of call for Adam, because it is not my life and my career at stake.

    I don’t think this is an issue with easy answers, frankly.

  • wjmtv

    Thanks, Suzanne. It’s always fun to meet someone who “gets” my screen name. Especially in Idolland.

    To Tess:

    IT IS NOBODYS DAMN BUSINESS what anyoneà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s sexual orientation isà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦anytime, anyhow, anywho. Now that I am over 60 and widowed I wish I were gay. I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t want to ever have to put up with a man againà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.does that make me a bad person that I prefer the company of women over men at this time in my life?

    Not a bad person. Only an intelligent and discriminating one. :wink_wp: Men: can’t live with ‘em, can’t stuff ‘em in a sack.

    But I have to respectfully disagree that it’s no one’s damned business. When I encounter a celebrity, their talent catches my eye. But who they are is what will get them my love. I started watching Idol after a reading a blog comment somewhere about what David Cook had just done to “Hello.” His voice and presence were impressive, but it was his personality that cookified me. If I had never had a chance to “get to know” the real guy, I wouldn’t have cared about his music nearly as much.

    And, IMHO, sexual orientation is a huge part of who we all are, gay or straight. So yeah, if a celeb is going to put him or herself out there for me to love, I want to know who they love, because that will give me another insight into what sort of person they are.

    I’m just looking forward to the day when being not-straight is no longer held up as some sort of villainy.

  • justshootme

    And, IMHO, sexual orientation is a huge part of who we all are, gay or straight.

    See, I really can’t agree with this. To me sexual orientation is just another superficial excuse to judge one another. And as far as the character of the musicians I listen to, as long as they haven’t done anything so off the chain, against humanity, that it clouds their image irrecovably, I really don’t care. Character is pretty subjective anyway.

    So anyhow, go Adam.

  • LaurelG

    I think Adam was saying à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“My sexuality/lifestyle doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t impact or effect in any way the competitionà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  not à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“My sexuality/lifestyle is none of your business.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  And, although not direct, his statement does deal with peopleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s attitudes in that it (indirectly) says that a negative attitude about him in the competition based on his sexual orientation is misplaced because ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s irrelevant.

    I agree 100% with this statement and I also think Adam had a great answer.

    Yeah, I suppose somewhere in the back of my mind I’m thinking it’s a sad state of affairs that these questions are even being asked … but … enough about that! We’re at the 3/4 mile mark and if I look closely I can almost see the finish line around the bend up ahead! Let’s win this sucker! I’m keeping my focus on the prize, which is (for me) a win for Adam and (for Adam) a win, I’m pretty sure. As some poster said somewhere, all I want to see is that high wattage beam of a smile on his face when the confetti comes down. THAT would make me happy. Why? Because by every measure of talent and character, he DESERVES it.

  • BootStar

    “Everyone seems to think this is a slam dunk for Adam, but I think Kris has the easier path”

    I totally agree. He can just play whatever song on his acoustic guitar and heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s automatically: (1) original!1! and (2) excused from working the stage or dancing and potentially looking cheesy or awkward. It should be a breeze for him.

    I’m actually kind of hoping that Adam, too, goes the acoustic route. We already have seen him boogey. What would be surprising–and potentially awesome–is if he doesn’t go the “safe” route (which for him would be another OTT performance), and just stands in place and emotes a damned good song. Something like “How Deep Is Your Love” or “The Love I Lost.”

    And I would have floved (!!!) to have heard Adam sing “Kiss From A Rose,” but I’ll just thank my lucky stars that I didn’t have to hear Scott butcher it. It’s a favorite of mine, and I won’t apologize for it! :rolleyes_tb:

  • LaurelG

    I think Adam will slow it down this week, precisely because most of the others will do more uptempo songs and he will want to stand out. Also, if he does check online, he must know that his ballads have more mainstream appeal than the rockified songs. It would be cool to slow down a really well known disco hit ala TOMT. Although, since the category selection was so last minute, will any of them really have time to change things up that much?

    Besides, once we get to F5, don’t they get two songs each? Then he can do a ballad every week and something else.

  • Jayd

    Thanks for the youtube link, monleo1705! I like how the author has already declared Adam the winner. *smirk*