Is Adam Lambert Mentoring the Idols Next Week? (UPDATE: Yes, He Is!)

Bringing this over from other thread.

Huh. Well, if that email is authentic, and the information in it is true, then I am all for it, fan-wars be damned. As I said in another thread, out of any season, the s9 kids — who are still stiff as a board, overly nervous and most of whom can’t pick the right songs (hello! challenging yourself does not mean picking a song that you can’t sing and is not appropriate for your voice!!!!)– could really benefit from an “ive been there” type of a mentor. Adam (or any other Idol finalist — heck, bring on Anoop or Sarver, I don’t care) could talk to them about song choice, using the stage, making a moment, how important it is to make an impression because win or lose you are going to have new opportunities when you get off the show, etc. etc.

This is somewhat hilarious. So, either it’s true or this guy’s a lunatic or some really cruel friend of his played a really cruel joke on him LOL.

I have no issue with former finalists coming back to help the current contestants. Especially this season, when some of these kids could REALLY use a little advice from someone who’s been there and played the game well.

I’m sitting here visualizing the conversational hype this will get in the upcoming week if this is true. Can you say ratings boost? LOL

Oh mj, I’m sorry! LMAO. Well, at least there is one thread to contain all the chatter.

I think this as quite odd if it is true. 19 is on some serious Adam pimpage crack. Heh. Still, he’s gonna get a hell of a boost and lots of coverage, so work that pimping Adam! LOL. Good for him.

This is somewhat hilarious. So, either it’s true or this guy’s a lunatic or some really cruel friend of his played a really cruel joke on him LOL.

I was going to blow it off until he produced the so-called-email. The whole deal is just so popcorn-worthy…

As long as Adam gets to perform, the mentoring is just icing on the cake. It’s lulzy entertainment to watch it unfold, for sure. As dull as S9 is, we need an interesting development. Bring it on!

Let’s see….big bag of popcorn, check, favorite beverage, check, lots of m&m’s to nibble on, check, comfy chair and footrest, check, computer in good condition, check. I think I am all set for the “floor show” if this turns out to be true. This will truly set the “idol fandom” spinning!!

If Adam is really doing this, he needs to teach Tim and Aaron some of his stage moves.

Wow….if this is true can you imagine. OMG there will be 2000 postings on this site alone. HeHeHeHe. I love Adam Lambert. Maybe he could teach Siobhan how to hit those high notes since she insists on singing them.

That email is ridiculous. Who sends an email like that? on Sony servers? Way to spoil a surprise if true… Alternatively, it does start the buzz early for a huge build up to next week. Heh. Just heh.

It should be interesting to see how the Idol audience views Lambert upon his return. A lot has happened in his career since last season.. he hasn’t quite lived up to all the praise from last season. Sure, the judgery loved him last year, but his post-Idol sales clearly did not meet those expectations. Interesting. Very interesting.

Oh boy am I tired of the Adam pimping…if this is true, I’m not watching. I can catch up with the performances on the net (not that there’s much point this season, but whatever).

If they wanted to have an ex-idol mentoring, Kelly, Carrie or Daughtry would have been the best choices. If they aren’t interested or available (I think they’re all touring) then best not to do it at all.

No offence to Adam or to Adam fans (it’s not personal against him or them) but I just find the whole thing odious. It’s got nothing to do with this season of Idol or this season’s contestants. It’s all about the – latest in a long line of – pushes for their supposed ‘golden boy’, who as of yet is just a moderate success in the real music world, however much he appears in the gossip press and however hard they try to make him look like a ‘superstar’.

I’d rather they invited Archie to do it: he even had more success in the year after finishing runner up.

Bleuh.

Well I think it would be neat if it’s true. I think Adam would be a really great mentor. And you got to admit it if you don’t like Adam people are going to want to watch just to see what he well do. And if it well help with the ratings am sure Idol would do it.

And if it’s a joke, I’ll laugh myself silly.

Here comes the lulz. *munches popcorn*

I guess in a way even if you just are performing and talk to the contestants a bit it could even be seen as mentoring and my guess is that is probably the case and it isn’t full fledge mentoring. I have never understood though why they didn’t use previous idols to mentor the current contestants, since they are the only ones who really know what idol is about and the other mentors mostly made it differently without idol. I don’t know how quickly you can teach contestants how to be more comfortable on stage, but Adam definitely would be a good mentor in that area. Some of the contestants this year would be much better if they just didn’t look so self conscious.

this would be soo great, i could finally enjoy an AI show this season!!

The headings on e-mails can be edited before being forwarded so as to make them look as if they’ve come from someone and somewhere else. Seven people got sacked at my former place of work as a result of someone doing this.

If the DJ has done this, he is on dangerous ground. If not, whoever did it and sent it to him is.

If it is true, good luck to Adam. The “he’s not a legitimate artist” line is bull. I suppose they would be alright with Carrie Underwood mentoring. Come back when Carrie has had a top ten album and top ten single in Australia, NZ and most of Europe and the far East.

S9 could really use what Adam could teach them. I was always on the edge of my seat waiting for Adam to perform. So far S9 has been pretty dull.

If the email is a fake, the guy is going to look like a fool pretty quickly.

In the mean time, stock up on pop-corns ..

Ya I hope this is true, has Adam responded, as I am sure he has heard the (news) by now. Its great, and I am all for any of the seasons top placement Idols mentoring. Some can speak with some sense and some not so much, but who cares, they have all been there. Anything is better than the senseless people that they put on just to premote their albums, and to show that most of these so called stars cant really sing without being autotuned, or lip synking. Can you just picture Adam with TIM, lol, or cute little Aaron, oh my, this could be really good. Adam will be professional tho,

And you got to admit it if you don’t like Adam people are going to want to watch just to see what he well do. And if it well help with the ratings am sure Idol would do it.

LOL – half the people watching because they like Adam, the other half watching hoping that he’s a trainwreck. That’s a win/win for the network.

I was going to blow it off until he produced the so-called-email. The whole deal is just so popcorn-worthy…

Ha! Hope your server is prepared for a lot of hits.

Is this how official e-mails from sony look like? really? LoL ‘Adam will OWN american idol next week’. I thought april fools was last thursday… I’m sorry but i need more than this to believe it. i’m capable of making-up this kind of ‘proof’ in less than 10 minutes, what took HIM so long?

If the email is a fake, the guy is going to look like a fool pretty quickly…

That possibility right there is half the fun. I’m not sure this DJ understands the depths of the cray cray element in Idol fandom. He might have no idea he’s about to be burned at the stake. And, I might have to start following him on Twitter, just for the lulz.

Lol at the email. Please at least pay some effort if u wanna pull a prank. This guy is working for the media isn’t he? Can’t believe he couldn’t draft a more believable email. Lol entertaining indeed.

I am pretty sure that the S9 idols would be very happy to get a little mentoring from Adam. He has an innate sense of what works (see the entire American Idol S8 if you don’t mind) and anything else you can find on youtube that he has performed in to prove that. I hope it is true and they should have done this (HAVE PAST IDOLS MENTOR) a long time ago. I think he is probably the only one who could do it comfortably. He can talk to anyone and everyone…he’s a pro!!!! GO ADAM!!!! Adam for the Save!

Talk about “for our entertainment”. This is going to be epic on so many levels if this is true. I can hear the sound of fandoms exploding already, LOL. Oh my, I can’t wait. However Adam could teach these kids quite a bit about song choice, presentation, owning the stage, etc.

LOL – half the people watching because they like Adam, the other half watching hoping that he’s a trainwreck. That’s a win/win for the network.

Well, it’s kind of hard for me to see anybody watching in hopes of a trainwreck, because how could *any* former Idol who did well on the show produce a trainwreck?

Every single one of the top five or six finishers each season can sing and perform pretty well live (certainly better than many many of the top non-idol “stars” they trot out to sing each week).

And, unlike many many of the “star” mentors that have been on the show, any former Idol finalist has got plenty of relevant experience to try to impart to the current contestants and would most likely be eager to try to do so.

I don’t believe it’s true. But I also can’t see a lot of people tuning it in hoping for a trainwreck.

Because while it could be a big pr disaster for 19, among fans of other Idols and folks who really can’t stand Adam, I don’t see how his performing or mentoring (or the performing and mentoring of Kris, Archie, Diana, George Huff, Justin Guarini, or any other top-finishing Idol) could possibly be all that bad, considering the performing and mentoring we’ve seen by myriad others over the years!

Again, what I find hilarious is people’s reactions. Hehehehehe. Today is going to be interesting on the internet.

If they wanted to have an ex-idol mentoring, Kelly, Carrie or Daughtry would have been the best choices. If they aren’t interested or available (I think they’re all touring) then best not to do it at all.

IA with this because they’ve been successful transcending AI and they’ve headlined their own tours. I’d add Jennifer Hudson and Fantasia to your list too because of the acclaim they’ve gotten in other fields. But let’s face it: once they invited MILEY CYRUS to mentor it settled the question of whether they were picking mentors based on what’s best for the contestants or whether they were picking mentors based on who’s got something to promote. It wouldn’t surprise me if they went with Adam as a mentor at all.

Kelly’s back in the US after touring overseas so I’d have thought she’d be available. It’s not that Adam will be a bad mentor, even Miley didn’t seem to be a bad mentor. But the best choices? Hardly.

i dunno, it seems photoshopped lol…maybe hes just doing it for the hits? is he even reliable? how do we know for sure he works for radio?

btw, it seems that hes a huge kelly fan just playing tricks on adam fans for the lulz

It is a good idea to have a former contestant serve as a mentor. The Idol stage is a universe unto itself, and only the people who have performed there and faced the judges can truly empathize. I thought Adam, Kris, & Allison were all awesome last year, but I’m not sure if any of them could make a difference with the current group. Crystal is already established in her performing style. Siobhan might benefit from some Adam-izing after her problems last week. As for the others, they’re simply not ready for prime time. Some have basic talent, but they need a considerable amount of development. Others (Hello, Tim) are just taking up valuable space.

It wouldn’t matter to me if this was true. For this season I’ve been watching just the performances of the contestants (okay, just Crystal, Siobhan, Lee; and Didi before she was voted off). I don’t even watch the judges’ critique. I am that disinterested about this season.

So, they could put Justin Bieber in as a mentor and I would not even feel it. In this case, ignorance is bliss.

It looks like a hoax to me. With all my respect and admiration for Adam, I don’t think that he is qualified to be a mentor at the current stage of his career.
But the ratings will skyrocket..IMHO.
On the other hand, when I think of it, Adam has been in the showbussiness for a very long time. And being so much left of center of what is required to became an American Idol, he managed to get to the finals.So he might be a good mentor, after all..

Yea, i can see the ratings getting boosted by this. Especially if the producers decide to be silent and “no comment” on next week’s mentor.

WDYWFM? Come on … if he’s going to perform on idol it’ll surely be a “new” song. Not WDYWFM, which he’s performed on every platform from Good Morning -> SYTYCDance …

I don’t like fanwars and this has the making of the perfect fanwar storm starting with S1 fans thru S8 all screaming it’s not right, it’s not fair oh then the rehash of the AMA’s…oh the hate & the butthurt this would produce… *hiding*…going back to lurking.

Broadway week maybe?. The only idols who should be able to mentor are Carrie and Kelly, the only ones who are “stars”

Fascinating. I’m finding the whole situation, the email, etc., pretty incredulous, but I skimmed back the guy’s Twitter page and he’s pretty legit. Soo… either it’s true, or someone sent him a fake email and he REALLY believes it’s true. If this email was sent to other radio stations, though, how come no one has said anything? Doesn’t Adam often take to twitter to dispel these types of rumors once they get out of hand? Does his silence signify anything? Again, fascinating. /munches popcorn :).

I would be very happy if it is true but I don’t think any Sony rep would write and email like this one. It seems more like a tween wrote it.

And if it is true well Adam is one of the best choices for helping mentor. He has done a load of Stage work. Excuse if I am wrong but wasn’t a lot of people complaing that he was a plant because he was too experienced or professional now all of sudden he is not.

If it isn’t true I don’t get the joke. Why purposely rile up anyone. Its cruel. I don’t think any other fan group of an artist Idol or not would think it was too funny if it was their favorite. IMHO

Of course if it is true a lot of other idol fans will be pissed that their idol wasn’t first. I guess Kelly should be the first one to do this but maybe she turned it down. We have no idea who was asked and said no.

What I do find hysterical is the people who get upset that Adam just has a better PR team. Like he should be punished because he does have it. I say bring it on. I never got the if not mine not your either attitude. There have been plenty of opportunities that other idols got that Adam never did and I don’t have any animosity or ill will towards anyone of them. I guess I just love the Cheesy show and want all of them to do well

This is interesting. I don’t have a problem with former idols coming back and mentoring current contestants. Especially if it’s someone like Kelly Clarkson, or Chris Daughtry, or Carrie Underwood, who have all been through the idol machine and have been very successful.

American Idol is no long afford to invite big stars to mentor. I am picturing that Ricky Minor will be kissed by male contestants. Epic Fail.

Re: Adam mentoring, if true, it doesn’t look like this was a big “lets see what we can do to pimp Adam” decision, especially since Adam denied that he was mentoring just a few weeks ago. He probably was scheduled to perform, either the planned mentor couldn’t do it any more or there was no mentor, and someone decided, hey, adam is around, lets have a former contestant mentor from the “i’ve been where you are” perspective….it makes sense, and if they are going to do a former finalist as a mentor it may even make the most sense to have someone from the prior season, or prior two seasons, who is still really close to the process (for example, Kelly C. is 9 years removed from being an idol contestant…someone from S8, who is just off the whole process, may have more to give the S9 kids from an “i just did the whole idol experience perspective.) Anyway, I hope it is true, but still doubt that it is. that email looks weird.

If they want to have a former contestant come back and mentor, fine but I think it should be more than someone from the previous season. A more experienced Idol alumni can give more advice on just how to play the Idol game (do I have to remind anyone that it is a game he did not win) but can also prepare the contestants for their career after Idol. Someone out in the industry for less than a year cannot do that.

This has nothing to do with fan wars. I just think Adam does not yet have enough to offer in the way of experience. Period.

I will not watch if he attempts to mentor. This will be worse than Miley Cirus mentoring. Why don’t they just get it over with and have Justin Beiber on?

Because while it could be a big pr disaster for 19, among fans of other Idols and folks who really can’t stand Adam, I don’t see how his performing or mentoring (or the performing and mentoring of Kris, Archie, Diana, George Huff, Justin Guarini, or any other top-finishing Idol) could possibly be all that bad, considering the performing and mentoring we’ve seen by myriad others over the years!

Oh, I don’t think it will be bad. But, judging from some of the reactions to this rumor so far, I’m quite sure at least a segment of the viewers are hoping it will be.

Honestly, for me, I love to see the former contestants come back. Even the ones who I didn’t particularly like during their seasons. I wasn’t an Archie fan, and I hate the song Imagaine, but this week, I’ll be rooting for him to do well with it.

For me, I can’t get all hot and bothered over who’s mentoring on a show that sees Joe Jonas as a qualified judge.

I’m just anticipating hilarity to ensue with the reaction of some of the more ardent fans and non-fans :).

Idol made it clear they view Adam as some HUGE star the first episode of the new season with the ‘a new Idol was crowned (cut to Kris) and a star was born (cut to Adam). Maybe they think bringing him on as a mentor will make it seem like he is a huge star on the same level as some of their past mentors. Can’t wait to see the video package like all the mentors get where their milllions of albums sold, strings of hit songs and awards are touted..oh wait….never mind.

1) The email does smell like a hoax from 50 paces.
2) I am not engaged by most of AL’s music and I think he could have, and should have, not chosen Cordelia Chase for his media relations model.
3) I think this is a perfectly fine idea, if true.

He has relevant experience, a certain degree of stage presence, and is quite articulate when he wants to be. I can think of many worse mentoring candidates.

I just want him to sing something other than WWFM. I’ve had it up to here with that song! Sheesh, he’s already performed it on Fox on that very stage. Why not unveil the new single IIHY?

But, judging from some of the reactions to this rumor so far, I’m quite sure at least a segment of the viewers are hoping it will be.

Can’t imagine why they would think this. I guess many just hate Adam this much?

Frankly, if they did an entire season with *nothing* but former Idol finalists as guest performers and mentors — and reached deep down into the pot to bring out finalists who finished 5th, 6th, and 7th, even — I would bet that, in terms of actual live guest singing on results night, and useful, caring mentoring, it would be by far the best season they’ve ever had. By many miles, in fact!

That said, I hope that it isn’t true. If they’re not going to have a bunch of them back to do this, then they shouldn’t have *any* back to do this — unless they choose only a past winner (either the most recent or the longest-running) or those who’ve had the biggest number of career successes thus far.

No offence to Adam or to Adam fans (it’s not personal against him or them) but I just find the whole thing odious. It’s got nothing to do with this season of Idol or this season’s contestants. It’s all about the – latest in a long line of – pushes for their supposed ‘golden boy’, who as of yet is just a moderate success in the real music world, however much he appears in the gossip press and however hard they try to make him look like a ’superstar’.

I’d rather they invited Archie to do it: he even had more success in the year after finishing runner up.

As an Adam fan, no offense taken. If it’s true that Adam is mentoring, there will be a lot of opinions flying within the Idol fandom within the next week! LOL! I truly think that “success” is a very elusive term to pin down, though, because it can be measured in so many ways. While it’s true that in the US, Adam’s sales have been moderate when compared to those of some contestants in previous years, I do believe the attention he gets in the press is also an important component of success–and the amount of media attention he gets is by far greater than I’ve personally seen from any former Idol. Sure, a lot of it is just fluffy gossip, but it’s because of the image Adam has created and presented that the tabloids are so interested in his every move and utterance. Yes, there’s the whole argument that that’s not “musical” success, but to be a “pop star,” I think you have to build on the whole package. I’m not claiming that Adam is a “star” yet, but, IMO, he’s well on his way, and I think the Season 9 kids could really use to work with someone who obviously understands and knows how to play the different angles of starting out in the industry.

Right now, I’m saying this a bad joke that will be mocked by all of us shortly.

However. . .

If this proves to be true, 19 will have a PR armageddon on their hands. No way can they handle eight years’ worth of angry fans who are upset over their favorite Idol not getting the job first. They would be putting themselves in front of a firing squad.

It sounds too far-fetched to be true. But I can’t completely rule it out because 19′s bigwigs are just self-absorbed enough to try something like this. We’ll see.

” I just want him to perform something other than WWFM. I
’ve had it up to here with that song! Sheesh, he’s already performed it on Fox on that very stage. Why not unveil the
new single IIHY?”

Because he hasn’t performed WWFM on TV in the US in 3 or 4 months (certainly not since it became a top 15 radio hit), his remix EP, which includes remixes of WWFM drops on April 14, most of the Idol audience has never seen him sing WWFM live, I suspect RCA/19 want WWFM to get one last big sales boost, and IIHY is not ready for adds etc. yet (also IMO he sings WWFM a lot better than IIHY live). WWFM makes perfect sense

The mentors don’t mentor on the contestants careers. So getting advice from an artist with a showcase full of gold or platinum records really is irrelevant to what these kids are going through. The sole purpose of all the past mentors has been to plug their upcoming record or tour. Period!
Even if it wasn’t Adam, I would be in favor of this. I think having past Idols on, as mentors, is long overdue. They alone know what it is like to be on that show and how to deal with everything the show throws at you (Ford commercial, mentor day, song choice, etc,) while still trying to come up with your best performance. The stars they use have no idea what these kids are going through. A past Idol does.

I don’t believe it – I think that would be disrespecful to Kris. I do believe that Adam will probably perform on the results show the same as Kris and Allison did, but no mentoring…

IMHO I think Adam would be great. He knows how to re-arrange songs to make them fabulous. He knows how to used the stage, the lighting etc. These kids need to know how to do this. Unfortunately right now, all they know is how to stand behind a guitar and sing. This season has been so boring. I think it would be one of the most exciting nights on American Idol this season.

Whether the e-mail is a joke or not, Adam could bring a new approach to mentoring as somebody who has been an AI contestant. He should be in a position to give more useful advice than a lot of others who have mentored. As for performing, he’s certainly paid his dues in that area.

But for anybody who feels Adam needs a more solid recording career under his belt before mentoring, perhaps you would prefer a return by a previous season mentor such as that great recording star Quentin Tarantino. ;)

I just want him to perform something other than WWFM. I’ve had it up to here with that song! Sheesh, he’s already performed it on Fox on that very stage. Why not unveil the new single IIHY?

Are we talking about SYTYCD? I’m pretty sure, that Adam will come up with another version of WWFM..one that we’ve never seen before.

I have no idea if this is true, but I guess my question is if it is, why is it any kind of issue? People keep saying he isn’t “qualified” enough, but what does the mentor really do? They listen to the contestants practice their songs and give them a literal line or two of advice. For people saying he doesn’t have enough experience/success to give contestants advice on a post-idol career, who would be better than a former contestant (Quentin Tarantino, Miley Cyrus, Usher, etc. certainly know nothing about having a career based on a singing competition). On top of everything, based on Season 8 sales, anyone from season 9 will be lucky to have the success of any of the kids from season 8. I think Adam (or Kris, or Danny, or Allison for that matter) could give truly relevant advice to the contestants at this point – probably better than most others.

That said, I hope that it isn’t true. If they’re not going to have a bunch of them back to do this, then they shouldn’t have *any* back to do this — unless they choose only a past winner (either the most recent or the longest-running) or those who’ve had the biggest number of career successes thus far.

I don’t really have a problem with it, regardless of who it is. And, I love your idea of having lots of them back for the task. I think the producers are just trying new ideas. Although there’s really no reason to believe this news is legitimate (or if it is, that their definition of “mentoring” is any more than the usual advice ex-Idols give when they come back), even if it is true, I have no issue with it.

Much like having David Cook or Archie come back to sing a song within the context of the theme (which I know some people don’t like as well), I think these are all just attempts to mine their existing talent pool and use their familiarity to put viewers on the couch, tuned to Fox.

IMHO I think Adam would be great. He knows how to re-arrange songs to make them fabulous. He knows how to used the stage, the lighting etc. These kids need to know how to do this. Unfortunately right now, all they know is how to stand behind a guitar and sing. This season has been so boring. I think it would be one of the most exciting nights on American Idol this season.

Unless he could do some kind of Vulcan mind-meld, I’m thinking that his advice — which the mentors usually only provide at kind of the last moment, right? — wouldn’t do much good. …

Same goes for the advice of just about anyone. Note the excellent advice Usher gave Aaron Kelly about I know, I know, I know, I know. …. and the ultimate fate of that advice — Aaron left it on the cutting-room floor.

Much like having David Cook or Archie come back to sing a song within the context of the theme (which I know some people don’t like as well), I think these are all just attempts to mine their existing talent pool and use their familiarity to put viewers on the couch, tuned to Fox.

Yes. And like Usher and the crotch thrusters, as well. It’s all about the ratings.

So maybe they’re thinking that some old fans are tuning out and if they incite a fan war for the broadcast, they’ll bring them back again to the show? Wouldn’t put it past them, I must say.

I would be very happy if it is true but I don’t think any Sony rep would write and email like this one. It seems more like a tween wrote it.

Normally, I’d agree with you, but having read some of the posts from the RCA mod on Adam’s official site, and his usual unprofessional tone, nothing coming from Adam’s camp would surprise me anymore.

Idol made it clear they view Adam as some HUGE star the first episode of the new season with the ‘a new Idol was crowned (cut to Kris) and a star was born (cut to Adam). Maybe they think bringing him on as a mentor will make it seem like he is a huge star on the same level as some of their past mentors. Can’t wait to see the video package like all the mentors get where their milllions of albums sold, strings of hit songs and awards are touted..oh wait….never mind.

Sorry, I have nothing interesting to add to your comment, just wanted to quote your entire post, cuz… hee. Brilliant.

I would LOVE to see ADAM as a mentor! But, I completely agree with MJ, I do no trust this twitter either and its best to wait until you have reputable sources.

I don’t believe it – I think that would be disrespectful to Kris.

As a Kris fan, I don’t think so. If it is disrespectful to Kris, then it is just as disrespectful to all the other people who came before them.

I think this, if true, is just a ploy to create controversy to attract more viewers.

If the “mentor theme” is “I have been there before as an Idol contestant”, as the (real? fake? who knows?) email states, then how is Adam unqualified? Any Idol finalist qualifies. I think it is a great idea. And I would think it is a great idea regardless of whether it was Adam doing the mentoring, or Kris, or Cook, or Blake or Anoop or any of them (altho as stated above, i think it is best that it is a more recent contestant, someone who is closer to the idol experience)

why is it any kind of issue? People keep saying he isn’t “qualified” enough, but what does the mentor really do?

Eh. It can be argued both ways. Everyone they’ve had mentor over the years has been established in one way or another. Either they sold lots of singles/albums or they were tops in their fields. Even without the AI connection, Adam is a newbie to the industry compared to mentors past. So it rasies some eyebrows in that way.

Plus, if you are gonna get a former Idol, there are several to choose from that are actually established recording artists. Getting one from last year – or that last 2 years really – seems odd in that light.

On the other hand, who knows how to play the Idol game better than an Idol finalist? Adam made the top 2, so he’s no slouch in how to make it to the end. So he can help them play the game better in theory. I mean I would have rather seen Carrie or Kelly do it (or JHud or Daughtry) but that’s more of a slight issue with 19 than with Adam. Its not like he made the decision. Its great exposure either way, he should take it and run with it IMO.

I think that the mail is fake, if only for the lulzy subject line. Wo would send mail inside Sony with the header “BIG ADAM LAMBERT NEWS!!” ?

Anyway, Adam as a mentor would be actually a great idea. Sure, it’s jumping the shark, but it would bring viewers, it would be great mentoring footage, Adam might actually help the S9 boys and girls, and it would be great exposure to Adam. If they can have Miley Cyrus as a mentor, Adam would be perfectly legitimate!

Oh geez – saw the email pic this morning.

Well, as with everything Adam-rumor related, I’ll take it all with a HUGE grain of salt.

Otoh – Idol does need the buzz and ratings, and Adam would bring it to them (so would Kelly or Carrie, so asking one of them first would seem better – scratch that, I actually think Adam and Kelly would be tops to mentor people in my book. Kelly for her experience and success having been the original idol, and Adam for his huge stage experience – including ability to help people with their personal style, singing, and performance on stage.

I guess I take bigger issue with the DJ’s comments about it being a mega fail. Ah yes, because choice picks like Quentin Tarantino and Miley have been so brilliant (rolls eyes).

Yeah am a really big Kris fan. And I see nothing wrong with it. And like carmine2008 said why just Kris you might as well but in David C.Jorden,Carrie, all the other winners and even the other non winners.

I think Adam would be an excellent mentor. He has great vocal technique, so can advise the contestants with that (as long as he doesn’t advise everyone to start throwing in random screaming, which I sincerely doubt he’d do), he can talk to them about owning the stage, he understands exactly how to play the game to succeed on Idol, he can warn them about what to expect during the AI tour and how to cope with juggling touring with trying to record an album.

HOWEVER, TPTB will likely be disappointed if they expect Adam’s appearance to greatly boost ratings. If you remember, last year’s finale, despite all the hype about Adam and the whole Adam vs. Kris thing was one of, if not the, lowest-rated finales ever. And most of Adam’s post-Idol tv appearances have not gotten amazing ratings — his performance on the AMAs, for example, was one of the lowest-rated parts of that show. So while there might be a small uptick in the ratings, I’d doubt there would be this huge increase.

As for why not perform IIHU, that single isn’t due to be released until sometime in May. Too far away for there to be any real reason to perform it. Makes more sense to promote the current single and the remix EP

I think it would be great for Adam to mentor. He was obviously one of the most interesting contestants on the show and he knew how to “make songs his own.” He was also great with “song choice.” Sure, he doesn’t have as much experience “post idol,” but he is the perfect person to mentor these rather boring season niners. Hopefully he could get them to raise the bar and possibly get some of us motivated to actually VOTE this season.

The mentors probably spend 10 minutes, tops, with the contestants. It’s not like Adam would have to give long-term career advice; he’ll give them feedback about ONE song. So, it’s not that deep.

Adam is well-spoken and personable, and comfortable on-camera. He’ll be a fine mentor. The ratings won’t “skyrocket”, no mentor has that kind of power. But at this point Fox would probably be happy to hold steady/slightly improve, instead of drop. At least it should make the show more interesting to watch.

I think people are missing the point to having a former Idol on the show as mentor. It’s not about prepping the contestants for post-Idol success. It’s about showing them how to play the game RIGHT NOW, ON THE SHOW. They need to learn to use the resources available to them on Idol. Love him or hate him, Adam was very good at playing the game, and very good at requesting special lighting, etc. He’d be a good mentor in that regard. Why not Kris, the actual winner? The Idol winners are heavily involved in IGB. An appearance to promote the charity single, two IGB-related trips, an IGB appearance, an appearance on the finale, not to mention a Ford ad that runs a few times each week on the show is probably as much winner saturation as is good for the Idol or the show. If this is going to be a new yearly thing, I imagine it will always be the runner-up or third place finisher.

I think people are missing the point to having a former Idol on the show as mentor. It’s not about prepping the contestants for post-Idol success. It’s about showing them how to play the game RIGHT NOW, ON THE SHOW.

Exactly!!!! and boy do the S9 kids need the help (IMHO, YMMV)

If that’s true I’ll be really surprised. Adam already said in an interview that he’s not going to be a mentor. To me he even seemed very surprised at the question, like he was thinking “are you crazy? I’m way too new in the business to be a mentor”.

Having said that, as fan, for purely selfish reasons, I would be thrilled to have him in my TV for two episodes of AI, especially if it’s going to give FYE and WWFM a big bump. And he would be a great mentor, IMO, but I love almost everything he does.

I don’t really get why having Adam on would supposedly help ratings. How come having Miley and Usher — way way bigger sellers than Adam — didn’t help ratings much?

Would it be because they think that Adam lovers and haters are no longer watching the show and could be enticed back, or what?

Kelly’s back in the US after touring overseas so I’d have thought she’d be available.

She is on break before going to New Zealand, Australia, and Asia. She did mentor for Canadian Idol, and I would’ve loved to have seen her do Idol, but guess not this time.

With all her ties to Idol still intact, I could see Carrie doing it had she not been on tour.

I don’t THINK this email is legit mostly because Adam Lambert was asked about mentoring somewhere (sorry, too many interviews to remember where/when), and he said no that wasn’t happening, he said he was a “new kid,” etc.

But if it is true, and just “late-breaking” – well, then, I think it’s great. I think Adam would be genuinely insightful not just because of his experiences but because that’s the kind of person he seems to be. (And, I think a lot of OTHER past Idol contestants would be great, too.)

Have any of the past “mentors” really mentored the contestants much at all, anyway? Most I’ve seen just throw some platitudes their way. Or maybe that’s just all we see, I don’t know.

Adam has also said he IS singing WWFM on “Idol”(somewhere, sometime), which is fine by me – I just always look forward to seeing him perform, period.

And most of Adam’s post-Idol tv appearances have not gotten great ratings — his performance on the AMAs, for example, was one of the lowest-rated parts of that show.

ummm, have to qualify that comment there. The AMAs were up over previous years, and Adam performed at the very end, late at night (kids in bed, etc. lol), which is ALWAYS the lowest rated time because of the late hour. IIRC the time period was up over previous years, though.

Also, he gave Chelsea Lately her biggest audience ever, and improved Leno’s ratings when he was on at 10pm and otherwise tanking (best Monday show he had had in awhile). So, yeah.

That said, I don’t think he would boost the ratings THAT much, but I do think AI needs the buzz. It needs something worth talking about – in the media, online, among critics, not to mention watercooler moments. I think that kind of buzz has been sorely lacking. Bringing on Miley, for instance, didn’t really help ratings either, but she had a similar “buzzy” effect at least.

When Adam was on Oprah, or Ellen, shows thay already have huge ratings did they see huge ratings increases with him on? I’m not talking about Leno at 10pm or Chelsea Lately seeing huge bumps. And didn’t the AMA’s actually have lower numbers towards the end?

(so would Kelly or Carrie, so asking one of them first would seem better –

Maybe they did ask them, and they couldn’t fit it into their schedule. Honestly, we have no idea what may have gone on behind the scenes (again, assuming this very sketchy story is at all true).

I don’t think having Adam come back is in any way disrespectful to Kris, or anyone else for that matter. AI brings people back when and how it suits them. They aren’t keeping any kind of score. Kris has performed. Kris was sent on a mission for IGB, footage of which will undoubtedly be shown on what will probably be their most viewed episode. Kris’s Ford commercials are getting a TON of airplay (I saw it twice last night, on two different channels, neither of which was Fox). I think TPTB are respecting Kris just fine (and I’m happy about that, because I really, really like him). He’s definitely not getting the Taylor treatment.

If they wanted to have an ex-idol mentoring, Kelly, Carrie or Daughtry would have been the best choices.

Even though any former Idol contestant would have lots of good advice to give S9 peeps, I agree with the above. They have been out there, and are stars in their own right now. Even though I’m not a Kradaam fan; I also agree it would be disrespectful to Kris, S8 winner.
And the purpose of a mentor has more to do with TV ratings than mentorship; from TPTB viewpoint. I don’t think Adam would lend to that as much as some of the (admittedly poor) celebs like Tarantino, Miley, etc.

Having said the above, I’m in the camp that it is all a big hoax; as numerous media accounts(concerts, tour possibilities, etc etc!) involving Adam wind up being – for some reason. Don’t know if it is generated to create yet more PR for him by Adam insiders, or if it is generated by people who dislike him.

If the “mentor theme” is “I have been there before as an Idol contestant”, as the (real? fake? who knows?) email states, then how is Adam unqualified? Any Idol finalist qualifies. I think it is a great idea. And I would think it is a great idea regardless of whether it was Adam doing the mentoring, or Kris, or Cook, or Blake or Anoop or any of them (altho as stated above, i think it is best that it is a more recent contestant, someone who is closer to the idol experience)

ITA mmb. However, I think to generate buzz Adam is the right choice right now. Just look at the threads on mj’s site…if it is Adam related, the number of comments goes way up. He is previous Idol contestant with buzz right now. The media is all over him. I would love to see Kris, Cook, and others too, but if it’s attention Idol wants, then Adam it is.

In regards to being disrespectful to Kris, I have to say this. Kris has bombed on the Billboard 200 chart. Even Taylor Hicks did better with his first CD. (He will be without a record deal after his 2nd CD and he is like a blade of grass in the field, Just one of millions like him. Theres nothing to market. Lambert is unique, marketable, has a superior voice, stage presence, and most of all TALENT. He did not have a whole state vote 100 times their population (With help from AT&T) By the way, I am from Arkansas so I know what they did here.

Well, I just checked Adam’s twitter. Still no denial. Interesting.

Just the whole last minute aspect of this news is what’s making me think it might be true. I mean, I’ve been astonished at how last-minute and fly-by-the-seat-of-their-pants the Idol producers have been this year. How long did they give David C. to pull together a song? 15 minutes? geez.

I think Adam would be an incredible mentor; he is so freaking articulate, I could listen to him for hours (and have!) :) But, seriously, if they have him on you know they will go to GREAT pains not to use the M-word or to at least point out that what he’s doing is different than what has been done by more traditional mentors in the past. They might even joke that Carrie was too busy planning her wedding and Kelly wasn’t available, just to appease a few fansbases. Kelly would be excellent too, btw. She would be honest and straightforward – just what these guys need.

If true at all, the e-mail clearly states the mentoring is from the perspective of a former contestant only. Looks like it is something new they want to try and Adam is simply hot right now. Yes, other Idols have had more commercial successes because they have been on the scene much longer. Adam’s story is yet to be written IMO. What Adam has is a compelling (Oprah’s word)personality and a way of conveying his thoughts that is very charming as he has proved on this promo tour. I have no doubt that if this is successful, other Idols will be tapped to do the same thing. If it makes any other idol fans happier, just think of Adam as the guinea pig for this concept and it will be on him if this works out or not,LOL. IMO, this is a win/win for Adam as far as publicity and promo regardless. I would not be surprised if this is made a big deal in the international press too.

While it’s true that in the US, Adam’s sales have been moderate when compared to those of some contestants in previous years, I do believe the attention he gets in the press is also an important component of success–and the amount of media attention he gets is by far greater than I’ve personally seen from any former Idol.

Yeah, but that really gets my goat too – and not just when related to Adam, when related to anyone who’s actual achievements don’t match up to the press hoopla and gets crowned as a ‘stah’ based on the press rather than the substance.

But anyhow – it’s not like I’m erasing Adam’s CD off my ipod or anything (I really like some of his stuff and he’s a great singer) and it’s hardly his fault that RCA/Sony/19E at al have their heads so far stuck up his backside that they can’t even remember what daylight looks like. :lol

It’s just not going to help his cause with those of us who see ‘Hambert’ as a performer (with thanks and props to TopIdol for this moniker) rather than pop superstar.

I guess I take bigger issue with the DJ’s comments about it being a mega fail. Ah yes, because choice picks like Quentin Tarantino and Miley have been so brilliant (rolls eyes).

I’d say that’s his point. He said this is “another reason Idol has jumped the shark”. Not the 1st or only reason. Just another sign in his opinion of a bad decision so I doubt he was happy with Miley mentoring either.

IMO the media’s not going to look deeply into the hows and whys and most will question why Adam’s the “I’ve been there” mentor before Kelly, Carrie, JHud, and Daughtry and even Fantasia. Most probably won’t think about Carrie and Daughtry not being available because they’re on tour and how Kelly might just need a break since she just got back from touring overseas.

Are we talking about SYTYCD? I’m pretty sure, that Adam will come up with another version of WWFM..one that we’ve never seen before.

Yes I was referring to SYTYCD. As for “another version,” hmmm, maybe he’ll go acoustic? We’ll see.

I think the email looks phony. But here’s my thought. It’s dated April 5th, so wouldn’t “next week” mean the week of April 10th? If the email meant tomorrow, shouldn’t it say “this week”.

Whatever. If it’s true, I’ll be happy to see Adam. But I’m not buying it yet. :)

I see the best part about this is Adam can teach the guys how to ride the micraphone!!!!!

And didn’t the AMA’s actually have lower numbers towards the end?

Did you read my comment? Any award show (including the AMAs) has lower ratings by default in the last hour – more people are in bed by then. The ratings for that period were up over previous years though.

It’s like saying that March sales were way down compared to December sales. Not comparable unless you do it over years.

I think it is smart to have a successful (within the context of the show) previous Idol contestant as a mentor. These kids are being mentored for their next performance on Idol not on creating a long-standing musical career. Who better than someone that has worked the Idol machine?

The theme for the week should be songs by previous Idols. We all know the original artists see bumps in sales when songs are performed on Idol – time to give some love bumps to the Idols.

Miss Chaos:
04/06/2010 at 11:22 am
I see the best part about this is Adam can teach the guys how to ride the micraphone!!!!!

LOL – these guys this year though? DNW! Thank you very much!

Silly me, thinking I wouldn’t have Adam shoved down my throat any longer, now that season 8 is over. Have him back to perform, it’s part of the perks of being a runner up, but ugh, shouldn’t he have something more important to be doing? The only former Idol I want seeing as a mentor is Kelly.

IF this is true, I don’t see what’s the big deal. Assuming they carefully package his appearance as «I’ve been in your shoes». Kelly, Carrie, Jennifer, Daughtry could mentor any week as legitimate stars. They wouldn’t need this label as ex-Idol contestants. And if Adam is there to provide some kind of inside info, why does it matter whether he’s a big records seller or not?
And, as others have said, how much do the mentors, anyway?

When Adam was on Oprah, or Ellen, shows thay already have huge ratings did they see huge ratings increases with him on? I’m not talking about Leno at 10pm or Chelsea Lately seeing huge bumps. And didn’t the AMA’s actually have lower numbers towards the end?

I don’t think it’s the particular individual that they’re hoping gives the ratings boost. I think it’s the cumulative idea of one week you’ve got Cook, another week Archie, the next week Adam (if he’s really appearing). I believe they’re hoping that by bringing back popular alumni, the viewer will start thinking “hey, next week it might be one of MY favorites”.

I think they’re using these appearances to create anticipation amongst the viewers. Not assuming that one individual will pull in a ton of new viewers (because if that was the case, I think they’d be promoting these things for longer, and with more visibility).

If this is true. As a Kris fan, I don’t find this disrespectful to him at all. I would be just as shocked if they gave Kris the opportunity instead of Adam. However, I do find it disrespectufl to all of the other idols that have put in their time and worked their butts off over the years to be successful (Kelly, Carrie, Daughtry, etc). But in this business, that doesn’t really seem to matter. It will be interesting to see how this pans out.

I see the best part about this is Adam can teach the guys how to ride the micraphone!!!!!

LMAO! Yesss! This will wake this season up. Maybe some hip swivels for the girls too! Not to mention makeup tips.

Well, I just checked Adam’s twitter. Still no denial. Interesting.

If I were him, even if it weren’t true, I would let this one sit out there for a little while. People talking about you isn’t a bad thing.

If true at all, the e-mail clearly states the mentoring is from the perspective of a former contestant only.

If it’s actually about “how to play the game,” though, I do think it seems a little silly not to have a *winner,* who, after all presumably “played the Idol game” better than anyone.

It’s a strange concept to get someone on to talk about “playing the Idol game.” I mean, Daughtry’s a great success in music, but he didn’t exactly play the Idol game all that well, having ended up *fourth* behind people who’ve had way way less success than he in the music industry.

I can’t help but think that, if this is true, which I continue to doubt — mainly because I want to doubt it, perhaps — that they were having him on to sing next week and some other mentor fell through so they ended up with him. Fan wars. Yuch.

May be the fees for returning idols are not as high as for established stars..

Just the whole last minute aspect of this news is what’s making me think it might be true. I mean, I’ve been astonished at how last-minute and fly-by-the-seat-of-their-pants the Idol producers have been this year. How long did they give David C. to pull together a song? 15 minutes? geez.

That’s the only way I could see it being true. Adam did outright say no in recent interviews (and he’s usually pretty honest, even when he has to keep quiet about something ;-) ) but a last minute change, not unlike a lot that seem to be happening now on idol, would make it slightly more plausible.

That’s why my first thought was, if it IS true, then it’s AI realizing the ratings and buzz are slipping, DWTS is beating it, and it needs to come up with some tricks up its sleeve pronto.

Best.Fucking.Thread. EVA!

steals MJ’s popcorn

Oh my, this IS entertaining today. And here I am at work with no microwave popcorn in my drawer. :(

No question Adam is hot right now…he’s all over the place. If it’s true, I’ll have to give some credit to Idol that I wasn’t willing to do as of yesterday. This would be a genius move (ratings wise) on their part. In the end, isn’t that what it’s all about?

What they really should have done was saved Orianthi’s performance until Adam’s performance night to get that pairing pimped a little bit. I think she’s in Japan right now though….

Maybe Adam can help Siobhan with that scream of hers.

that they were having him on to sing next week and some other mentor fell through so they ended up with him.

Nah, then they just wouldn’t have a mentor. They don’t need to have them every week, you know. They would just do those little intro packages if they had to fill time.

If Adam is the mentor, its because they want him to be.

This email could actually be legitimate. Jeremy Bingaman (Iowaradioguy) is the Design Director at Saga Communications: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremybingaman

Saga Communications: http://www.sagacom.com/corporate/

Saga Communications, Inc. is a broadcast company whose business is primarily devoted to acquiring, developing and operating radio stations, television stations and state radio networks. Saga currently owns or operates broadcast properties in 26 markets, including 61 FM and 30 AM radio stations, 3 state radio networks, 2 farm radio networks, 5 television stations and 4 low power television stations.

Saga’s strategy is to operate top billing radio and television stations in mid sized markets, defined as markets ranked (by market revenues) from 20 to 200. Saga’s radio stations employ a myriad of programming formats, including Classic Hits, Adult Contemporary, Active Rock, Oldies, News/Talk, Country and Classical. Saga’s television stations are affiliated with CBS and Fox in Joplin, MO; CBS in Greenville, MS; ABC, Fox, NBC, Telemundo and Univision in Victoria, TX.

In operating its stations, Saga concentrates on the development of strong decentralized local management, which is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the stations in their market area and is compensated based on their financial performance as well as other performance factors that are deemed to effect the long-term ability of the stations to achieve financial objectives.

Saga began operations in 1986 and became a publicly traded company in December 1992. The stock trades on the NYSE Amex under the ticker symbol “SGA”.

You can see the stations Saga Communications owns by clicking on the cities listed here: http://www.sagainteractive.com/Stations/1452031

Again…no offense to Adam fans, but the guy has had one song on the radio and played a handful of live concerts since the show ended, and how many of those were a whole set? I get that he had some theater experience and live show experience before Idol and the Idol show and tour, but really should he be the first person from Idol to be a mentor? I find this really undermining to Kris and many of the other idols. But, most of Adam’s OTT promotion seems to make me feel that way. I’m not saying that Adam couldn’t be an effective mentor…but that it just doesn’t feel earned somehow.

Seems highly implausible, but if it’s true, I’m going to have to tune in for the first time this season.

zuper:
04/06/2010 at 11:22 am
I think it is smart to have a successful (within the context of the show) previous Idol contestant as a mentor. These kids are being mentored for their next performance on Idol not on creating a long-standing musical career. Who better than someone that has worked the Idol machine?

Yes! Exactly! Anyone who has ever made Top 4, IMO, could give these contestants good advice.
About Adam not tweeting yet, it’s only 8:30 on the west coast, people! LOL!

I see the best part about this is Adam can teach the guys how to ride the micraphone!!!!!

Funniest comment yet!!

I’m sure there’s a mic stand somewhere in storage from the Idol’s tour trying to figure out how to get back into the action. What a lonely life it must be leading right now………LOL

Okay – haven’t had time to read all the comments as I’m at work…but with over 100 comments already – I think it will be entertaining.

I was very outspoken about Adam not mentoring …I just don’t think he’s successful enough but from the perspective of a former contestant and not an actual mentor – that could work. I think he’d be great in that role. He’s very articulate and likes to stay positive so I think he will give them some good encouragement.

I don’t think the general public is going to be thinking “oh he’s not successful…oh he hasn’t done this…” Ryan will probably pimp him like “he’s gone gold and platinum in numerous countries…” Yeah..they’ll spin it good lol.

I find this really undermining to Kris and many of the other idols.

I still don’t get why everyone’s assuming that someone else may not have been asked first, but just couldn’t do it. Or for that matter, if it’s true, maybe some others are going to do it as well in the future.

Nah, then they just wouldn’t have a mentor. They don’t need to have them every week, you know. They would just do those little intro packages if they had to fill time.

If Adam is the mentor, its because they want him to be.

Oh, I don’t know. … I mean, with a two-hour show that includes only eight minute-and-a-half performances, seems to me they need as many timekillers as they can possibly find! How else are they going to get it to run overtime?! lol

Idol Producer Ken Warwick’s been playing with this idea for a while, it seems. I didn’t really follow Season 8 very closely – but I remember Michael Johns and Carly Smithson mentoring something called Idol Boot Camp – although their footage was cut, after the fact. They were offered a chance to perform “The Letter” as a duet on one of the Season 8 nights to make up for it.

Some of you folk who followed last year may remember it? EW carried the story – and it was also reported elsewhere. For all I know it’s in the archives here. It’s not the first time runners up were invited back in a ‘mentor’ capacity.

So there’s a new wrinkle on the Mentor thing – eh – it was always mainly for show and to collect viewers anyway. When the mentor had something new to sell – and the show used their song book and gave them screen time to ‘advise’ the contestants and perform their new whatever – or pimp their project – it was an even exchange. What was Tarantino selling? I don’t think I ever knew – had to have been something.

No reason they can’t also exchange just a straight publicity trade, without a back catalog to use for a theme week. It’s what they did with Usher. As long as the past idol in question has the free time to give, why not? Any actual mentoring that occurs is just a side benefit, IMO. Always was.

How else are they going to get it to run overtime?!

:) That’s funny.

I understand that from an accomplishment perspective, Adam would certainly appear less qualified than some previous mentors. But, if they really would do something like this from the “previous contestant, been there, done that, here’s what I found works” perspective, I wouldn’t mind if next week’s mentor was even someone like Syesha or Jason or Allison.

I still don’t get why everyone’s assuming that someone else may not have been asked first, but just couldn’t do it. Or for that matter, if it’s true, maybe some others are going to do it as well in the future.

All good points.

I want Kelly and Carrie in the future! Make it happen 19 :)

If this rumor is true, I believe he is the perfect person to mentor. I don’t feel the mentoring is about people with hugh success but a person who has walked the same path and can relate to the S9 group. Since Adam is a little left of center, has the ability to take a song and make it totally different, as well as stage presense and a voice to back it up is perfect.

I do believe past idols would make the best mentors for the contestants. The whole process should be about helping these young people not entertaining the audience with the most successful artist.

Apparently I don’t know how to quote. lol. To answer spenser:

That could be the case or maybe not. No one knows.

Oh boy. The mentors give tips to help them with their next Idol performance. That’s it. A previous Idol contestant that made it to the finale is more qualified to help these kids do this. They have successfully played the Idol game.

Seems highly implausible, but if it’s true, I’m going to have to tune in for the first time this season.

Well, I guess it’s a winning strategy, then!

They’re losing traditional viewers (Bergeron gets to almost accurately claim that DWTS featuring the biggest collection of totally untalented non-dancers and complete ringers *ever* is getting more viewers).

So the Idol producers decide to bring back a former finalist, from when at least a few more people were watching the show … And that brings in the fans of *that* finalist — and the fans of several other finalists, who either hate this guy or are furious that a non-winner just one season old without a platinum album in the U.S. has been chosen before their fave, who has had way more sales success, because they hope to see him fail. … *And* plant that latter idea in fans-of-other-Idols heads by asking Iowaradioguy to leak the news with the words “epic fail” attached.

Okay, check, and check. Adam *is* going to be the mentor, it’s completely deliberate … and, apparently, ratings mission accomplished.

They could not be more cynical, could they? Crap.

Yes I was referring to SYTYCD. As for “another version,” hmmm, maybe he’ll go acoustic? We’ll see.

Will, I saw ALL acoustic versions of WWFM. And each one was different. I think that he will go acoustic,( I love that version), and it will coincide with his “Unplugged” session going on VH1 on Friday.

I want Kelly and Carrie in the future! Make it happen 19

Kelly would for sure be my first choice. And, I’d be interested in Carrie’s perspective now that she’s such an accomplished and seasoned performer. Truthfully, I could probably make a list of about 10 people that I’d like to see do this.

Rarvai

LOL — Hi Kerry!!!

As for this being disrespectful or undermining Kris, no it’s not. It has nothing to do with Kris. Adam was scheduled to come perform on Idol this next week anyway. IF they asked him to mentor, its simply to tie it in with his performance. Maybe they couldn’t get another mentor for next week. Maybe they asked other Idols and they weren’t interested. Who knows? Who cares? It really has nothing to do with anyone other than Adam and the way they are trying to promote him.

I don’t have a problem with Adam mentoring, but I do think people are being a bit ridiculous because when Miley was announced as a mentor everyone wailed about how she doesn’t have enough experience, but now Adam wants to do it and even though he has less experience than Miley it is now a great idea? I think both are good choices…

because when Miley was announced as a mentor everyone wailed about how she doesn’t have enough experience, but now Adam wants to do it and even though he has less experience than Miley it is now a great idea?

I actually enjoyed Miley as a mentor, and some of us didn’t wail about her beforehand :). It’s just a TV talent show. Whoever the mentor might be any given week is really only an issue for me if when they come on and do it, they really suck at it.

If Adam is indeed the first Idol to mentor, I think it’s a slap in the face to the many that are more successful than he, who really hasn’t even shown that he’s successful for his music.

Silly me, thinking I wouldn’t have Adam shoved down my throat any longer,

Hehehe… sorry, dirty thoughts…

Having Adam mentor would be AWESOME! He should also help them choose songs!!!

LOL — Hi Kerry!!!

LMAO! I thought the same thing :)

I actually enjoyed Miley as a mentor, and some of us didn’t wail about her beforehand

I know right? I actually defended the little pipsqueak. Heh.

Still, it is a good point.

I don’t have a problem with Adam mentoring, but I do think people are being a bit ridiculous because when Miley was announced as a mentor everyone wailed about how she doesn’t have enough experience, but now Adam wants to do it and even though he has less experience than Miley it is now a great idea? I think both are good choices…

I think Adam has plenty of experience. But I hate crap that worsens the whole fanwar aspect. And, honestly, knowing what the producers clearly know about fanwars, I can’t see how they could be unaware that this would stoke several. On that grounds alone, I don’t like it, if it turns out to be true.

Even though Miley did a pretty good job, I still think she was kind of a ridiculous mentor, though. It’s not her age. It’s just that I see her as having been pretty much a total passive pawn in her whole success story, so I can’t see her having gleaned much useful experience from it.

But, of course, they’ve had plenty of other mentors who looked good on paper but did a way worse job than she did.

I still don’t get why everyone’s assuming that someone else may not have been asked first, but just couldn’t do it. Or for that matter, if it’s true, maybe some others are going to do it as well in the future.

ITA with this, but I also don’t get the viewpoint that it would be disrespectful to Kris because he was the Season 8 winner. With that win came certain set privileges and contractual obligations, all of which Kris is getting/doing. Winning Idol does not, however, entitle a person to all show-related opportunities for the duration of his/her career.

I still don’t think the whole thing is true — I don’t think the DJ is necessarily being dishonest, but that someone is probably duping him. If it is true, then I think it’s a planned twitter leak to begin stirring things up in anticipation. I mean, from the looks of it, the DJ is reputable, and so I don’t think a reputable person would risk his position to “leak” what is obviously confidential information. I really doubt he’d want to look untrustworthy to Sony just to spill the beans to Twitter followers.

Hehehe… sorry, dirty thoughts…

And I just threw up in my mouth a little.

I still don’t get why everyone’s assuming that someone else may not have been asked first, but just couldn’t do it. Or for that matter, if it’s true, maybe some others are going to do it as well in the future.

Personally it’s that they’ve waited so long to have a former AIer come back to mentor, I thought they were saving it to be a big occasion when it happened. I mean it’s not like people haven’t requested Kelly or Carrie back to mentor in other seasons, especially Kelly because she’s been out there so long, she’s got awards and international success, and she’s not afraid to speak her mind. She did a good job mentoring Canadian Idol too. It would be a big celebration with AI able to show off that it’s legitimately turned out somebody who’s made big waves in the business and transcended AI, and now that somebody’s coming back to where it all started to help other people chase that dream.

So if it turns out the first former AIer they’ve got coming back to mentor is Adam, it’s a bag of meh. I wanted the first alumni mentor to be a big deal and this isn’t that IMO. No offense to Adam since I think he’d do a good job. It just doesn’t live up to my expectations of what the occasion could’ve meant.

If he is the mentor, I wonder if they will announce it at the last minute like they have been doing all season or if they will advertise it as early as Wednesday on the results show? If they announce it early ( again, if this is true) then they are really hedging their bets that he will bring in ratings.

Brisblondie:
04/06/2010 at 11:32 am
Again…no offense to Adam fans, but the guy has had one song on the radio and played a handful of live concerts since the show ended, and how many of those were a whole set?

Yes Adam has only played a handfull of live concerts (3 New Years Eve Gridlock, Ryan Rock My Town and Fantasy Springs) all of them with full sets 10 or more songs. The iheartradio and unplugged were for those particular shows which only do 5 songs each anyway.

I love Adam and adore Kris. My little kids know the words to Cooks songs, I have tickets to see Daughtry this week, and Carrie is the only country music on my ipod.

They could have picked any one of these or others to mentor and I wouldn’t find it disrespectful. It amazes me how defensive people get of their favorites. It’s a business decision and TPTB are paid big money to make these decisions to benefit themselves. So what?

That said, this particular group of contestants could certainly benefit from a WGWG with charisma giving them advice. But I’m just as happy to see Adam there.

(I’ll still believe it when I see it though)

If Adam actually does mentor, he’d be far from being the least qualified one to have been on AI. They’ve had celebrities with no specific mentoring qualifications. So having somebody like Adam, who at least has some sense of what’s going on, could turn out to be an advantage for the contestants.

It would be a big celebration with AI able to show off that it’s legitimately turned out somebody who’s made big waves in the business and transcended AI, and now that somebody’s coming back to where it all started to help other people chase that dream.

So if it turns out the first former AIer they’ve got coming back to mentor is Adam, it’s a bag of meh.

I definitely get what you’re saying. … On the other hand, when I think of some huge Idol-made star coming back to show others how to chase that huge multi-platinum dream, and then I think of this year’s contestants …. !

Well, I’m sure you see where I’m going with this, lol.

And I just threw up in my mouth a little.

me too.

So if it turns out the first former AIer they’ve got coming back to mentor is Adam, it’s a bag of meh. I wanted the first alumni mentor to be a big deal and this isn’t that IMO. No offense to Adam since I think he’d do a good job. It just doesn’t live up to my expectations of what the occasion could’ve meant.

I understand those feelings. I guess I’m not feeling it as such a slight to people like that because, even though they haven’t mentored in the traditional sense, they’ve certainly been back on the show in plenty of other capacities and been showered with platinum plaques, and much deserved accolades for their successes.

And I just threw up in my mouth a little.

Dude, totally sorry! Lol!

When Michael Johns and Carly Smithson were invited to do the Idol Boot Camp last year, neither of them even had their albums out yet. That seems to have flown under the radar, judging from the responses. So, AL can be spun as the first.

Even though it was never shown, maybe they actually had some good advice for the Season 8 contestants? Except, I believe that wasn’t the point, then or now….It’s all PR, whatever makes for ‘good TV’, IMO.

Well, I am an Adam fan, so I am OK either way. This was going to be my first time watching the results show, so maybe I will tune in on Tuesday, as well.

Don’t know if I believe that e-mail, but Adam would make a great mentor. And as others have pointed out, the mentoring is related to the show. He isn’t coaching them on their post-AI careers.

Do we know the theme for next week? Could it be related to showtunes/musicals theater?

That said, this particular group of contestants could certainly benefit from a WGWG with charisma giving them advice. But I’m just as happy to see Adam there.

Ha! You’re right. With this particular batch, and their fondness for guitars and flannel, I agree that either Cook or Kris would make fabulous mentors. They rode WGWG all the way to the win. So, they certainly know how it’s done.

(I’ll still believe it when I see it though)

ditto that as well.

I’ll believe it when I see it, but this would fit in with the “Be yourself. Know who you are as an artist.” theme of this season. (I’m so glad they quit with the “make it your own” bullshit)

Who else EVER on AI flew the “be yourself, know who you are as an artist” flag but Adam. If you don’t think so, take a look at Ring of Fire or the finale when he wore that outlandish outfit to sing with KISS.

The biggest problem I see is Adam is such a nice guy I doubt if he would give any well deserved constructive criticism.

Do we know the theme for next week? Could it be related to showtunes/musicals theater?

Oh, good grief. *Please* let them not have a show tunes week with this group. Argh.

They could have picked any one of these or others to mentor and I wouldn’t find it disrespectful. It amazes me how defensive people get of their favorites. It’s a business decision and TPTB are paid big money to make these decisions to benefit themselves. So what?

No matter who they chose to be the “first Idol mentor” fans of the idol not chosen would be upset…if it was Kelly, the Carrie fans would cry foul; and vice versa; if Daughtry, the kelly, carrie and taylor fans would scream; if J-hud, people would scream that she only finished in 7th place, her record sales aren’t stellar etc.; if Cook, the Jordin fans would be upset. Someone had to be first. Actually, Michael Johns and Carly were really the first former idol mentors — they did that idol boot camp thing that fell on the cutting room floor. Who cares who is first? The point is to simply have a former contestant (and TPTB understandably want someone with a high public profile) to work with the kids on being an idol contestant. Sounds good to me.

Do we know the theme for next week? Could it be related to showtunes/musicals theater?

Yeah, if the rumor is true, that’s what I’m wondering. That would be too cool!

I don’t understand people not tuning in if this happens merely because it’s Adam. We don’t even know the theme or the context of what he’s being asked to do. At least wait for that before you decide he’s going to suck at it?

I really don’t care about butthurt and fan wars as entertaining as they might be.

If they want Adam to come in to mentor as “I’ve Been There..” that’s fine with me. I’d love it to be Kelly or Carrie too although the game has changed as the seasons go on.

I have no idea why it’s such a big freaking deal except it’s Adam and any excuse to butthurt and poke fun just comes out of the woodwork when there is any opportunity that might be seen as special treatment by TPTB. The press will watch, there will be plenty of articles. If he doesn’t knock it out of the park, they will be as nasty as they were nice last year. If he does a great job, they might be nasty anyway, so this is a gamble for him even if the producers get what they want out of him. Just coming on to sing is a heck of a lot safer for him, but if they asked and he’s not afraid to do it and face the criticism, that just makes me like him more. Because really, how much does he have to gain out of mentoring besides just singing?

We don’t even know the theme, it could be musical theater night and then he would have plenty of background for that.

or this whole email is complete crap. The font in the last line is completely diffent. Made me a raise an eyebrow.

And by the time he meets the contestants, the shitty song choices will have already been made anyway, he can’t help with that.

I’ll believe it when I see it, but if it’s true, I’m excited. Excited to see his advice. Excited for the inevitable wank. Excited for his performance.

This is the most blah group of performers Idol has ever had. To bring back an Idol who – love him or hate him – was never boring on the Idol stage, it’s a great move. He could teach a thing or two to the contestants about fearlessness, owning a performance and creating Simon’s much desired “moment.”

he’ll probably tell everyone “ok now just put a LOT LOTTA glitter on and all is well!” hahha!! I think (if this is true) he’ll probably do good. In S8 he was my absolute fave and I love WWFM! So it should be good. :D But I agree with above comments that Kelly especially or Carrie should have mentored.

who really hasn’t even shown that he’s successful for his music.

Well, on the current music scene, he’s doing pretty well worldwide with his single(s). Seems like that is “successful” to an extent. Guess it depends how you define it. The top 21 song worldwide currently is nothing to sneeze at.

Do we know the theme for next week? Could it be related to showtunes/musicals theater?

Please no. If Adam actually is going to mentor (still big IF for me), the ideal theme in my mind would be something along the lines of 70s and 80s rock/hair metal bands/ or something glamrockish to that effect.

Please no. If Adam actually is going to mentor (still big IF for me), the ideal theme in my mind would be something along the lines of 70s and 80s rock/hair metal bands/ or something glamrockish to that effect.

Ah, yes. Aaron Kelly and glam rock. That sounds great. Good luck with that one, Adam.

Who else EVER on AI flew the “be yourself, know who you are as an artist” flag but Adam.

Oh I’d say quite a few of them did. Fanny, Carrie (was always a country artist even when she got critiscm for it, even after the show when the label wanted her to go pop), Taylor, etc. Adam was of course quite unique for Idol, but he wasn’t the first person who knew who they were and stuck to it come hell or high water.

I have no idea why it’s such a big freaking deal except it’s Adam and any excuse to butthurt and poke fun just comes out of the woodwork when there is any opportunity that might be seen as special treatment by TPTB.

Now come on, there are reasons to not like the idea that have nothing to do with “butthurt” or jellus h8trs or Anti-Adam stuff or anything like that. I’m not mad at him at all but that kind of statement is just not fair.

zuper:
04/06/2010 at 11:29 am
Maybe Adam can help Siobhan with that scream of hers.

lol – he could definitely offer her some great advice – like how he mixed it up to use the high notes when it was appropriate to the song, and not for every song.

Is Adam going to give a week-long seminar on how to become a superstar and how to sell millions of albums? What do most of the “established” mentors do? They critique ONE stinkin’ song. Why is Adam not qualified to do that? He is a better singer than many of the past mentors, and probably knows more about vocal techniques than them. He knows what it is like being on the idol stage in front of an idol audience. Adam knows the rigors of picking a song every week and how to present it. How does that not qualify him? Adam is very intelligent, knowledgeable about current music, personable, friendly, can express himself articulately…

Ah, yes. Aaron Kelly and glam rock. That sounds great. Good luck with that one, Adam.

Hey, the kid could surprise. I would fear more for Tim, Andrew, Casey, or Lee…

Okay, forget the glamrock theme… bad idea

Oh I’d say quite a few of them did. Fanny, Carrie (was always a country artist even when she got critiscm for it, even after the show when the label wanted her to go pop), Taylor, etc. Adam was of course quite unique for Idol, but he wasn’t the first person who knew who they were and stuck to it come hell or high water.

I’d say that lots have. And that the relative dearth of people who do this year is one of the reasons this year’s group is disappointing to many and look especially clueless at times.

Actually, Michael Johns and Carly were really the first former idol mentors

Didn’t Justin Guarini do something like this years and years ago?

I think it’s a hoot- Adam will be fabulous and the lead in to Glee will be huge! And if he can wring one iota of stage presence out of this years field of potted plants, all the better!

Good job Idol :) :) :)

Hey, the kid could surprise. I would fear more for Tim, Andrew, Casey, or Lee…

Okay, forget the glamrock theme… bad idea

Glad you’re seeing the light! No guarantee that the producers will see it, however, lol! I see glam rock in our future!

Why not have an ex-idol who is everything that the judges say they want in an idol? A great singer/songwriter, original, musician, and a stellar performer. Obviously all of the winners did something different than the others to win. Maybe they should have each winner mentor one idol from they top 10 on. They could stick with them and help with the dreaded song choice. That would be really fun and really bring in an audience!(I know I am dreaming!)

The group this year really lacks stage presence and crisima. I think Adam is a performer first so maybe that will help since that is what they really seem to need help with (besides singing in tune). I don’t really think however that spending a few minutes with anyone will boost their confidence and make them better performers. Only time and experience will help with that.

Maybe he can mentor “Rock Week,” that would be cool. Really, I don’t see the big deal. It would also be fun to see Kelly, and, maybe, Cook do this; but please no Carrie, I find her incredibly bland and boring.

And in terms of mentoring AI contestants, who is more qualified than someone who has been there and played the game well?

Do we know the theme for next week? Could it be related to showtunes/musicals theater?

Aren’t we due for a “Songs From The Year You Were Born” week? It would kind of work with Adam, ’cause he broke out with “Mad World” that week.

Except for the fact that I would have rather seen Kelly, Carrie, or Daughtry mentor and I’m about 75% sure that the email is fake… I’m OK with this. Adam would make a good mentor, he doesn’t seem afraid to speak his mind and he can help this batch of Idols with some of their major problems (nerves, identity issues, occasional restraint (coughSiobhancough)…)

Why not have an ex-idol who is everything that the judges say they want in an idol? A great singer/songwriter, original, musician, and a stellar performer. Obviously all of the winners did something different than the others to win. Maybe they should have each winner mentor one idol from they top 10 on. They could stick with them and help with the dreaded song choice. That would be really fun and really bring in an audience!(I know I am dreaming!)

Yeah, you’re dreaming, but what a great idea anyway!

As much as I think this is a brilliant idea, I won’t believe it until Adam or idol confirms it. I have always wondered why former idol contestants didn’t act as mentors because they went thru the experience and non idol artist didn’t. They could share what they went thru while they were contestants and share what they learned and that knowledge would help S9 now and when they tour this summer. I think they would benefit from former idol contestants. Because Adam is so articulate, was in musical theater, and helped S8 contestants while he was a contestant is a brilliant idea. JMHO

Who else EVER on AI flew the “be yourself, know who you are as an artist” flag but Adam.

Many. Daughtry comes to mind, he didn’t vary much the entire season.

And if he can wring one iota of stage presence out of this years field of potted plants, all the better!

Adam likes potted plants, lol.

So if there is no “huge ratings boost” (like there usually ISN’T when Adam performs on TV) are people going to resort to saying that people were “in bed” (again) or something.

Wow this topic has sure made a Tuesday interesting. With all the comments on how experienced, successful, appropriate having Adam mentoring on AI, I think the most important word has been overlooked, “Mentoring”. The person chosen to “mentor” the contestants is supposed to be able to help them with their performances so they can advance on AI to the next week. Who better to do that than Adam Lambert. Let’s remember who it was last year that every week changed this appearance, style of performing, knew how to use the stage, lighting etc. Adam worked every week with the band to change the arrangement of the songs. Each week people tuned in to see what Adam was going to do next!! That kind of “mentoring” could really help some of these contestants who have talent but are having difficulty knowing how to present themselves. Adam is a performer with 10 years of experience playing to his audiences, he could be a fantastic help to these neophytes, which is what “mentoring” is about!! I hope it’s true, it will be the most watched, exciting idol week of season9.

Please no. If Adam actually is going to mentor (still big IF for me), the ideal theme in my mind would be something along the lines of 70s and 80s rock/hair metal bands/ or something glamrockish to that effect.

The 70s/80s rock/hair metal bands theme won’t work. People are having kittens about them repeating the L/M theme from two years ago. Imagine the reaction if they repeated the theme from Top 4 last year?

I don’t think the season 8 crew can handle glamrockish. It isn’t in a single persons’s wheel house and I can hear the train wheels screeching from here.

Birth year isn’t a bad theme. It’s pretty open. If they must pimp the hell out of Adam, it’s one that could work. But, I could totally see them forcing a theme on the kids that they know will be a disaster if it helps them make Adam happen.

If they were going to have an Idol back to mentor, I think the first one should have been one of the universally accepted successes (Kelly, Carrie or Daughtry) or one of the industry respected ones (K/C/D and Jennifer or Fantasia). I have to say, I think Fantasia would be an awesome mentor. These kids need to get in touch with their inner selves and just perform the crap out of a song. Find their inner honesty and I think Fantasia could do it.

Why not Adam? Why not each week have an idol from each season be a mentor…these guys know more about the ins and outs of this show than any one else. What does Miley or Usher know about a reality elimination singing show.

There are quite a few past Idols who have done very well post idol. You don’t have to sell millions of records to be succesful in the entertainment business. Some of the past idols have went on to do Broadway, movie careers and have done very well and are still doing very well.

For rock week (if they do one), Joan Jett would be good. She’s out there promoting the Runaways movie with Dakota and Kristin.

Well, it was high time for a new gate and this will be controversial if true. As much as I would love to see him do it for my own selfish pleasure, I kind of cringe at the thought of more arrows being slung his way. But I guess he’s used to it?

I think Kelly is doing just fine and Carrie is selling CDs by the boatload, so it’s not like they need any help from Idol. Adam is just as qualified as Kelly, Carrie, or anyone else when it comes to providing vocal critiques.

Generally speaking, guest mentors are artists seeking a bump in their CD sales and Adam fits that category. Every little bit helps and I would love to see FYE eventually attain platinum.

IMHO Idol without Adam this year has been like having Christmas without Santa. Non fans can just turn their TV sets off (now that’s a novel idea!).

Yeah, you’re dreaming, but what a great idea anyway!

I would save that episode on my DVR forever!

Many. Daughtry comes to mind, he didn’t vary much the entire season.

I agree that the answer to that question could be a variety of people. I’ve seen many previous contestants stick to their guns, regardless of the judges. Many have crashed and burned, some have won. Either way, it’s a position on this show I always respect.

So if there is no “huge ratings boost” (like there usually ISN’T when Adam performs on TV) are people going to resort to saying that people were “in bed” (again) or something.

‘

I’ve been patiently waiting for you to show up, lol. :D

Umm lets not forget that Adam was performing before he was on Idol. His career has skyrocketed since then. He has plenty advice to offer. I hope it’s him!

I think people are missing the point to having a former Idol on the show as mentor. It’s not about prepping the contestants for post-Idol success. It’s about showing them how to play the game RIGHT NOW, ON THE SHOW.

I disagree. That’s what the vocal coaches and staff, and band do. They help the contestants do well on the show each week. The point of having successful recording artists mentor the Idols is to give them the kind of advice that not only helps them with their week-to-week performance, but the kind that hopefully translates into post-show success. That’s why they bring in real industry successes– because the point of the whole show, as TPTB keep insisting, is to discover/create the next big recording artist, not the America’s Next Top Idol Contestant who can play the reality competition game well. That’s why they bring “real industry successes”. Whether or not you think they succeed with this, AI has always been about “relevance”. Otherwise, they would bring on vocal coaches or talent show experts as mentors each week, and the contestants would perform well and we’d all be bored to death.

Okay, that critique had little to do with Adam, haha. As much as David is my favorite, and I think he’d do a good job (and I happen to think Adam would, too), the only idol I would want to see mentor is Kelly. Maybe Carrie, if it’s country week.

Also almost everyone from season 8 said they turned to Adam for advice and to bounce ideas off of him. So this is nothing new.

I disagree. That’s what the vocal coaches and staff, and band do. They help the contestants do well on the show each week.

Fire them. :)

For the record, I seriously doubt Adam will boost ratings. I do see articles being written for page hits but I don’t think many people who don’t already watch AI will be tuning in to see 20 seconds of Adam mentoring between contestants.

Like I said upthread, unless TPTB wrote this into his contract, I don’t know if the risk is worth the reward. But he’s got balls of steel this kid, so I guess he isn’t going to be backing away from another chance for his haters to hate.

Remixes cover

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41JJyBAdj9L._SS500_.jpg

Lucy – LOL good one.

I also wish that on results night TPTB would have past idols performing instead of the people they’ve been having on the show! What does these people have to do with idol…for me it’s not entertaining!

The 70s/80s rock/hair metal bands theme won’t work. People are having kittens about them repeating the L/M theme from two years ago. Imagine the reaction if they repeated the theme from Top 4 last year?

Get what your sayin’ now. If only there was some kind of rock week that was more than just rehashed Aerosmith, Janis Joplin, or Queen (yet again). There’s so much good stuff from the 90s as well as this past decade that could help liven up a much needed contemporary vibe to the constant karaoke.

Confession: Just saw a Muse concert last night, which is probably why I can’t get the fabulosity of modern rock out of my head.

Maybe Carrie, if it’s country week.

Well, here’s the thing about having Idols, or non-Idols, mentor when the week is about “their” style. … To me, the point of the show is that you’re supposed to be *yourself* as an artist, while choosing a song from some genre that may or may not be close to you. ….

To me, when they drag in the mentors specifically from the genres in question, then they’re reinforcing the *wrong* idea — which, I would say, is this: Oh, it’s country week, now you all need to sound like country singers! I would call *this* the big mixed message on the show that confuses some of the contestants — notably, the ones who read “out of your box” as “switch up your quirky contemporary songwriter persona with the persona of a torch-singing 70s lounge act because that’s the kind of song you chose” … (I’m looking at you, Didi Benami.)

If I had Carrie on, I would ask her to talk to them about persistently (sort of!) trying to sing in a country style during her time on the show, even though the week’s themes were all kinds of different songs. This would be hard to talk about, but it’s what the real lesson should be, to me.

Honestly, if I were to bring Idol finalists back to mentor, I would bring Adam or David Cook, for example, back during country week — to talk about how just because a song came from a country artist doesn’t mean that you can’t find a way to express yourself and your style through the melody and lyrics, which can be universally applicable, despite a song’s origin.

lucy:

Fire them. :)

ROFLMAOPMP!

So if there is no “huge ratings boost” (like there usually ISN’T when Adam performs on TV) are people going to resort to saying that people were “in bed” (again) or something.

Did Kris or David C have rating increases when they were on? I don’t see what the big deal is. If this is true and I am not sure it is, Adam would make a wonderful mentor.
All I’m seeing is jealousy from other fanbases and I don’t understand that. Kris has been on a couple of times. He has his commercials. It is possible that Adam can come on idol and do something that Kris didn’t and not have it as a personal insult to Kris.

disagree. That’s what the vocal coaches and staff, and band do. They help the contestants do well on the show each week.

So funny you say this, I just heard one of the AI vocal coaches being interviewed on the radio this morning. She said all the contestants have been “slow-burners” and while there’s some potential, no one has matched up to “the fire of Kris, Adam, and Allison” of last year. She also mentioned that there is a place for Tim Urban in the music industry… so I kind of tuned out after that

disclaimer:
I find it VERY hard to believe this is true.

BUT- if it is- I say Wooooohooooooooo!!!!!!

I could a rats damn about AI’s “credibility”! If I get to see Adam helping people with performances, being his charming and creative self, it’ll definitely make my day, hahaha

Bring it on, I say!!!

if they’re going to bring in a former idol for mentoring, why not bring in a winner? kelly, carrie, david, or even kris! ugh.

“ITA with this, but I also don’t get the viewpoint that it would be disrespectful to Kris because he was the Season 8 winner. With that win came certain set privileges and contractual obligations, all of which Kris is getting/doing. Winning Idol does not, however, entitle a person to all show-related opportunities for the duration of his/her career.”

the most logical for a first former idol mentor would be kelly (the first) or kris (the most recent). how much more fame can adam get?!

That’s why they bring in real industry successes– because the point of the whole show, as TPTB keep insisting, is to discover/create the next big recording artist, not the America’s Next Top Idol Contestant who can play the reality competition game well.

Well, I would totally agree, if I actually believed that was the whole point of the show. I think the whole point of the show is collect huge advertising fees and line the pockets of the producers :).

Honestly, if I were to bring Idol finalists back to mentor, I would bring Adam or David Cook, for example, back during country week — to talk about how just because a song came from a country artist doesn’t mean that you can’t find a way to express yourself and your style through the melody and lyrics, which can be universally applicable, despite a song’s origin.

That would be a fabulous way to use previous finalists. Sadly, none of TPTB are smart enough to think of that!

To me, when they drag in the mentors specifically from the genres in question, then they’re reinforcing the *wrong* idea — which, I would say, is this: Oh, it’s country week, now you all need to sound like country singers!

I’ve never seen it that way! To me, its all about getting people who deeply understand what that style of music is all about. Like Dolly Parton emphasizing the storytelling and heart on Country week. And Andrew Lloyd Weber emphasizing stage performance, and connecting with an audience.. even if a contestant does change it up, they have to still keep the spirit of the song and the genre in mind or it won’t work.

To me, when they drag in the mentors specifically from the genres in question, then they’re reinforcing the *wrong* idea — which, I would say, is this: Oh, it’s country week, now you all need to sound like country singers! I would call *this* the big mixed message on the show that confuses some of the contestants — notably, the ones who read “out of your box” as “switch up your quirky contemporary songwriter persona with the persona of a torch-singing 70s lounge act because that’s the kind of song you chose” … (I’m looking at you, Didi Benami.)

I get your point, but having mentors from a specific genre never precluded the contestants from sticking to their guns and twisting the themes to fit their specific styles in the past two seasons. If this crew is so literal that they think having Randy Travis on the show meant they had to sing country songs in a country style, then they must be really dumb… and what does that say about how much they know themselves as artists?

I dunno, I always viewed having mentors match with the theme is usually because these mentors know that week’s song list well (often it’s their own songs, like with Dolly, Neil Diamond, Mariah, Andrew Lloyd Webber, etc.). Knowing the song list well puts these mentors in a position to help guide the contestant in internalizing their performance and getting to the heart of the song, no matter what style or arrangement or interpretation they ultimately choose. That’s my two cents on what the really good mentors do anyway.

ETA: LOL, tinawina just said what I was trying to say much more succinctly! Thanks, girl!

And Andrew Lloyd Weber emphasizing stage performance, and connecting with an audience.. even if a contestant does change it up, they have to still keep the spirit of the song and the genre in mind or it won’t work.

LOL – Andrew Lloyd Weber so completely creeped me out, I don’t think I even remember any of the advice he gave.

Did Kris or David C have rating increases when they were on? I don’t see what the big deal is.

I don’t think a show in its ninth season should be hoping for a huge ratings boosts from anyone. Just like every long-running series, they’re just trying to hold onto the viewers they’ve got.

The problem with any mentor is, the songs are long chosen by the time they film and it’s been reheased with the band and the studio version is probably already recorded, clothes picked out. What is any mentor supposed to do, tell them the choice sucks and to start over?

I’m hoping if this is true, maybe they show mentoring not by the piano, but on the stage or something, where Adam can talk about performance and stage blocking and direction. That could be very interesting and something different than other mentors.

I’ve never seen it that way! To me, its all about getting people who deeply understand what that style of music is all about. Like Dolly Parton emphasizing the storytelling and heart on Country week. And Andrew Lloyd Weber emphasizing stage performance, and connecting with an audience.. even if a contestant does change it up, they have to still keep the spirit of the song and the genre in mind or it won’t work.

Yeah, I agree that this is what they’re driving at and that this, too, can be an important message ….

But the trouble with it is that I think it’s probably too subtle of a message to get across to the less confident and/or less experienced of the contestants! What they seem to hear, year after year, is — Oh, no! Now I have to sing like I’m onstage in a musical! Now I have to sing like I’m a country singer!

Maybe what they should *really* do is both — Bring in a person who can educate them about the music — where it comes from, what human feelings and impulses are behind it, what its history is. … And then also bring in somebody who can show them that you can take a country song and sing it without a twang or a song from musical theater and sing it without a musical-theater belt.

But this would probably constitute too much emphasis on actually helping the contestants improve substantially. Whereas what they’d probably rather do is precipitate a few “entertaining” train wrecks for the judges’ and the audience’s delectation. Unfortunately for me, I hate listening to the train wrecks — and I don’t think they’re all necessarily, if mentoring were done seriously and properly.

Andrew Lloyd Weber so completely creeped me out, I don’t think I even remember any of the advice he gave.

He told Archie to keep his eyes open when he sang. Other than that, I can’t remember anything either. ;)

why am I in moderation? I’m just trying to figure out why people are so angsty. I truly don’t understand it.

I think there may be some kind of glitch. I had one post early on that said “waiting for moderation” but several before it and after it that didn’t have the message. I was baffled, but then my next post went right up — so I concluded, Glitch, in my case, anyway, apparently.

LOL – Andrew Lloyd Weber so completely creeped me out, I don’t think I even remember any of the advice he gave.

LMAO! Well, he was… interesting. I’ll leave it at that. :)

ETA: LOL, tinawina just said what I was trying to say much more succinctly! Thanks, girl!

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone to type something and saw you already said it better than I would have! I’m returning the favor. ;)

But the trouble with it is that I think it’s probably too subtle of a message to get across to the less confident and/or less experienced of the contestants!

Okay, I could see that happening. Someone like Katie could be easily confused.

I’m hoping if this is true, maybe they show mentoring not by the piano, but on the stage or something, where Adam can talk about performance and stage blocking and direction. That could be very interesting and something different than other mentors.

Oooh, now you’re thinking. I like that! This group could use some help in that area.

disclaimer: void this and all other comments made by me if this Jeremy guy is making this all up :)

sma11ie I think that I usually agree with your posts, but I’m not so sure about this one. I believe we’ve all posted about what a mentor does right after the Miley announcement. I have to honest that I don’t really know what the purpose of these mentors are anymore. It all seems to start with someone who is shleping a product of some sort.. which doesn’t always make the best mentor. Smokey is the one that comes to my mind when I think of someone good or Randy Travis, but the reality is that by the time they reach the point in their careers where their advice has been REALLY good, they are far less relevant to the current music scene and are no longer really selling anything. We all know TPTB are all about selling product whether it is coke, ford, At&t or someone’s next album – it is all about chasing the $$. Sometimes its whoever is in their best interest to mentor or perform. What can they get out of the trade for air time? The is probably cynical, but the one thing I HATE about AI is that I often feel like I am sitting through an hour or two of pure product placement ads.

Well, I would totally agree, if I actually believed that was the whole point of the show. I think the whole point of the show is collect huge advertising fees and line the pockets of the producers.

Yes, but in order to collect said huge fees and line said pockets, there needs to be enough post-show success to validate the product placement. Even for the 80-90 percent of viewers who never buy the music, it matters that they can hear the songs on radio, see the plaque presentations, have them performing on the late-night shows.

I really don’t think that anyone can argue that the show is appealing to people because it’s relentlessly “good, clean, family entertainment” (insert “appalling guest performance” here). People want to know that they are voting for someone out there who is going to make good; otherwise it’s just Star Search or Showtime at the Apollo.

ETA: And just to be clear, I think “having a steady career in entertainment” after being on the show is already beating the odds. But each season needs at least one visibly successful recording artist. And personally preferred metrics aside, each season has produced one, at least for awhile.

Did Kris or David C have rating increases when they were on? I don’t see what the big deal is.

I think that OP was challenging some other posts about how bringing Adam back to mentor would result in a huge ratings boost for AI. There does seem to be a bunch of posts about Adam being a ratings behemoth every single time he’s mentioned in conjunction with any TV appearance. Anyway, I don’t keep track of these things. I never thought Kris or David or Adam as big ratings draws. They’re all doing well, but they’re not Brad Pitt or Miley Cyrus or even the Bieber, heh.

But the trouble with it is that I think it’s probably too subtle of a message to get across to the less confident and/or less experienced of the contestants!

Okay, I could see that happening. Someone like Katie could be easily confused.

I think we’ve seen this particular confusion frequently over the years. So often, in fact, that I assume they *know* that they could clear it up, but they actually *want* to produce some such train wrecks — for the “entertainment value.”

I’m hoping if this is true, maybe they show mentoring not by the piano, but on the stage or something, where Adam can talk about performance and stage blocking and direction.

Exactly. It’s always awkward having the mentor and contestant facing each other in front of a piano in some random rehearsal-space room. If, by the time the mentor comes the contestants DO already have song and arrangement planned out, the mentors should be watching the actual onstage rehearsal. That way mentors can actually give advice on staging, energy, vocals, and delivery. They are actually helping to polish the final product not just the “i’m going to sing a song probably like this, only I won’t be standing by a piano singing softly in this small room, feeling awkward cuz you’re standing two feet in front of me.”

David Cook was not advertised to be on the show, other than around the internet. Not sure how that could’ve increased ratings. I don’t know about Kris.

Well I don’t recall people boasting that Kris or David would bring in huuuge ratings so I don’t believe ratings were analyzed when they were on. There seems to be this belief that Adam is some automatic ratings magnet, which is why I asked before about the episodes of Oprah and Ellen he was on. Both have huge ratings regularly so I was curious if he added much to their numbers. And yep if Idols ratings don’t see some massive upswing as the result of Adam being on 2 nights of course that will be questioned. I mean I’m still questioning why with all the pimping he’s gotten he hasn’t managed to sell more. Oh well.

I think we’ve seen this particular confusion frequently over the years. So often, in fact, that I assume they *know* that they could clear it up, but they actually *want* to produce some such train wrecks — for the “entertainment value.”

LOL! Wow, I totally could see TPTB doing that. What does it mean when its so easy to believe that they’d be that evil? Hahaha

But yeah, you have a point. If you have a good core sense of yourself as an artist then a mentor familiar with the theme can really help you refine your presentation. But if you are really looking for someone to tell you what to do then it can be.. not so good. Besides Crystal, Casey, Big Mike and maybe Lee… I’m not sure who of this crew is that solid about who they are on stage. Perhaps Aaron? Hmmm…

If this crew is so literal that they think having Randy Travis on the show meant they had to sing country songs in a country style, then they must be really dumb… and what does that say about how much they know themselves as artists?

Don’t underestimate S9 lack of independent thought. I think they would literally take it as sign to do country.

Ah, yes. Aaron Kelly and glam rock. That sounds great. Good luck with that one, Adam.

Hey, the kid could surprise. I would fear more for Tim, Andrew, Casey, or Lee…

Okay, forget the glamrock theme… bad idea

Lol! This is actually what makes this a BRILLIANT idea!! I need to see Tim and Andrew and Aaron all glammed out (and Siobhan would actually be able to have a lot of fun with it) Best.Idea.Ever!

Bowie week, maybe? ;-)

Don’t underestimate S9 lack of independent thought. I think they would literally take it as sign to do country.

Yes. And they seemed to deliberately recruit a pretty young, inexperienced, insecure group this year. There’s no reason to expect that such a group of contestants would understand what they’re really supposed to do. They’re being thrown into a huge industry that, despite their aspirations, they pretty much know nothing of. How do they know that they are not being signaled to prove their worth by performing in many different styles, rather than adapting songs from different styles into their own style? I don’t think you can necessarily expect a 20-year-old who’s been an amateur up to now to know this.

LOL! Wow, I totally could see TPTB doing that. What does it mean when its so easy to believe that they’d be that evil? Hahaha

It means you have had sufficient experience with them! :)

I’m not completely buying that yet, hard to believe the first Idol they call to mentor would be Adam instead of Kelly, Carrie, Daughtry or even JHudson.

But if it’s true then great for the contestants, Adam just finished the show last year and he has probably a lot of insights on how to do a good work on the show.

So if there is no “huge ratings boost” (like there usually ISN’T when Adam performs on TV) are people going to resort to saying that people were “in bed” (again) or something.

What? JFC.

So if there is no “huge ratings boost” (like there usually ISN’T when Adam performs on TV) are people going to resort to saying that people were “in bed” (again) or something.

I don’t know about ratings boost. The only boost I look for is in sales, and Adam seems to get nice sales bumps when he is on TV.

Seriously, they would so Adam being greeted by the fans at the airport in Japan, the fans in Singapore, his appearance in Canada video show, etc… Average people watching the show will think he’s the worldwide star Simon said they found at the finale last year.

The rumor is traveling fast! MJ’s site is sourced in this Rolling Stone article:

http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2010/04/06/adam-lambert-readies-remixes-ep-mentoring-idol-top-eight/

Bowie week, maybe? ;-)

Let’s make it happen girl! It would be the most horrifying/entertaining thing I’ve seen all season. Also, I don’t know why I can’t switch the way I spell glamrock and sham rock.

I’m afraid Bowie would NEVER, lol… Hell, he didn’t even let the movie Velvet Goldmine use his music, and it was a friggin movie about him (with a different name)…

Also almost everyone from season 8 said they turned to Adam for advice and to bounce ideas off of him. So this is nothing new.

I don’t know about the others but both Kris & Adam have said numerous times that they bounced ideas off each other. They also helped Allison.

This is an interesting topic. I wouldn’t put it past TPTB to put this out as a trial balloon to gauge reaction, so I’ll share mine. I think the idea of former Idols as mentors has some merit, but I think it’s a very bad idea to debut it using someone who didn’t win and whose commercial success is tenuous (one big song to date and one middling album success) and still in its infancy, when there are plenty of unquestionably successful winners who could do this. I agree that he could teach this bunch a lot about stage presence and varied performances, which they clearly need, but so could any of the winners – even the much-maligned Taylor Hicks. I think to use any but the biggest success stories they’ve had is asking for trouble. I say this as someone who isn’t even a big fan of any of the most-recognized successes from the show. Their fanbases are going to feel dissed and could diss the show in return.

Don’t underestimate S9 lack of independent thought. I think they would literally take it as sign to do country.

I don’t think that’s fair. Lots of S9 contestants have twisted the genre. Last week was R&B, but we saw lots of variety and a few genre twists (e.g. Lee, Crystal and Andrew). Even much-maligned Tim took the RollingStone catalogue down a radically new path. It wasn’t great, but it did show he has an imagination.

Is Season 9 perfect? No. But they aren’t all dunderheads with the inability to come up with something new.

Although, if what you say is true, imagine what we’ll get if they do ask Adam to mentor (if they take things too literally). I’m picturing Aaron dressed head-to-toe in leather with his hair in the classic heat-meiser hairdo trying to scream out some glory note. Meanwhile, Andrew will come out in tight spandex and glitter trying to belt something. And, as a closer, Crystal will cut off her dreads, dye her hair black, put on some S&M gear and have her way with a microphone. Awesome.

I really don’t think that anyone can argue that the show is appealing to people because it’s relentlessly “good, clean, family entertainment” (insert “appalling guest performance” here). People want to know that they are voting for someone out there is going to make good; otherwise it’s just Star Search or Showtime at the Apollo.

Yes, thanks. I agree.

But the trouble with it is that I think it’s probably too subtle of a message to get across to the less confident and/or less experienced of the contestants!

Okay, I could see that happening. Someone like Katie could be easily confused.

Sigh. You may be right.

sma11ie I think that I usually agree with your posts, but I’m not so sure about this one. [...] I have to honest that I don’t really know what the purpose of these mentors are anymore. It all seems to start with someone who is shleping a product of some sort.. which doesn’t always make the best mentor. [...] the one thing I HATE about AI is that I often feel like I am sitting through an hour or two of pure product placement ads.

Haha, this goes back to our earlier debate on the purpose of the show being ad revenue. Honestly, I’m so used to the product placement, I’m pretty immune to it. And some of it actually adds to the whole sheen of the show anyway—it’s all very glossy SHOWBIZ product placement. I’m glad it’s so blatant—at least I don’t feel like they’re being sneaky about it haha.

As to the point of mentors… yeah, I didn’t say they were all good, but I do feel that the good ones can help a contestant get to the heart of a song and give some good performance tips. I remember Mariah Carey giving Jason Castro a little melody to add to his rearrangement that was really cool. And ALW, as creepy as he was, did a good job helping Brooke tap into the meaning of her song (of course, it all fell apart when she lost her lyric, but that’s not ALW’s fault). The main problem with this season’s crew IMO is nerves and believability. I think a good mentor session could help with those things.

Although, if what you say is true, imagine what we’ll get if they do ask Adam to mentor (if they take things too literally). I’m picturing Aaron dressed head-to-toe in leather with his hair in the classic heat-meiser hairdo trying to scream out some glory note. Meanwhile, Andrew will come out in tight spandex and glitter trying to belt something. And, as a closer, Crystal will cut off her dreads, dye her hair black, put on some S&M gear and have her way with a microphone. Awesome.

That is just good entertainment! Make it happen PTB!

Having Adam mentor the show would be just about the smartest thing TPTB have done this entire season. Adam suprises you, he changes it up every time he is in front of the camera, he’s gorgeous to look at, he can sang his face off, he has been “performing” for almost 2 decades and has that stage prescence that everyone is lacking this season. Plus he can articulate and communicate better than most. But again, HE IS FASCINATING TO WATCH, HE’S GREAT TV AND HE IS “FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT”. This is a smart, smart, smart move…..hope it is true.

And yet Adam’s been quiet on twitter today, hmm..

I love the idea of running through the songs onstage, dress rehearsal. Love it! ‘Insert ‘Just stick to the script joke..’

Although, if what you say is true, imagine what we’ll get if they do ask Adam to mentor (if they take things too literally). I’m picturing Aaron dressed head-to-toe in leather with his hair in the classic heat-meiser hairdo trying to scream out some glory note. Meanwhile, Andrew will come out in tight spandex and glitter trying to belt something. And, as a closer, Crystal will cut off her dreads, dye her hair black, put on some S&M gear and have her way with a microphone. Awesome.

One can only hope. ;)

The rumor is traveling fast! MJ’s site is sourced in this Rolling Stone article:

http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2010/04/06/adam-lambert-readies-remixes-ep-mentoring-idol-top-eight/

Since this is really making the rounds now and Adam can’t miss it, I’ll start thinking there may be something to the mentoring rumor unless he denies it sometime today.

EWMichaelSlezak

Whoa. About those Adam Lambert mentor rumors…sources tell me it’s a strong possibility. http://bit.ly/aS1DIj

None of us know yet if it is a done deal that Adam will be mentoring next week. However, it could be all part of Adam’s team’s plan. He had a very successful internationall promo tour. He was well received (hundreds of people in Japan airport to welcome Adam) everywhere he went. His single, FYE, is doing very well, getting tons of radio spins already. Where the album was released, they are flying off the shelves.

Since AI is popular internationally, this might contribute to his international promotion since he is going back to do a concert at the end of the month and promote in more cities/countries he wasn’t able to in March. The end-of-the-month international promotion is not the end of it either. He has more trips to different parts of the world later in the year.

So, to sum up, it might be more about Adam’s promotion than AI S9.

Whoa – Slezak. I will just say Holy Bejezus if this rumor is in fact true.

At this point, I have been burned too many times with Adam rumors (Gaga tour, Christina tour, SNL, Glee…)

My opinion only.
I’ts as clear as the nose on my face, Adam is the the chosen
one from season 8, by Simon Fuller, 19/RCA. His career so far has been managed magnificently here and abroad. Nothing wrong with Adam as a mentor in my book. I don’t think the PTB are worried about fanbases being upset. Never heard any one mention his month long
promotion abroad. Can’t deny his gold, platinum certifications abroad and Canada.
Tour paid for by his management. Great PR if its true or not, his name is out there and everyone is talking, contributing to his news
worthy events where true or the almighty rumor. No publicity
means DOA especially coming off AI. Looking forward to Adam performing on Idol. America is so fickle, boggles the mind, mine anyway.

Well, if Slezak is reporting there is a strong possibility it is true, I suspect it might be true. Maybe it is a new development — maybe the prior rumor that Adam was going to be a mentor, the rumor that he denied, got TPTB thinking that they should do it. Hope it happens.

Good grief.

After the last year of Black Swans flying in one direction and buckshot flying in the other, I’m tired of picking feathers out of my hair. If this happens it sounds like a great week to take a break from the internet.

MollyAnnMay, would you please use your time off to write more awesome extended metaphors? Thanks!

Oh man… this is too much teasing…

mmb:
04/06/2010 at 1:12 pm
Well, if Slezak is reporting there is a strong possibility it is true, I suspect it might be true. Maybe it is a new development — maybe the prior rumor that Adam was going to be a mentor, the rumor that he denied, got TPTB thinking that they should do it. Hope it happens.

I am strongly of the belief that if it is true, it was more last minute. AI is all about the buzz now – Miley, Bieber – they want (need) people to be talking and caring about the show again.

Even the other impromptu changes that have sprung up in the last few weeks have seemed like attempts to make some of these contestants, or the show itself, more interesting:

1. Ryan’s fights with Simon
2. Showing Behind-the-Scenes footage with the idols last week
3. Trying to get emotional responses from contestants (like Siobhan and Didi last week).

It’s like they’re really really trying hard to garner the attention, the spark, again, after what’s become a pretty lackluster season and field of contestants.

I do not think that this has anything to do with the success of the contestants after they left the show. Sure Kelly, Carrie and Daughtry are more successful. But in my opinion while on the show, they were not nearly as polarizing nor as successful at working that stage….

Now Slezak is on board….this just keeps getting better and better. This is all worth the price of admission today and we’re getting it for free!!

I have this visual of Adam in my head with his iPhone in hand…fingers just twitching to tweet and TPTB telling him…”NO…NO…not yet…no tweeting until we tell you to…let them all simmer in this for a while.” LOL

Mary102 – they are sounding desperate aren’t they?

ETA: LOL LOL sr4mjc awwwww I *almost* miss the gates of S8.

After the last year of Black Swans flying in one direction and buckshot flying in the other, I’m tired of picking feathers out of my hair. If this happens it sounds like a great week to take a break from the internet.

LOL. I’m not skerd. I braved AMA gate, I can brave Adam telling Idols how to deliver a song.

In my opinion, if it turns out to be true it’s not because they’re unaware of fan wars but because they think the best way to win back previous viewers who have been slipping away is to ignite a fan war, with some tuning in to hear somebody they loved on the show in the past and others tuning in to hate somebody who’s once again being given unfair “pimpage.” And, of course, to get the Internet roiling with commentary on this, in the hopes that enough non-Idol-viewers will see stuff about it that it’ll tempt a few new viewers over.

I mean, they clearly got Miley, the Jonas, Usher, and so forth on to boost ratings — and it hasn’t really helped much. So if the hot radio stars won’t give them a boost, now they have to trot out some Plan Bs, I guess.

tls62:
04/06/2010 at 1:18 pm
Now Slezak is on board….this just keeps getting better and better. This is all worth the price of admission today and we’re getting it for free!!

I have this visual of Adam in my head with his iPhone in hand…fingers just twitching to tweet and TPTB telling him…”NO…NO…not yet…no tweeting until we tell you to…let them all simmer in this for a while.” LOL

Too true! LOL! Some of my twitter friends are a little worried about whether this is true or not, just for the (possible) backlash, but I must say it has brought up a lot of positivity about just how awesome Adam is, as a performer, AI contestant, singer, etc.

And that is made of win, whether this turns out to be true or not :-)

And while were at it, where the heck is MTV UK with their big news?

This day keeps getting betterer and betterer………

LOL. I’m not skerd. I braved AMA gate, I can brave Adam telling Idols how to deliver a song.

Me neither :-) Part of the fun of being an Adam fan is the rollercoaster fun ride it entails – never a dull moment!

Wow. I seriously thought that this was just a rumor that got out of hand. But, now Slezak? Hmmm..

Well, I’m all for it. I plan to watch and enjoy.

sr4mjc:
04/06/2010 at 1:21 pm
And while were at it, where the heck is MTV UK with their big news?

Are we STILL waiting on that? Seriously?

sr4mjc:
04/06/2010 at 1:21 pm
And while were at it, where the heck is MTV UK with their big news?

It may be the same news, tbh. I hear of a lot of Adam fans in the UK who watch AI.

They don’t give a crap about internet fanwars. LOL. I agree they want some buzz, excitement. Controversy is their friend.

I am going to need so much booze to get through this ass kissing festival. Bottoms up!

koshka:
04/06/2010 at 1:19 pm
Mary102 – they are sounding desperate aren’t they?

AI has seemed very very desperate in recent weeks! The stuff last week was the absolute worst – Ryan’s OOC behavior with Didi, following Siobhan back stage, just ugh to all of it.

uh oh, Lisa Pittman (monte’s wife) tweeted

lisa_pittman Still in the hosp, hoping these babies don’t come anytime soon. These contractions need to stop! Thanks for all the well wishes :)
2 minutes ago via UberTwitter

tinawina.. so true I can almost feel fans readying their pitchforks and finding their matches for those torches. Oh TPTB, I love you so. ;)

BWaahaaahhaaaaaa!!! Now it’s a popcorn time for me:) How to make idol tards to finally wake up this season and make them watch this horror? Pull Glambert. hahahahhahahhahah All the Kelly, Carrie, Daughtry, Cook, Kris’ tards will be soooooo pissed. This is rich! I want Adam as a mentor, then Kesha next week, then Jonas brother week after that and almighty Timmy please please make it to the finale! hahahhahahahha i can’t stop LOLing…i seriously can’t! There’s SO much hate coming in the next week… AMA’s 2.0 here we come….i’m so exited even for tonight….big ratings coming LOL

Ryan’s OOC behavior with Didi, following Siobhan back stage, just ugh to all of it.

Ryan has always creeped me out a bit. I’m not even close to being a fan of Didi and I thought this was a real crappy move.

I read over on planet fierce that some sony rep named Nirvana DC is tweeting that the news is coming. It was supposed to be last week.

her twitter- make of it what you will:

http://twitter.com/nirvanaDC

America is finally going to see Idol has jumped the shark lol

This season is getting better and better with every announcement…and then the big letdown at 8 p.m. on fox when it actually starts…hahahah

Because hate on any Idol is entertaining? If I wanted that I’d go to VFTW.

Adam is awake on twitter, but I can’t see him adressing anything until after tonight’s show at the very least. If he says anything at all.

I feel bad for Monte’s wife, I guess she’ll be on bedrest until June.

They don’t give a crap about internet fanwars. LOL. I agree they want some buzz, excitement. Controversy is their friend.

Well, but the Internet fan wars are partly where the big buzz comes from, are they not? … Would Adam really set the blog world and the entertainment media on fire to the extent that he does if he were not such an extremely polarizing figure among fans?

If he were like the many artists (including AI people) who have fans but not many such rabid fans and many equally rabid despisers and people jealous about his “pimped” status, then the buzz about him would have to come *entirely* from the actual press, who may or may not be counted on to get all excited, depending on what else is happening in a given week.

But with the Internet fandoms of Adam and *others*, in this case, getting all bent out of shape in various directions, then the thing quickly muscles its way to the top of the entertainment-media agenda.

LOL!

annkpowers

If Adam is really Idol’s mentor next week, I expect him to kick some butt with a glitter boot!

kizgold:
04/06/2010 at 1:27 pm
America is finally going to see Idol has jumped the shark lol

Nah.. It’ll sneak up on them like ‘Jaws’.

well Adam is up and tweeting and likely being bombarded with questions about this whole thing.

I don’t think one or two posts saying Adam is a huge ratings booster says that all Adam’s fans believe he is ratings magnet. I have no idea how it will affect ratings but we are still talking about a huuuuge audience here. I am just hoping this helps Adam somehow and I sincerely believe he has a lot to offer these contestants. Whether they listen or not we’ll see. The idol vocal coach mentioned in an interview recently (I couldn’t find the link) that they try to help the contestants but that many of them do not heed the advice given them. Maybe as a “just been there” contestant Adam can have more of an impact. As an Adam fan I just hope this gives him a boost and it will be a great story for when he goes back to promo internationally not long after.

Aaaaaaand Adam’s up! good morning:)

then the buzz about him would have to come *entirely* from the actual press, who may or may not be counted on to get all excited, depending on what else is happening in a given week.

No I agree, I just worded it badly. I mean they don’t care in the sense that they are not trying to prevent it or are worried about pissing anyone’s fans off. As long as everyone’s talking its all good… they want that twitter buzz! Oh, and I think the mainstream Idol media (Slezak, USA Today guy, etc) will have something to say with or without us. Heh. Let the games begin!

I would be really funny if Adam is mentoring next week .. and the theme is Country … lol

8 ROF type performances of country songs .. now that would make country week bearable for me .. hee hee

I think Adam is perfect for mentoring “from the perspective of a former contestant”, if that is the case. He was the person that most of the Season 8 contestants turned to for support and advice. I think he could offer the new contestants great tips on working the stage and changing up the songs.

I just can’t believe this rumor is true, it’s so ridiculous, but if EW has verified it, who am I to argue? Maybe now some enterprising journalist will do some actual reporting about just WTF Adam’s REAL connections are to this show. NFW this dude wasn’t the biggest plant in the history of plants!

And, of course, only in the world of American Idol can a person spend ten minutes with a dozen or so contestants each and then be characterized as a “mentor.” (I guess, technically speaking, ten minutes qualifies as a “period of time,” but I think, generally, the understanding is a little longer than that!)

Oh… OIC… goodie……

I think it’s embarrassing to Adam because he didn’t really meet expectations and is not really successful YET. I think it makes him look bad honestly. If they have an Idol, have one that made it already like Kelly, Carrie or Daughtry.

Plus, Adam says he’s very honest. And he is and good for him. But then he shows that he’s got a very judgmental side and he can be really pissy. I don’t see how this is good for him at all. Again, he’s got an amazing, amazing voice and it should be about the voice so I don’t get it. But it will be very entertaining!!

Judee:
04/06/2010 at 1:26 pm

BWaahaaahhaaaaaa!!! Now it’s a popcorn time for me:) How to make idol tards to finally wake up this season and make them watch this horror? Pull Glambert. hahahahhahahhahah All the Kelly, Carrie, Daughtry, Cook, Kris’ tards will be soooooo pissed. This is rich! I want Adam as a mentor, then Kesha next week, then Jonas brother week after that and almighty Timmy please please make it to the finale! hahahhahahahha i can’t stop LOLing…i seriously can’t! There’s SO much hate comming in the next week… AMA’s 2.0 here we come….i’m so exited even for tonight….big ratings coming LOL

This really baffles me. Why would anyone want “SO much hate coming”?

BootStar:
04/06/2010 at 1:33 pm
I just can’t believe this rumor is true, it’s so ridiculous, but if EW has verified it, who am I to argue? Maybe now some enterprising journalist will do some actual reporting about just WTF Adam’s REAL connections are to this show. NFW this dude wasn’t the biggest plant in the history of plants!

But wait.. I thought Adam was a fail? How can he be both?

No I agree, I just worded it badly. I mean they don’t care in the sense that they are not trying to prevent it or are worried about pissing anyone’s fans off.

Oh, okay. I didn’t mean to imply that they’d worry about pissing off fans. Sorry.

I was trying to say that they probably did it at least partly (or maybe mainly!?) because they realized that it *would* piss off fans! No better way — from their sick point of view — to drive interest high enough to get press and so on.

sr4mjc:
04/06/2010 at 1:28 pm
Because hate on any Idol is entertaining? If I wanted that I’d go to VFTW.

Adam is awake on twitter, but I can’t see him adressing anything until after tonight’s show at the very least. If he says anything at all.

LOL – if I were him I probably wouldn’t address it. Far better just to keep the rumor out there (again, true or not). If it’s not true, he builds up a lot more buzz. And if it is true, well, I can see the AI PTB not wanting to announce it quite yet so as not to overshadow this week.

Yes! tards losing their sh*t is the most entertaining thing about idol fandom. C’mon now, you got to admit it. This is a controversial decision and it will get the idol world talking…that’s why they’re doing this. Or do you think they’ll have him because he’ll be a great mentor? Seriously there are far greater fishes in the pond for that… it’s not the prime reason

RS picked up the story:

http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2010/04/06/adam-lambert-readies-remixes-ep-mentoring-idol-top-eight/

Oh, okay. I didn’t mean to imply that they’d worry about pissing off fans. Sorry.

You didn’t! Like I said I was agreeing with you, I just should have quoted you and added an “ITA” first! That was totally my bad!

claudette:
04/06/2010 at 1:34 pm
I think it’s embarrassing to Adam because he didn’t really meet expectations and is not really successful YET. I think it makes him look bad honestly. If they have an Idol, have one that made it already like Kelly, Carrie or Daughtry.

Plus, Adam says he’s very honest. And he is and good for him. But then he shows that he’s got a very judgmental side and he can be really pissy. I don’t see how this is good for him at all. Again, he’s got an amazing, amazing voice and it should be about the voice so I don’t get it. But it will be very entertaining!!

If Adam needs to be embarrassed then I think there are quite a few runner ups and winners that should be in line with him. LOL

PC vs. Judgemental and pissy? You say tomato, I say tomahto.

I have this visual of Adam in my head with his iPhone in hand…fingers just twitching to tweet and TPTB telling him…”NO…NO…not yet…no tweeting until we tell you to…let them all simmer in this for a while.” LOL

I think you’re on to something tls62- I think it’s safe to say that if Adam doesn’t tweet within the next 24 hours that he’s NOT mentoring, then it’s safe to assume that he is… I mean, he’s very in tune with these rumours and very quick to deny them when he gets flooded with questions, which I’m sure is the case right now… :-)

There’s SO much hate comming in the next week… AMA’s 2.0 here we come….i’m so exited even for tonight….big ratings coming LOL

This really baffles me. Why would anyone want “SO much hate coming”?

Ditto. Is it really worth expending the energy to delight so much in “so much hate” coming?

IDK, I guess I’m much happier expending my energy on positive things. But that’s just me.

I think it’s embarrassing to Adam because he didn’t really meet expectations and is not really successful YET. I think it makes him look bad honestly. If they have an Idol, have one that made it already like Kelly, Carrie or Daughtry.

I don’t know… In the Rolling Stone article about the rumor, they deem Adam as “arguably the most successful” male contestant to emerge from the show. Success has many measures, and if a music media great like Rolling Stone views him as successful, who am I to disagree? We don’t know what the expectations of TPTB are, but it seems, based on the amount of time and money they’re putting into promoting him, that he must be up to par in their minds. I think the only people who are disappointed with Adam’s accomplishments thus far are those who had him way too high on a pedestal to begin with.

Judee:
04/06/2010 at 1:38 pm
Yes! tards losing their sh*t is the most entertaining thing about idol fandom. C’mon now, you got to admit it. This is a controversial decision and it will get the idol world talking…that’s why they’re doing this. Or do you think they’ll have him because he’ll be a great mentor? Seriously there are far greater fishes in the pond for that… it’s not the prime reason

ITA – on both sides, all sides…

IDK, I guess I’m much happier expending my energy on positive things. But that’s just me.

I think I will expend my energy postively voting for turban tonight. yup.

Just smile and grin. *thumbs up*

now that it’s a “strong possibility” I’m really excited!! I’ve done a complete about face in the last 12 hours lol.

For what it’s worth, my coworkers seem really excited about this happening. They were surprised I wasn’t more excited!!! They all think he’ll be great. :-)

BootStar:
04/06/2010 at 1:33 pm

I just can’t believe this rumor is true, it’s so ridiculous, but if EW has verified it, who am I to argue? Maybe now some enterprising journalist will do some actual reporting about just WTF Adam’s REAL connections are to this show. NFW this dude wasn’t the biggest plant in the history of plants!

Wow really I just thought he was a talented young man. But your at least acknowledging he must be super talented and amazing if you Term him the biggest plant in the history of plants. So though I disagree….I am happy that his talent is worthy enough for this conspiracy theory. :-)

I think you’re on to something tls62- I think it’s safe to say that if Adam doesn’t tweet within the next 24 hours that he’s NOT mentoring, then it’s safe to assume that he is… I mean, he’s very in tune with these rumours and very quick to deny them when he gets flooded with questions, which I’m sure is the case right now…

Maybe we should start some tour rumors in hopes of getting more info. LOL

After the last year of Black Swans flying in one direction and buckshot flying in the other, I’m tired of picking feathers out of my hair. If this happens it sounds like a great week to take a break from the internet.

LOL great visual!

I don’t know… In the Rolling Stone article about the rumor, they deem Adam as “arguably the most successful” male contestant to emerge from the show. Success has many measures, and if a music media great like Rolling Stone views him as successful, who am I to disagree?

Of course they said that, they had to have a reason for putting him on the cover. I don’t like Daughtry at all, but wow, what a slap in the face to him.

if a music media great like Rolling Stone views him as successful, who am I to disagree?

Does that mean you also believe in the greatness of twice cover boys The Jonas Brothers who got flattering profiles both times? Let’s get real. Rolling Stone also put Jessica Simpson on its cover as well as the casts of The Hills and Gossip Girl.

they deem Adam as “arguably the most successful” male contestant to emerge from the show.

Daughtry, people? LOL. Damn, the world forgets crazy fast. Poor Chris :)

Broadway week

Anyone else hopes next week is country theme week? I DO !!!

I don’t understand being excited by hate either. But some get their rocks off on that stuff.

I can’t get to itunes right now, but what #1 is WWFM at today? I’m wondering if it will rise or at least hold with these rumors.

I’m still baffled at what this gets Adam for the trouble but I’m sure he knows it’s a controversial decision and is probably fine with it. Although as with almost everything deemed controversial with Adam, I shake my head at it. Not big deal, yet again.

Besides G-A-Y on the 24th, there is something going on 4/26 in London

http://www.entertainmentwise.com/win/52778/WIN-Tickets-To-See-Adam-Lambert-At-A-Special-London-Show-And-Meet-The-Man-Himself

Anyone else hopes next week is country theme? I DO !!!

That could be fun, lol

This really baffles me. Why would anyone want “SO much hate coming”?

puzzles me too . I guess people get their entertainment in different ways

Claudette “…But then he shows that he’s got a very judgmental side and he can be really pissy…”

I follow everything I can get my hands on about Adam and I’d like to know what you’re referring to. Personally, I’ve always been impressed with how respectful he is when referring to AI and other contestants on the show. When he voices his opinion, it’s just that – his opinion, and he’s always quick to clarify that it’s only his opinion and he’s entitled to one just like everyone else!

Oh well … obviously everyone won’t be happy about this … BUT I AM!!!!!!

Judee:
04/06/2010 at 1:45 pm
Anyone else hopes next week is country theme? I DO !!!

Me Too!!

Lol I love the comments under the EW article that are all OMGZ people are jealous because AI has its first international Superstarrr! Did Adam surpass Kelly’s 20 million sold when I wasn’t looking?

Oh RS thinks he’s the most successful male contestant ever? Now THAT’S a shock coming from them. I’d love to see how they would compare Adam’s accopmplishments to Daughtry’s 6 million albums sold, Grammy nods, successful touring and multiple hits. Or maybe in their fantasy land he has all that?

Of course they said that, they had to have a reason for putting him on the cover. I don’t like Daughtry at all, but wow, what a slap in the face to him.

This!

Rolling stone is nothing more than a joke of a publication now. Have been for a while.

Anyone else hopes next week is country theme? I DO !!!

6 words – best post of the day!!

I have this visual of Adam in my head with his iPhone in hand…fingers just twitching to tweet and TPTB telling him…”NO…NO…not yet…no tweeting until we tell you to…let them all simmer in this for a while.” LOL

haha. I love this visual. But what Adam should do is tweet something to the effect of: “I have big news about Idol but can’t spill the deets yet!!! U’ll find out soon enuf!!” That would send forth a new wave of twitter spasms. lol

Does that mean you also believe in the greatness of twice cover boys the Jonas Brothers who got flattering profiles both times? Let’s get real. Rolling Stone also put Jessica Simpson on its cover

they didn’t say “greatest” or “most critically acclaimed”…like em or hate em the jonas brothers certainly are successful and believe it or not so is Jessica Simpson (you would be shocked how much money that girl makes)

Plus, Adam says he’s very honest. And he is and good for him. But then he shows that he’s got a very judgmental side and he can be really pissy.

Pissy? Really? I honestly do not see Adam being pissy with any of these contestants. He will be kind and helpful…he will be smart and professional. Adam will go back and watch what these contestants have already done and be ready with constructive advice. They are very lucky to have him as a mentor.

Also, if Adam was so entertained by the notion of them wanting him to mentor because HE didn’t even feel he had earned it, why would he go for it a month later or whatever? I guess that trip to Japan really changed his outlook on his career.

sr4mjc:
04/06/2010 at 1:46 pm
I don’t understand being excited by hate either. But some get their rocks off on that stuff.

For me the hate is so ridiculous, especially viewed a step or two back in the real world that it can be entertaining. I just can’t take it serious.

“doesn’t deserve it”
“not fair”
“they were here first”

Sounds like my kids. There are probably 25 different previous Idol contestants they could have picked. Each one of them would bring something different to the table. Each one of them would have valuable Idol experience and insight. They chose one. Obviously, if it wasn’t your favorite that was chosen, you feel as though nobody should have been chosen at all. If my kids acted that way, I would tell them they were being selfish and they should be ashamed.

Adam will be a good mentor because he has been in their shoes, because he has a good idea of how to work an audience, because he can provide insight on how to rearange songs. Last year, the contestants all helped eachother. This year, they all seem to be on their own.

For what it’s worth, my coworkers seem really excited about this happening. They were surprised I wasn’t more excited!!! They all think he’ll be great. :-)

Because he will…. regardless of what any pissed off fans from other idols and non fans of Adam say…he will be great. This season is the group from misfit Island and Adam is the best to help them through. He is the biggest Misfit they have had on this show. I mean that in a good way. He is not your typical Idol and had many arrows thrown at him and he still doing well. (yeah say what you want for all the pimping he has got he also got tons of hatred and faux gates created to try to knock him down) The top 12 this year is full of unlikely idol finalist. He is going to be great

I do believe Adam will be the mentor for next week. As I mentioned earlier, Iowaradioguy is NOT a DJ. He works for Saga Communications which owns quite a few radio stations so I think his information is accurate.

Maybe the theme next week will be “Songs of the Cinema/Movies” and since Adam sang “Time for Miracles” for the movie “2012″ he would fit into that theme as a mentor?

Anyone else hopes next week is country theme week? I DO !!!

HA!! But Carrie would never let that happen, and she was responsible for who they brought in for country week last season (Randy Travis for mentor, Brad Paisley for guest performer).

they didn’t say “greatest” or “most critically acclaimed”…

Rolling Stone had plenty of compliments for the JoBros’s musical abilities. It’s another obvious case of them justifying their cover choice when it’s painfully obvious it was for sales.

But wait.. I thought Adam was a fail? How can he be both?

Being a plant and being a failure are not mutually exclusive. A plant is just somebody who was “planted” by TPTB on the show as a way of getting them exposure. They always intended on signing the person, they just wanted them to get some fans first.It’s a way of jump starting the introduction of a new artist (or so the theories go). Just because TPTB want to sign you doesn’t mean you will be a success.

A classic case of this is Kristy Lee Cook. She had previously been signed by one of the Sony labels and her deal was mysteriously rescinded right before she tried out. She had a totally lackluster run on Idol and went out 7th (after learning how to get votes by singing patriotic songs). But, she was signed to a Sony deal right after the show. The album was a piece of crap and failed. Something definitely seemed fishy with that. Like Sony sent her on the show to get some exposure and build a fan base and they always intended on signing her.

Given how hard 19 has pimped Adam during the show and after the show and perhaps now with the mentoring, some think that it was a foregone conclusion that Sony would sign him. They just wanted him to get exposure. So, it’s not inconsistent to think that Sony always wanted him (remember the RCA mod saying they planned on signing him months before the finale?), but also feel that his level of success pales compared to Kelly, Carrie and Daughtry, Cook, Archie, Fantasia, Clay, Ruben, Jordan etc and perhaps one of them should have been the “first Idol mentor”.

Obviously, Simon Fuller loves him some Adam Lambert! I have a feeling that there is big news in the wings about Adam. As I’ve said before, his “value” is building – it’s very shallow to proclaim Adam as mediocre or a failure. I believe that his management is methodically and strategically laying the groundwork for a very successful future, both here and abroad, for Adam. JMO :)

I think it’s embarrassing to Adam because he didn’t really meet expectations and is not really successful YET. I think it makes him look bad honestly. If they have an Idol, have one that made it already like Kelly, Carrie or Daughtry.

How do you know what Adam’s “expectations” were. I doubt his management would be behind him and supporting the kind of international promo he is getting if Adam were not doing well or better than they hoped. Embarrassing how? His accomplishments are nothing to sneeze at. The mentoring (if true) just shows again how well Adam is thought of in the industry and by TPTB. They sure wouldn’t be thinking this way without some measure of his success and potential. For the very short amount of time Adam has been launched he has made it, IMO.

Daughtry, people? LOL. Damn, the world forgets crazy fast. Poor Chris

Sorry, folks! People outside the States hardly know Daughtry… I only heard of him because of this blog…

I bet it’s true. Adam is in Europe the week after that and somewhere I read that he said he was going to be on idol in April. Next week seems like the only opportunity. What a great idea! He’s perfect for mentoring, in terms of performance savvy, honesty, sensitivity and general helpfulness to people.

Slezak is all for it!

EWMichaelSlezak

Hey guys…I updated my Adam Lambert breaking news with some commentary and a POLL! http://bit.ly/aS1DIj

Yes! tards losing their sh*t is the most entertaining thing about idol fandom. C’mon now, you got to admit it. This is a controversial decision and it will get the idol world talking…that’s why they’re doing this. Or do you think they’ll have him because he’ll be a great mentor? Seriously there are far greater fishes in the pond for that… it’s not the prime reason

Yeah, I see what you’re talking about. I completely agree that this is certainly the main, if not the only, reason they’re having him on!

For me, personally, though, tards losing their sh*t is, like, far less entertaining that it is appalling! I’m a nerd, in other words. So, while I know TPTB are looking forward to it, and I guess a lot of fans are, too, it makes me totally cringe. Honestly, I only really enjoy Idol when there are actually people analyzing pitchiness and record-company strategies and such. … I’m out of step with society, though, on that one, I realize.

But wait.. I thought Adam was a fail? How can he be both?

I never said he was a fail, but one can be a plant and still not meet expectations. What’s so complicated about that? He didn’t actually WIN last season, in case you forgot, although he’s certainly been treated as if he did.

Seriously, why would you have the previous season’s runner-up mentor kids who might actually be trying to win? It just doesn’t make any sense, unless you’re trying to parody your own show, or you need to boost your chosen one’s sales numbers.

Poor Adam. The hate is really pouring in now. I hope his people are telling him to stay off the internet.

The only reason I can see the show having Adam back on Idol other then as a performer is because every blog and news article that is criticizing idol right now is talking about how there is no “Adam” on Idol this year. No one who generated the sort of discussion, schizm, etc nor had the talent to back up the image that he had. So it would be like, well ya’ll missed him so here he is! I don’t think Adam should “mentor” because like he himself said, he is too “new” and is still charting his post Idol course. But having him on to say “this is my life post idol” That would be cool. Also having a true vocalist as a commentator would be great because most of the mentors are not people who really can “SING” as well as perform. Even Miley said that. And of course having him sing is what i really want.

LMFAO at EW already having over 250 comments. The general consensus? WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA. Whata bunch of babies, lol.

Sorry, folks! People outside the States hardly know Daughtry… I only heard of him because of this blog…

Dude. LOL. Let’s be clear:

1. I like Adam
2. I want him to kick ass as a mentor and reap all the benefits
3. I don’t like Daughtry’s music

But you have to be smoking the major crack to say Adam is more successful than Daughtry. Big piles of grade A crack, packed into special high potency pipes. It’s not arguable no matter how much you spin it. No. Just no. No No No No No. Did I say no?

This is American Idol, airing on American TV, for an American audience. They are not programming for Finland. Dude. Come on. Nobody is stupid here. Just let the “defend my Idol tooth an nail” thing go this time. LOL

I really hope Adam can get Lee to think more about the lyrics of the song and get him make it look like they mean something to him.

Given how hard 19 has pimped Adam during the show and after the show and perhaps now with the mentoring, some think that it was a foregone conclusion that Sony would sign him. They just wanted him to get exposure. So, it’s not inconsistent to think that Sony always wanted him (remember the RCA mod saying they planned on signing him months before the finale?), but also feel that his level of success pales compared to Kelly, Carrie and Daughtry, Cook, Archie, Fantasia, Clay, Ruben, Jordan etc and perhaps one of them should have been the “first Idol mentor”.

Wow. To me, he is just about the most an unlikely candidate for this. As far as the RCA mod, I think that this is not unusual. Seriously does everyone think that they wait until the season is over to decide on who they are going to sign. We all make our conjectures, I’m not sure why Jive or RCA would want to wait. In the end it doesn’t matter except for a few thousand internet fantards. (of which I am one ;)

Daughtry, people? LOL. Damn, the world forgets crazy fast. Poor Chris :)

I’m not saying that just because Rolling Stone says it, it’s absolutely true. It’s just that I don’t think it can be stated as fact that he’s not yet a success, either, because how one views success is obviously opinion. There are so many measures of success, and what might be successful to me might not be to the next guy. I, for example, don’t consider album sales as the only measure of success. Public/media interest, industry awards, etc., also go into it, along with myriad other factors. To me, Adam is successful. Has be sold more albums that Daughtry–or several others from Idol, for that matter? Absolutely not, but he has garnered a lot of industry acclaim, is quickly becoming a presence in the international music scene, remained one of the most talked-about Idols for about a year now, etc. To me, he’s currently successful.

Well I for one don’t think it’s happening, but if you take all the weird ass fan shit that people will sling this makes for good teevee on so many levels. First of all considering how lackluster this season is why not bring back the most astute stage performer idol has produced? He can give them pointers on how to bring out what the judges are looking for. Also maybe this is the beginning of idol mentors. There are only a few people who know how to deal this the instant fame that this show brings. Quibble all you want, right now Adam is one of the most famous former idols, so he has a very unique point of view he can bring to these guys. Of course inside the idol bubble this is an affront to every winner and runner up from Kelly, Ruben, and Kris, but to the viewers it just might be an interesting night of idol.

Of course it’s a rumor though, who else can generate that much buzz for a show he lost last year,lol.

LMFAO at EW already having over 250 comments. The general consensus? WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA. Whata bunch of babies, lol.

Because the same thing wouldn’t be happening, in reverse and at an even more obnoxious level, if it were Kris in question? Sure.

Well it seems the waring has begun. Ugh. What I find really amazing is the Producers know exactly what is going to get people agitated and therefore watch. The fans and non fans will be watching to see how well he does or doesn’t do. (oh except for those who have already posted the refuse to watch if true) If Kelly or another Idol mentored you actually would get less people interested as folks would assume eh they do well but Adam ignites this much passion both positive and negative will surely get every talking and commenting. I am sure he will do well as I am also sure there will be those who find something to fault him. Keep the love and hate coming its all good.

It’s just that I don’t think it can be stated as fact that he’s not yet a success, either, because how one views success is obviously opinion.

I actually agree with that! I think Adam is successful, but he’s not more successful that Daughtry, and saying that is just ridiculous.

EWMichaelSlezak

Hey guys…I updated my Adam Lambert breaking news with some commentary and a POLL! http://bit.ly/aS1DIj

I like the photo coming w the article. is that how Adam will mentor in Slezak’s mind? lol

But you have to be smoking the major crack to say Adam is more successful than Daughtry. Big piles of grade A crack, packed into special high potency pipes. It’s not arguable no matter how much you spin it. No. Just no. No No No No No. Did I say no?

LMAO. Thanks for that, I’m crying over here.

I’m still baffled at what this gets Adam for the trouble but I’m sure he knows it’s a controversial decision and is probably fine with it.

I’d say it gets him pretty much nothing for the trouble except a *huge* crapload of hatred from fans of many other Idols that will be swelling all over the Internet for weeks and then be picked up by the entertainment media as well. His every deficiency as a music seller will be plastered all over everything along with whatever ideas there are out there about how he got on the show (about which we have already heard that there’s some dark secret that hasn’t yet been revealed. … )

But I’m sure his management figures there is no such thing as bad publicity, so, hey, go for it. In this case, I think there *may* be such a thing as bad publicity. It’s ugly here already. And I expect it to get *way* uglier, unfortunately. With every slight that anybody else felt getting dredged up and screamed over again.

If I were Adam, I wouldn’t want to specifically court ugly fanwarring, but I suppose that, like all the other pawns in the entertainment industry, it’s in no way his call.

This is bullshit. He barely has any experience and is not even selling that many albums. I am so sick of the Glambert pimping.

But you have to be smoking the major crack to say Adam is more successful than Daughtry.

It’s honestly not fair to compare…one has been off the show for several years and the other only one. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and favorites. I loved Chris Daughtry on the show, I think he is a fabulous artist, but I don’t think he would be good at mentoring, I just don’t see it in his personality. I really think Adam will be a good mentor. He is more communicative and has good ideas AND a wide range in personal taste when it comes to music.

ilke this photo better a new one from Paper Mags beautiful people

http://img203.yfrog.com/i/bgskl.jpg/

but also feel that his level of success pales compared to Kelly, Carrie and Daughtry, Cook, Archie, Fantasia, Clay, Ruben, Jordan etc and perhaps one of them should have been the “first Idol mentor”.

Wow, how could Adam possibly have the same level of success as these other idols? These other idols have been out for years not a few months. If Adam is a mentor it is because he is hot right now and maybe just maybe he something valid to offer. As far the constant claims of “hype” and “pimpage” that Adam supposedly gets (apparently unfairly to some)it is probably canceled out by the negativity he seems to inspire too. As far as I am concerned this puts him on a level playing field to any new artist. Therefore he is doing pretty darn good, IMO.

To me, he’s currently successful.

Yes, but there’s “successful” as an absolute (reasonable album sales, reasonable single chart position and sales, international sales) and there’s “successful” as a relative measure.

DTA sold at least a million outside the US. Daughtry toured behind major bands worldwide. DTA has had a ridiculous string of singles, and, even if just comparing to LTT, No Surprise is still more successful in the US than WWFM has been.

As tinawina so eloquently put it, there is no argument that one can put forth to claim that AL is the most successful male contestant (and that’s the quote that has raised eyebrows afresh). I can think of at least a few metrics that wouldn’t even have him in the top 3, or top 5.

holeighannie:
04/06/2010 at 1:59 pm

Because the same thing wouldn’t be happening, in reverse and at an even more obnoxious level, if it were Kris in question? Sure.

I’m not so sure. Why would it be more obnoxious. Kris is the *rightful* winner of S8, right?

Seriously, why would you have the previous season’s runner-up mentor kids who might actually be trying to win? It just doesn’t make any sense, unless you’re trying to parody your own show, or you need to boost your chosen one’s sales numbers.

Because he’s charismatic and works the camera like no other? No offense to Kris, I like the guy, but can you see him mentoring anyone? Do you really see anyone tune in especially to see him mentor?
And going back to the “he didn’t win” thing is very funny when it’s pretty obvious who was getting the attention both before and after that finale. Adam had a “moment” in every damn performance on Idol. Every one of them. Kris? Maybe two, three moments…
And THAT is why Adam will be a good mentor. His coming in 2nd or his album “only” reaching GOLD are not the issue.
I guess Cook could be a good mentor as well, but he’s already been on this season…

Slezak just reported that it has been confirmed that Adam will be the mentor next week! yay!

never said he was a fail, but one can be a plant and still not meet expectations. What’s so complicated about that? He didn’t actually WIN last season, in case you forgot, although he’s certainly been treated as if he did.

Seriously, why would you have the previous season’s runner-up mentor kids who might actually be trying to win? It just doesn’t make any sense, unless you’re trying to parody your own show, or you need to boost your chosen one’s sales number

Because as Rolling Stone so succinctly put it- he is “arguably the most successful male contestant Idol has ever produced”. :)

So this seems to be more and more solid.

I wonder what could be the theme? Unless it’s past idol week, it’s hard to see another that would combine well with Adam’s music.
It could be rock week since he was kind of the rocker on the show but they just had Rolling Stones and Beatles week.

Anybody has a realistic idea about what could be the theme (David Bowie week is never going to happen)

Also, if Adam was so entertained by the notion of them wanting him to mentor because HE didn’t even feel he had earned it, why would he go for it a month later or whatever? I guess that trip to Japan really changed his outlook on his career.

It seems likely that at the time he made that statement, his mentoring had not yet been planned. What was he supposed to say? I’m sure he didn’t dream that they’d ask him so soon after being on the show. And, if he’d said, “great idea,” he’d be getting even more hateful comments about being an egotistical diva. The guy can’t win!

well, if this is true it’s another AI episode I’ll skip, just like Miley and Bieber.

Because the same thing wouldn’t be happening, in reverse and at an even more obnoxious level, if it were Kris in question? Sure.

Yep. Which is why, if they were going to do this and were doing it in full good faith, the first Idol mentor should have been Kelly. Rapidly followed by several others from different seasons who would be brought on specifically to highlight some particular skill or talent or achievement they have and could impart wisdom about ….

But the reason they *actually* are doing it as a one-off, starting with a non-winner who has barely been off the show any time at all and whose sales (like Kris’s) have been way disappointing, is because they know how polarizing that would be and they want the controversy to drive ratings. …. And, of course, Adam has his other qualities that make him even *more* polarizing than Kris, for example,, so from the producers’ point of view, I’m sure he was *exactly* the right person to choose.

This is bullshit. He barely has any experience and is not even selling that many albums. I am so sick of the Glambert pimping.

I agree.

Ugh. If this is true, then I won’t be watching Idol next week. Seriously, enough with the shoving Adam Lambert down our throats already. Believe it or not, not everyone thinks he’s “God’s gift to Idol”. *rolls eyes*

Wow, how could Adam possibly have the same level of success as these other idols?

That’s the whole point. He doesn’t/couldn’t and therefore shouldn’t be the first Idol back on the show as a mentor. IIRC, that quote is from Kristen’s post re: plants. In that context, this situation certainly raises the plant question about him. Kris shouldn’t be in the running either, these guys are barely out of the Idol bubble. I would argue that Adam is still more inside it, given that most of his popularity comes from gossip blogs anyway.

I think Adam would be a great mentor because he didn’t play it safe while he was trying to win, he took risks and some of the Season 9 contestants could benefit from risk taking. He said last year one of the vocal coaches told him not to give the contestants so much good advice. Adam and Kris both helped other contestants last year, Kris on MJ week with song selection for many contestants and Allison,Anoop and Lil all mentioned that sometimes Adam helped them. Adam also helped mentor kids when he was a teen in theatre. As for the fact that he didn’t win AI, well in years past the best singer seldom wins as it is more of a popularity contestant. If you are polarizing you can do everything right and not win Idol. I don’t buy the idea of plants, alot of the people on idol are semi professionals IMO since they have made some money through music like playing at Clubs or doing Musical Theatre or being a Choir Director or Music Teacher.

Holy frakking frak it’s true! Wow.

EWMichaelSlezak 19 spokesperson confirms exclusively to EW that @adamlambert will indeed be next week’s American Idol mentor. http://bit.ly/aS1DIj

But but maybe they’ll rewrite history and make it seem like he did win! Then he can give his strategy on all those ways to win ha! The pimping is going to be so OTT next week I have no doubt they’ll spin his success as a lot greater than it has been. I’m sure they can find something to give him some type of platinum plaque for. Gold is so lame for their superstar!! lol

FWIW I’m not bitter or pissed my favorite wasn’t asked because frankly I don’t think my favorite deserves it either. I do however think its still laughable how hard they’re pushing him despite all the pimping on the show actually not getting him the win or post show pimping making him a multi platinum seller. The only Idol I think is truly qualified for something like this is Kelly.

eta: for someone who’s so hot and everywhere you’d think he would at least be selling on par with the Fetus.

Which is why, if they were going to do this and were doing it in full good faith, the first Idol mentor should have been Kelly

I disagree. Kelly has been off the show and in the business as long as some of the non-idol mentors. I agree she would be a great mentor, and they should have her on for sure, but she is too far removed from the process (9 years) to serve as the “I was right where you are as an idol contestant” mentor. This is just a “hey guys I was one of you” mentor gig…not a lifetime achievement award gig

@EWMichaelSlezak: 19 spokesperson confirms that @adamlambert will indeed be next week’s American Idol mentor. http://bit.ly/aS1DIj

If they chose Kelly there would be no attention or press brought to the show.

Yes, because nobody cares about multiplatinum recording artists with 11 Top 20 Hot 100 singles to their credit.

Look, I think it’s fine that the guy mentors. Seriously. I hope he does an awesome job, I hope it helps him sell his single, etc.

But he is not more successful or more of a draw than many other contestants. If the media tries to take that line, then they are courting the fanwarring and trolling. (One reason I’m not giving RS any hits.)

I think Adam will be a good mentor. Many of this season’s contestants are lacking personality in their performances and that’s something Adam has in spades. I’m especially interested in what he has to say to timid Tim. LOL

gleeRPG:
04/06/2010 at 2:08 pm
This is bullshit. He barely has any experience and is not even selling that many albums. I am so sick of the Glambert pimping.

I agree.

Ugh. If this is true, then I won’t be watching Idol next week. Seriously, enough with the shoving Adam Lambert down our throats already. Believe it or not, not everyone thinks he’s “God’s gift to Idol”. *rolls eyes*

LOL It really is a travesty, isn’t it?

So its TRUE. Any chance all those rude Adam fans calling Jeremy names including homophobic are going to apologize?.

Nah.

Holy frakking frak it’s true! Wow.

still can’t believe it. gosh

Maybe they will have several previous idols as mentors? not just Adam.

Now that Slezak has updated with his info, I’ll post my opinion. I think it is an amazing opportunity, but I would have preferred if they had used past idols as mentors all along. I can see Kelly, Carrie and Cook as choices that should have already happened. All three are articulate and I could see Kelly and Cook as mentors who would be fun to watch. Carrie would be a class act and would do a wonderful job with country week. She has always been an ambassador for AI and the country music world as well. I would also think Daughtry would be good with the contestants.

I have to admit that I’m scratching my head over this announcement. Not because I don’t think Adam will do a good job, but due to the fact that this is a first. Don’t get me wrong- I’m thrilled!!! I am just surprised.

I’m sure the hate on blogs will reach to explosive levels, but the majority of AI viewers never read a blog site anyways. If AI news doesn’t appear on the front page of Yahoo, then the 20 million viewers don’t know what’s going on in the “Idol bubble”. It will be great exposure for Adam and the hate inside the idol bubble won’t ever reach 99% of the AI viewing public.

NVM

I’m lookin’ forward to it and if it gets some Idol fans in an uproar so what! It’s just a silly TV show. Although I have to admit I’m still reeling from Gossip Girl last night LOL!

this is the greatest news ever!! i am actually looking forward to watching the show..first time this season!!!

I’m sure the hate on blogs will reach to explosive levels

the blogs will be full of hate but I suspect the mainstream media will be mostly positive and excited. Most AI viewers have no idea most the these blogs exist (sorry MJ!).

Wow, what a truly horrible idea.

Adam hasn’t earned this. I think it’s a big deal to be the first Idol to return as a mentor and the only thing Adam has been more successful at compared to other Idols is generating controversy. That’s probably why AI (might be?) thinking about it, but the backlash factor is huge. The last time Adam was handed an opportunity he didn’t earn was when he closed out the AMAs. He was the only non-established performer that night and – wow – that really didn’t work out well did it??!!

Also, the number of AI watchers who are Adam fans is way overwhelmed by the number of AI watchers who are fans of other past contestants. Sure Adam has a relatively large and very committed fan base, but add together all the AI watchers who are primarily fans of Carrie, Kelly, Daughtry, JHud, Cook, Archuleta, Kris and others and – eeks again – why piss off all those people who would have wanted their idol to be the first mentor? Saying it’s only an Idol bubble thing is silly – don’t AI watchers kind of define the Idol bubble?

Whether or not Adam can give good advice is irrelevant. Tons of people could give good advice including nearly all former contestants and even some Idol writers like Michael Slezak. There are so many more factors that should be considered in choosing a mentor, though.

This is what the season needs~someone who can show these dull contestants how to own the stage, have a true “Idol moment”, and get some major charisma. Love him or hate him…at least people were watching and talking about Adam last season.

How exciting!!! Finally, an Idol with some stage presence! I hope he helps them with his performance skills and assists Sioghan in singing high on key….. Anyways, an Idol week I am finally looking forward to. This is definitely a new twist.

I remember reading and hearing people say AI would be too embarassed to have Adam come back on the show due to him being too “controversial”. I guess not. lol

CONFIRMED!!!!!

WWWOOOOOHHHOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!! And now, I too, will finally watch AI again, hahaha

(maybe someone up there knows Adam has alot of fans who aren’t regular AI watchers, hmmm?)

I am just so excited about this I could pee my pants!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is what the season needs~someone who can show these dull contestants how to own the stage, have a true “Idol moment”, and get some major charisma.

Exactly!! Plus, everyone has an opinion about it. No one really cares about the contestants this year.

Was replying to a NVM. So NVM.

Poor Adam. The hate is really pouring in now. I hope his people are telling him to stay off the internet.

And this is why I was wondering if it’s really a good idea for him. I totally get why TPTB want it, but for Adam. I dunno.

Oh shit, seriously I am in a class next Tuesday night? Are you freaking kidding me? arg..

Yes, but there’s “successful” as an absolute (reasonable album sales, reasonable single chart position and sales, international sales) and there’s “successful” as a relative measure.

DTA sold at least a million outside the US. Daughtry toured behind major bands worldwide. DTA has had a ridiculous string of singles, and No Surprise is still more successful in the US than WWFM has been./blockquote>

Agreed that there is measurable success and then there is also the less concrete variety comprised of many factors. That’s been my point all along. But who says that the measurable success outweighs the more intangible variety when it comes to choosing a mentor? I’ve had many teachers who were industry “greats” who couldn’t relate to the students to save their souls, and I’ve had others who were less “measurably” successful who were wonderful at teaching. IMO, Adam has been at least moderately, tangibly successful at selling his album and WWFM, and has also been successful in such areas as media relations and promotion. I think he’ll make a great mentor, and I absolutely can’t wait until next week!

What a bunch of whining and sour grapes!! I am so happy! (Not about the whining…about ADAM!)

CrazyCircle:
04/06/2010 at 2:17 pm
This is what the season needs~someone who can show these dull contestants how to own the stage, have a true “Idol moment”, and get some major charisma. Love him or hate him…at least people were watching and talking about Adam last season.

has there even been an idol moment this year? What week are we on now? Should have had at least one.

Adam talking for two hours – I’m so excited. I can listen to him talk all day. This is some great promotion for FYE and WWFM – I hope it gets a nice push.

I wish the AI kids could comment about this, are they excited, scared, looking forward to it, I hope Ryan talks about it this week.

Maybe they will have several previous idols as mentors? not just Adam.

Please. Please. Let them do this every week from here on out. OR at least have an idol alongside another mentor. Or something.

Now that Slezak has updated with his info, I’ll post my opinion. I think it is an amazing opportunity, but I would have preferred if they had used past idols as mentors all along. I can see Kelly, Carrie and Cook as choices that should have already happened. All three are articulate and I could see Kelly and Cook as mentors who would be fun to watch. Carrie would be a class act and would do a wonderful job with country week. She has always been an ambassador for AI and the country music world as well. I would also think Daughtry would be good with the contestants.

He will be great. Cook would also be, but I guess he is already involved with IGB. Kelly and Carrie would work fine as mentors, but not as the “I’ve been there POV”, since their seasons were very different from the recent ones. Neither season 1 or 4 were focused in rearranging songs, etc… Things were so different! I just think they are too distant from what idol is now, so Adam, Cook or Kris could be more useful, even though Kelly and Carrie are more successful.I also think Adam is the better speaker amongst most former idols and this also helps a lot for this purpose.

Perhaps Adam was available and those others that were mentioned were not. They do have schedules. But, then again, Adam is an excellent vocalist, has personality in spades, will share opinions, and is fun. And is uber Talented.

I wonder what the theme will be next week? Rock Week maybe? I’m glad he’s singing WWFM. I want that song to go platinum and I can definitely see Adam getting an Idol bump with this performance.

Wow, I don’t recall all this angst about Quentin Tarantino being a mentor last season. How exactly did he “deserve” it? Was there a contest for it that I missed hearing about?

It’s business. It’s about ratings.

Wow, so Adam mentoring is confirmed? Freaking. Awesome.

I haven’t been watching AI this season and Adam appearing is the only reason I will watch. I daresay there are many out there like me so in that way it is smart thinking on AI’s part.

I’m not going to justify other than this why I am excited for Adam to have this opportunity. I think it’s awesome…that’s it, that’s all. You show them Adam! I have no doubt the Top 8 will learn much from you.

Oh shit, seriously I am in a class next Tuesday night? Are you freaking kidding me? arg..

Skip it!! That’s what I did on finale night last year!!

So its TRUE. Any chance all those rude Adam fans calling Jeremy names including homophobic are going to apologize?.

Nah.

It’s very interesting to do twitter search and make up your own mind about what is going on…

Google twitter search and enter @Iowaradioguy

Fun to do whenever sonyglobal tweets about Adam also.

I hope he doesn’t wear a cape with someone’s name on it! lol

He will be great. Cook would also be, but I guess he is already involved with IGB. Kelly and Carrie would work fine as mentors, but not as the “I’ve been there POV”, since their seasons were very different from the recent ones. Neither season 1 or 4 were focused in rearranging songs, etc… Things were so different! I just think they are too distant from what idol is now, so Adam, Cook or Kris could be more useful, even though Kelly and Carrie are more successful.I also think Adam is the better speaker amongst most former idols and this also helps a lot for this purpose.

ITA I love Kelly and have lots of respect for Carrie.. but Idol really was a whole different ball game back then. Daughtry.. I don’t remember his run very well. With that said, I’d still love to see them return as artists in their own right to mentor the contestants.

Now we need to know the theme….MJ??

That’s the whole point. He doesn’t/couldn’t and therefore shouldn’t be the first Idol back on the show as a mentor. IIRC, that quote is from Kristen’s post re: plants. In that context, this situation certainly raises the plant question about him. Kris shouldn’t be in the running either, these guys are barely out of the Idol bubble. I would argue that Adam is still more inside it, given that most of his popularity comes from gossip blogs anyway.

How in the world do we know that “success” (frankly a very subjective term IMO) is the criteria used to choose a mentor. Because RS said so? That e-mail said nothing about success but that Adam was mentoring from the point of view of a former contestant. Adam did well on the show last year, he was a contestant that made it all the way to top 2. And it is very possible that Kris or another Idol will be on to mentor still. Maybe closer to the finals, which would be even better for them. No need to get the knickers in a twist (yet,LOL! Wait until he is asked to come back for the finale! haha!)IMO.

pffffff this just proves how fail this season is! Who the hell is Adam in the music business? Patetic…

This post is getting big mighty quickly. No one this season inspires people to say good or bad about them. Oh how I”m remembering the old days now….. lol

Ok now the important things, what will he wear, how will he have his hair, how much eye makeup, will he teach the guys about makeup? What else am I missing? God no rest for a week, this is gonna be so great!!!!!!!

‘Seriously, why would you have the previous season’s runner-up mentor kids who might actually be trying to win? It just doesn’t make any sense, unless you’re trying to parody your own show, or you need to boost your chosen one’s sales numbers.’

Bwahahahahhah! Timmeh FTW!

I’d say it gets him pretty much nothing for the trouble except a *huge* crapload of hatred from fans of many other Idols that will be swelling all over the Internet for weeks and then be picked up by the entertainment media as well. His every deficiency as a music seller will be plastered all over everything along with whatever ideas there are out there about how he got on the show (about which we have already heard that there’s some dark secret that hasn’t yet been revealed. … )

Sorry, I just don’t agree with any of this. What deficiency as a music seller? The fact that he debuted at #3? The fact that he’s gone gold in this country and platinum or gold in Canada and other countries as well. Idol has aged; the music business has changed. Very few people are pulling in mega numbers anymore, especially for a debut album. After the initial shock wears off, I think most people will direct their anger at TPTB, not Adam, realizing he probably doesn’t have a whole lot of choice in the matter if his music “partners” really want him to do it.

Besides, Adam is charming and charismatic and funny and sweet. I have no doubt in the filmed segments that he will shine (I’ve heard too many Adam interviews not to believe he will charm EVERYONE including the S9 contestants). Even many of the folks who didn’t like Adam’s OTT performances or voice or whatever, generally conceded that he came across as a really decent guy. Plus, he’ll sing on results night. His song – not some 90 sec. chopped up version. He’ll do a great performance of WWFM, whether it’s the album version or acoustic.

And I predict right now (you can quote me on this) he/they will address the mentor thing. He is a confident guy, but humble at the same time, and he will acknowlege that other mentors have had more experience. The angle will be less mentor/more “perspective of someone who was just in their shoes.” It will be fine.

It’ll be just like old times: How is he wearing his hair? Acoustic Adam or BSC Adam? It’ll be great to have that feeling back again.

And to the person who said he is only known for his controversies: I think only his detractors know him for that. Alot of people remember the guy who has probably the best range and stage presence Idol has ever seen.

Is it next Tuesday yet?

I am so happy Adam is going to mentor next week, I’m ready to jump up and down!!! First of all, it is a great idea to bring back popular contestants back to the show, I, as a big fan of the show (did not miss an episode since starting to watch the show during season 4)would much prefer to see idol kids come back rather then seeing some pop stars that I have no freaking interest in seeing or listening to. Also, for those who is saying that Adam is not experienced enough or big enough as a star, just go back to all the post season 8 interviews, and see Lil, Alison, Kris, Anoop, etc thanking Adam for all the help he gave them during the competition, he will be perfect as a mentor. I personally think it’s a great idea for the show and I, for one will definately tune in and enjoy the show!

Adam can sing and work a stage, and the working the stage part most of these kids need desperately. How about a no instrument week, make them work the satge.

What the hell it is 11:30am here and this thread is only at 390ish posts…LOL…Oh boy this is going to be a fun day in the internet world! :)

This is the best news EVER…I am so excited about this.

Like I said yesterday, this makes perfect since. I mean Simon Fuller is Adams manager, and Idol is Simon Fuller’s show, so why wouldn’t he promote his most current popular artist on his most highest rated television show. THE WORLD WILL BE WATCHING-literally!

LaurelG:
04/06/2010 at 2:26 pm
I’d say it gets him pretty much nothing for the trouble except a *huge* crapload of hatred from fans of many other Idols that will be swelling all over the Internet for weeks and then be picked up by the entertainment media as well. His every deficiency as a music seller will be plastered all over everything along with whatever ideas there are out there about how he got on the show (about which we have already heard that there’s some dark secret that hasn’t yet been revealed. … )

Sorry, I just don’t agree with any of this. What deficiency as a music seller? The fact that he debuted at #3? The fact that he’s gone gold in this country and platinum or gold in Canada and other countries as well. After the initial shock wears off, I think most people will direct their anger at TPTB, not Adam, realizing he probably doesn’t have a whole lot of choice in the matter if his music “partners” really want him to do it.

Besides, Adam is charming and charismatic and funny and sweet. I have no doubt in the filmed segments that he will shine (I’ve heard too many Adam interviews not to believe he will charm EVERYONE including the S9 contestants). Even many of the folks who didn’t like Adam’s OTT performances or voice or whatever, generally conceded that he came across as a really decent guy. Plus, he’ll sing on results night. His song – not some 90 sec. chopped up version. He’ll do a great performance of WWFM, whether it’s the album version or acoustic.

And I predict right now (you can quote me on this) he/they will address the mentor thing. He is a confident guy, but humble at the same time, and he will acknowlege that other mentors have had more experience. The angle will be less mentor/more “perspective of someone who was just in their shoes.” It will be fine.

Ok see this is why I find Adam’s gate’s so funny.. I assumed that the original post was being sarcastic, you know like it’s opposite day. LOL

Squeeeeeeeee! I am so excited it is true!!!Don’t care about the butthurt fans. I-Dull will finally have a MOMENT! ADAM LAMBERT is mentoring for a whole hour one day and performing the next night. Best night of the year and April 14th is my birthday! Woot Woot

Wow, I don’t recall all this angst about Quentin Tarantino being a mentor last season. How exactly did he “deserve” it? Was there a contest for it that I missed hearing about?

I’m not picking on you per se, but I find this kind of statement disingenuous. The “why are people so upset?” thing. Of course this represents a huge departure from mentors past. And he’s the first actual Idol asked back. What did you think, people were just going to shrug it off? If Miley pissed people off, Adam surely would. Its not some kind of weird, unheard of, totally illogical phenomenon. I mean disagreeing is one thing, expressing befuddlement seems silly. Of course some folk are going to have a WTF reaction. ADAM HIMSELF said he wasn’t qualified to mentor a few weeks ago!

I think he’ll be good at it, and I’m not mad at him, but come on now. LOL

I can’t wait to hear what he has to say about/to Siobhan, Lee and Crystal. Adam has such great taste in music and I am sure he will have good advise for them. He is also very good at articulating what he means, which is important. Say what you will about some of the others mentioned here (all very good musicians and singers) but I just don’t see them (Daughtry, Kris, Carrie) being as articulate.

Ohhhh and a veryy Happy Birthday to us!!!!!! to us!!!!!!!

I’ve only seen Adam make “pissy” comments after other so-called stars made snide remarks about him to the press. His snarky comments in these situations were not uncalled for and were generally not upsetting to anyone who is a real fan.

Eh, I wouldn’t be shocked if he goes the other way on this. He may just do some “be you” speech, which I’ve now heard so many times from him and others and leave it at that, which is not, not, not what the kids need to hear right now. I haven’t seen much in Adam’s interviews that would suggest that he would give constructive criticism as much as support to the contestants, and that worries me.

Not that I think it’s peculiar to him. Same goes for any S8 alumnus (Danny would be fun for the trainwreck value, if he was at all like his little talk with Ryan on the results show). For various reasons, I actually think alumni are a really bad idea. Honestly, I’ve seen Kelly mentoring some other shows. I wouldn’t want her to mentor Idol, either. She was kind, but not critical in the way you need from a mentor in the slightest. I would bet Carrie is the same way (though at least she has kind said several times she would tell them to shut up in front of the judges, which is at least something). I couldn’t tell you about Cook, but I would guess not.

Maybe it’s something about the whole “shared experience” thing. I don’t know. But the tendencies of the alumni in general, and it seems to be a product of having been on the show, are not the type that would imagine for this. Maybe an alumni who didn’t have to maintain a presence or was disconnected from the entertainment machine a bit might do better, but that would kind of defeat the point.

Of course, and I say this whenever previewing a mentor, but never, ever judge a mentor by the quality of his work. Because, in all seriousness, some of the better mentors on the show are not the best musicians, and the best musicians are hardly the best mentors. Queen completely failed as mentors, but Jennifer Lopez gave useful, constructive advice to all of the contestants.

Awesome!!

Wow, it’s true. I’m sure he’ll do a good job. I find the choice interesting, but I’m intrigued, and will likely watch if I’m home.

Interesting perspective from Slezak:

what Adam lacks in music-biz wisdom, he makes up for with his knowledge of the singularly grueling Idol experience. Just yesterday, while interviewing season 9’s latest ousted contestant, Didi Benami, talk turned to her struggles with last week’s R&B theme, and she didn’t seem to completely understand where I was coming from when I asked her if she’d studied previous Idol successes like Adam, Kris Allen, and David Cook — and the way they managed to sculpt a wide variety of genres to fit their artistic styles, and not the other way around.

Slezak makes a good point. Didi was my early favorite, but in reading some of her post-show press, her cluelessness to how to do well on the show was really off the charts. This season’s crew of newbs could greatly benefit from Adam’s advice.

In that regard, Kris and David would’ve been good mentors as well, but it seems the timing for everything worked best for Adam’s performance week. Kris and David will be involved with IGB in some capacity, whether or not they perform, and Kris is definitely back for the finale, if not also for his second single. I’m losing some hope, but still crossing my fingers David will get to debut his new single on the show. So we’ll see.

That’s the whole point. He doesn’t/couldn’t and therefore shouldn’t be the first Idol back on the show as a mentor. IIRC, that quote is from Kristen’s post re: plants. In that context, this situation certainly raises the plant question about him.

The only people who will bring up the “plant” question about him are those who don’t want or think Adam should mentor. There are already blog posts/articles about it if you google Adam and no one is even bringing that up. Season 8 is over. The competition is over. I think and would hope most people would have moved on by now. I seriously doubt Daughtry and Kelly Clarkson are jumping up and down having a tantrum that Adam is mentoring and they’re not.

Besides, Adam has one of the best stage presences ever to grace the Idol stage. In that sense, in a season where eveyone looks and acts like a block of wood, Adam is the perfect choice.

Adam Lambert is making HISTORY again on Idol!!!! Can it get any better??? Go Adam!! What is the theme???

Wow! I’m going to be watching AI next Tuesday! Seriously, I haven’t been this excited about anything AI since last season—I may even tune in tonight so I know who the contestants are (I only kind of watched a partial show weeks ago).

I don’t know how he does it, but Adam sure has a way to land decent gigs…

I have nothing against Adam and I know that he,as an employee of 19,has to do what they tell him in much the same way that Kris and David Cook had to do that lame “if I Can Dream House” thing. I just think that this is just another way in which TPTB are giving the implicit undertones that Kris is an unworthy winner and Adam was the rightful winner of season 8. I just have to wonder what might have been for Kris if he had gotten even a tenth of the promo that Adam has gotten. This is just really the last straw for me,as a die-hard Kris fan. I will continue to U-Tube Crystals performances but I am done watching this show. Kris messed up their coronation of Adam Lambert and they will never stop making him pay. I hope that he gets away from 19M as soon as he can as it has,with this latest development, become apparent that they will never do anything that is in his best interest. Adam Lambert will always come first.

And,also, I don’t know if they even contacted Kelly Clarkson with this opportunity but I would think that with a new single just coming out that she would have probably jumped at the chance.

Yee-Haw!

ADAM HIMSELF said he wasn’t qualified to mentor a few weeks ago!

This!!

And if this whole thing is true, it appears for me like a diss of the last year winner and it’s not cool. I hate you TPTB

Wow, the desperation of 19 to make Adam the success they predicted he would be, and recoup some of the money they’ve poured into promoting him!

I actually see this as a good thing, though. Crystal is obviously the most talented this season, and a lot of people say that she would be better off not winning. Adam is the perfect person to show her how to do that.

Seriously? I thought Idol had higher standards! If an Idol was ever to mentor the contestant, it should absolutely be original idol, or Carrie for a country week. Even Daughtry on Rock week would make more sense.

Adam is still struggling to become a star, I absolutely think he has all the potential to be a big one, but I don’t know, it seems a bit too soon, considering that 11 months ago he was there receiving advice himself, and he hasn’t even toured on his own yet!

It kinda makes you think…is it the fact that they really want to push Whataya Want From Me to be #1 on the charts and his album to go closer to platinum?

Adam has been my favorite contestant of the show ever…and I do miss his performances, but even as a fan, I think he’s far from being established enough to be a mentor.

Of course some folk are going to have a WTF reaction. ADAM HIMSELF said he wasn’t qualified to mentor a few weeks ago!

I think he’ll be good at it, and I’m not mad at him, but come on now. LOL

He did say this, and I’m sure that’s truly how he felt based on the way mentors have been presented the past 8 years. Had he known at that time that the mentor for this particular episode was intended to help from the perspective of having been a contestant on the show, he might have had a different answer.

Wow. I was fairly certain this would turn out to be bullshit lol. Well, I still don’t have problem with it. I think fanwars are just about the least significant events in the world, so I don’t really care if they’re ignited or not. I also don’t think the season 9 crew are a bunch of talentless hacks either. I quite like a few of them.

I hope he teaches Siobhan how to stick her tongue out so her scream sounds better.

alaadam! So it’s all for your birthday??

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GIRL!

ADAM HIMSELF said he wasn’t qualified to mentor a few weeks ago!

Oh how things change in a few weeks… *eyeroll*

How about a no instrument week, make them work the satge.

I would definitely co-sign onto this. I would love a no instrument week.

No matter which former AI contestant was asked back, we would be arguing about whether or not she/he should be the first, or is she/he is qualified, etc.

Yup. I think Carrie or Kelly would have started arguments between some of their fans but maybe not as intense. But anyone else would have been a full out brawl regardless. LOL

He did say this, and I’m sure that’s truly how he felt based on the way mentors have been presented the past 8 years. Had he known at that time that the mentor for this particular episode was intended to help from the perspective of having been a contestant on the show, he might have had a different answer.

Perhaps. My original point though was acting “surprised” by the reaction is a bit silly. Its not like something that no one could predict would inspire WTFs.

oladyrocklover:
04/06/2010 at 2:36 pm
I have nothing against Adam and I know that he,as an employee of 19,has to do what they tell him in much the same way that Kris and David Cook had to do that lame “if I Can Dream House” thing. I just think that this is just another way in which TPTB are giving the implicit undertones that Kris is an unworthy winner and Adam was the rightful winner of season 8. I just have to wonder what might have been for Kris if he had gotten even a tenth of the promo that Adam has gotten. This is just really the last straw for me,as a die-hard Kris fan. I will continue to U-Tube Crystals performances but I am done watching this show. Kris messed up their coronation of Adam Lambert and they will never stop making him pay. I hope that he gets away from 19M as soon as he can as it has,with this latest development, become apparent that they will never do anything that is in his best interest. Adam Lambert will always come first.

And,also, I don’t know if they even contacted Kelly Clarkson with this opportunity but I would think that with a new single just coming out that she would have probably jumped at the chance.

I agree with everything you just said. If it happens, they just lost this viewer, too.

I guess I’m confused as to why so many people find Kris/Chris to be too inarticulate to mentor. I see it as a recurring theme as to why Adam should be chosen, he speaks well…when did either of the other two make oratorical fools of themselves onstage? Some of this reasoning is quite interesting.

Please. Please. Let them do this every week from here on out. OR at least have an idol alongside another mentor. Or something.

My guess is former AI contestants would nearly always be able to give better advice than some celebrity trying to hawk a CD who has never even watched the show. For the contestants’ sake, I vote for an Idol alumni mentor every week. Bring the non-Idol pros in to sing on Wed nights, but let those who know the Idol ropes advise the contestants for their Tue night performances.

Sorry, I just don’t agree with any of this. What deficiency as a music seller? The fact that he debuted at #3? The fact that he’s gone gold in this country and platinum or gold in Canada and other countries as well.

Hey, I really like Adam, and I think he’s had some solid successes (as have many other Idols whose sales are despised by many, such as Fantasia and Ruben, for example).

All I’m saying is — Everything about Adam that is perceived as a not-living-up-to-expectations or a shortcoming of *any* kind by the many who despise him or are pissed off that it’s not their Idol mentoring (such as the fact that he has sold a few less albums by now than Archie or that despite getting a whole lot of media attention his sales lag Cook’s, for example) will be brought up and hashed over all over the Internet, and lots of lame “entertainment media” will pick up all the grousing and put it about wholesale and without any context or fact checking. And, honestly, I don’t really see why this is a good thing.

That you’re getting upset by what I said — and I’m an Adam fan, as you are! — shows the level of touchiness and anger this whole thing has brought up already!

In my view, it’s only going to get worse. Much worse. And, frankly, I’m sick of Adam — or any Idol, for that matter — being the subject of ugly fan-warring, and I am very unhappy to see it beginning.

Wow, I don’t recall all this angst about Quentin Tarantino being a mentor last season. How exactly did he “deserve” it?

Quentin is not only a freaking awesome director, but he also is one of the biggest movie fans working in the industry. He understands movies and what makes that industry so damn special.

You can see that on his films…they are full of tributes. The man is all about show and performances mixed up with a style of his own.

For kids that were about to perform a song related to a movie, it was not so bad to have this kind of guy as a mentor! He is someone in the industry and has been for over 2 decades, has a big cult-like following and is a big idol fan. He was perfect for the job, IMHO.

Oh and just a point what the hell does mentoring get the person anyway. Its not some prestigious award or even a honor in the music business. All this angst over “Not my idol not your idol either” in less then a week it would have been forgotten except everyone who is going to make more out of this then need be. He has more then enough experience to help these idols. I will be watching and happy for all involved.

I think Adam is just the first in many. There will be 7 weeks left after Adam so that’s 7 weeks to bring back just about anybody.

No matter which former AI contestant was asked back, we would be arguing about whether or not she/he should be the first, or is she/he is qualified, etc. The show will go on…maybe…I for one think Adam Lambert ruined it for all future contestants, but that’s just me.

Hardly. You put Kelly up there, and no one would have said anything against her. It would have been a good moment, a circle of life thing, if you will. (Mind you, I just said I didn’t want her as a mentor, and I stand by that.) Carrie, Daughtry, and even Jordin all could have gone on without a controversy; they’re widely considered legitimate contemporary artists, even if the numbers don’t back up Jordin in the same way.

Also, can we please discuss Sony’s media training? “Adam will own?”

I personally prefer all my official email announcements to be written by WoW players.

Jim seems excited … I mean really excited :/

jambajim

I can’t wait for @adamlambert to whip these AI9ers in shape! (Fingers crossed he *literally* whips Siobhan. That’d be HOT!)

Kris messed up their coronation of Adam Lambert and they will never stop making him pay. I hope that he gets away from 19M as soon as he can as it has,with this latest development, become apparent that they will never do anything that is in his best interest. Adam Lambert will always come first.

I don’t know if I believe they’re still motivated by anger that Kris won, but I do think 19M are terrible managers of Kris and have had a horrible conflict of interest when it comes to promoting Kris and Adam at the same time. Twice, with the AMAs and now this, they have pushed Adam for an opportunity over Kris even though Kris as the winner of AI has a better argument that he “earned it” (Though not by much – let me be clear that neither Kris or Adam deserved to perform at the AMAs or mentor on Idol.)

Considering also that their idea of “branding” Kris is to market him as the squeaky-clean happy married man (ZZZZZZ, boring), Kris needs to run from 19M the minute his contract is up and never look back. And I sure hope he has not just one more appearance (at the final), but 2 more singing appearances to make up for the over-pimping of Adam (yeah, fat chance).

AL is Not The First to be asked – and if Slezak wanted to check his archives – he ran the story last year. But It wasn’t a big deal to be the first idols invited back to mentor when Michael Johns and Carly Smithson were invited, or nobody built it into one. I don’t recall anyone getting bent out of shape when their Idol Boot Camp sessions were edited out of the episode, either. What a missed opportunity, or something.

And Weelassie – you speak logically. Other idols may or may not have an opening in their schedule now, or in the future. The actual first Idols to be asked to mentor aren’t available right now. Carly isn’t available – she’s touring with “We Are the Fallen. Michael Johns is in the studio, working, at the moment. A mentor has to have some free time. Many of the former idols are already scheduled. AL is available.

But if people want to get bent out of shape, I guess they will. AL may not make any difference to this crew, or he may be of help, I don’t see how he can hurt – and it’s still all business. IMO.

I guess I’m confused as to why so many people find Kris/Chris to be too inarticulate to mentor. I see it as a recurring theme as to why Adam should be chosen, he speaks well…when did either of the other two make oratorical fools of themselves onstage?

I don’t think they made fools of themselves…I just saw them struggle to come up with something interesting and compelling to say when asked questions in interviews.

Boy I hope there are not other previous recent idols on to mentor or else there will be a lot of crow eating. *shrug*

Slezak makes a good point. Didi was my early favorite, but in reading some of her post-show press, her cluelessness to how to do well on the show was really off the charts. This season’s crew of newbs could greatly benefit from Adam’s advice.

They could benefit from a lot of people’s advice. However, I have a feeling that they’ve gotten the exact same advice the Adam or Kris or Cook or Carrie would give them from the vocal coaches, and music directors, and I *know* they’ve gotten it from the judges! Unfortunately, if you’re not ready to comprehend something, you’re probably not going to comprehend it. I’m sure Adam will give them great advice — but hearing it will be another thing.

I keep thinking back to Aaron Kelly and I know, I know, I know, I know. … Great advice. Very specific advice. Way actionable advice. advice that he even *seemed* to take when he sang for Usher! …. So why did he totally ignore it during his performance?

I’d love to see a lot of former Idols mentor (and *perform,* please!). But I doubt that their advice will penetrate much more than the advice of others has!

AL is Not The First to be asked – and if Slezak wanted to check his archives – he ran the story last year. But It wasn’t a big deal to be the first idols invited back to mentor when Michael Johns and Carly Smithson were invited, or nobody built it into one. I don’t recall anyone getting bent out of shape when their Idol Boot Camp sessions were edited out of the episode, either. What a missed opportunity, or something.

That was for Hollywood week, not for a theme night in which the mentor is considered the centerpiece. That’s like saying that Miley Cyrus was given an equivalent amount of screentime and focus as Barry Manilow in S7.

Ha, Adam is the test bunny. If it works out, then other AI alumni can mentor, if it doesnt work out, then Adam will eat the crap. It kinda is a lot to put on his shoulders, I hope he is ready for this. He better put is codpiece under his kilt, incase the kicking in the gut gets out of control.

So nobody is interested on what possible theme it could be? I guess it could be some generic theme like years they were born or itunes top 100 but they never have a mentor for those.

The only one that I can come up to and that has been discussed is former idols week (but I think it’s a horrible idea).
Maybee it’s musical theater week?

No matter which former AI contestant was asked back, we would be arguing about whether or not she/he should be the first, or is she/he is qualified, etc. The show will go on…maybe…I for one think Adam Lambert ruined it for all future contestants, but that’s just me.

I doubt that there would be much argument if it was Kelly or Carrie.
There would have been discussions about wheter or not it’s appropriate to have an ex idol come back to mentor, but not the identity of the idol itself.

S surprised, but not because I don’t think it’s a good idea. I think Adam will do a great job. He might actually have more credibility with the contestants because of the shared experience.

Besides the silly fan-waring crap, which is so tedious, this is a great idea for the show, and it’s about time they started using their greatest assets. The contestants. I am sick of this who did it first nonsense. Kris will mentor at some point I am sure, as will many others. Frankly, the next person I would want to see mentor is Kelly, but that’s just because I think her personality and honesty make for interesting possibilities. Pretty much the same reason I would love to see Adam in this capacity. Yay for me. It will be the first show I watch live and in full in weeks! So for all those throwing their sets out of windows, there will be those tuning in!

I don’t think they made fools of themselves…I just saw them struggle to come up with something interesting and compelling to say when asked questions in interviews.

That’s not what a mentor is there for, though. And Kris’s interviewing skills, especially with Jim, are pretty epic at this point.

Kris messed up their coronation of Adam Lambert and they will never stop making him pay. I hope that he gets away from 19M as soon as he can as it has,with this latest development, become apparent that they will never do anything that is in his best interest. Adam Lambert will always come first.

Huh? Kris was on the very first live performance episode of idol; he was sent to Haiti and his trip will be featured on IGB; he will certainly perform at least one more time, if not more, this season; he will be on the idol finale; his ford commercial runs during every single idol episode; he was booked for successful concerts in southeast asia; he is opening for keith urban, lady antebellum and one republic this summer; he is performing at high profile radio statio concerts; he has a hit single that is charting in multiple formats; he has done the whole late night show performance tour and performed on GMA, ellen, bonnie hunt etc. How exactly is 19 not doing right by him or putting Adam first?

Considering also that their idea of “branding” Kris is to market him as the squeaky-clean happy married man (ZZZZZZ, boring), Kris needs to run from 19M the minute his contract is up and never look back. And I sure hope he has not just one more appearance (at the final), but 2 more singing appearances to make up for the over-pimping of Adam (yeah, fat chance).

Not to sideline this thread, but yeah.. about Kris. His squeaky clean branding works for their endorsement contracts, but I have a feeling this is not exactly who Kris is. I too hope he run far and wide after his contract expires. I have to disagree on the overpimping of Adam this season. Kris returned to sing LLWD, he’ll probably be seen on IGB and will be on for the finale. So I’m not sure how the air time is unequal or why it should matter now that the season is over.

YAY! Finally something to look forward to this season. Can’t wait to see Adam back on American Idol.

I think they are seriously jumping the shark to have any former contestant formally mentor new contestants. I think having non-Idol celebrity mentors adds a bit of validity to the show – normal stars who made it on their own and have sold millions of albums and in some cases a career spanning decades, helping and in many cases enjoying the singing of the contestants. But I think having any former Idol mentoring contestants will just feed into the music-world prejudice against Idol stars and their music.

Maybe the theme will be the music of Queen? No that can’t be it because, we would all just want Adam to sing all the songs.. :)

In my view, it’s only going to get worse. Much worse. And, frankly, I’m sick of Adam — or any Idol, for that matter — being the subject of ugly fan-warring, and I am very unhappy to see it beginning.

I agree that it’s frustrating to see the fan wars regenerate every time a piece of positive news is announced. I don’t think, however, that opportunities should be withheld from Adam, Kris, David C., Archie, or anyone else upon whom TPTB want to bestow them, just because a bunch of cray cray fans are going to get into a b****-fest about it. They’ve managed to produce one of the most popular shows in America making their own decisions. The contestants this year, while showing some promise here and there, seem to lack direction and need a little help. They’ve chosen Adam to be the guy to help them. Good for Adam! Had they chosen one of the other former Idols instead, I’d be happy for them, too (not as personally excited, but happy!)

Lets get Sanjaya to mentor next….

Another WTF moment for season 9. First Miley Cyrus mentoring, now this??!! It is beyond ridiculous. At least, Miley can boast about platinum albums and sold-out arenas. What exactly has AL accomplished so far? A top ten BB200 album? Top 13 pop song? Don’t tell me he is the #1 smash in Bulgaria…

What’s interesting is everyone saying TPTB chose Adam- the pimping continues – etc; yet, Adam is always very humble and amazed at some of the things that have come his way. He knows he’s a new artist and a new kid on the block and has dues to pay. I think it’s the media that builds him up so much, not he himself. It’s not his fault if RS wanted him on the cover, or if Idol asked him to mentor. He was probably geniunely surprised they asked based on the interview he gave when questioned about the possibility.

Further, he’s always said how grateful he is for Idol and that he didn’t think he would get a record deal without it.

It will be interesting to see what he comes up with.

Adam specializes in over-the-top, whether it’s in singing style, outfits, makeup, on-stage theatrics, off-stage theatrics or PR. This, IMHO, falls right in line with it all.

If they decided to feature past Idol contestants as mentors, I can think of way more appropriate candidates who have proven to have careers with some staying power – Kelly, Carrie, and Daughtry come to mind. Adam is just starting a musical career right now. He’s, what, a full 4 months into it?That hardly qualifies him as a mentor. What’s next? The Fetus? Are we now going to consider success in monthly time increments? If so, Ke$ha might be bigger than the Beatles!!!

Now, if its about how to own a stage, then, sure, he has experience with that, gained from his years in musical theatre as well as Idol. But the primary thing he had going for him was his penchant for dramatic look-at-me antics, and that is unique to him. He has yet to show that what worked on a TV reality show translates well into a career. And to me, a mentor would need to be able to advise on more than how to make a splash on a TV show.

Bottom line is I think they’ve spent so much money on Adam so far, they’re digging deep to find ways to make it all pay. And this is one of their attempts to do so.

Most of Adam’s soundbites seem to be about doing drugs and making out with chicks in bars. Compelling stuff for sure…

Most? LOL really you must not be watching or reading very many interviews.

I agree that it’s frustrating to see the fan wars regenerate every time a piece of positive news is announced. I don’t think, however, that opportunities should be withheld from Adam, Kris, David C., Archie, or anyone else upon whom TPTB want to bestow them, just because a bunch of cray cray fans are going to get into a b****-fest about it. They’ve managed to produce one of the most popular shows in America making their own decisions. The contestants this year, while showing some promise here and there, seem to lack direction and need a little help. They’ve chosen Adam to be the guy to help them. Good for Adam! Had they chosen one of the other former Idols instead, I’d be happy for them, too (not as personally excited, but happy!)

Well, that’s a good way to look at it!

All I can say is, if you think TPTB are screwing Kris Allen, you have never heard of Taylor Hicks.

I need to know the theme, what Adam will wear, if his hair will be up or down, etc.

Will he sit in the audience at Tue performance night? Whom will he give standing O to?

And where is Luv?

(BTW i think it’s a decision on Adam’s risk. AI has nothing to lose)

Maybe the theme will be the music of Queen?

It’s more realistic than David Bowie because they have the right to the songs but I doubt they will do a Queen week after a Beatles week and Rolling Stones week was just 3 weeks earlier.

Had they chosen one of the other former Idols instead, I’d be happy for them, too (not as personally excited, but happy!)

me too, but I very very happy Adam was chosen first. I can see David Cook doing this. Archie, not so much.

Carrie, Daughtry, and even Jordin all could have gone on without a controversy; they’re widely considered legitimate contemporary artists, even if the numbers don’t back up Jordin in the same way.

Not true. If Carrie mentored anything except country people would complain. Plus, there are a lot of people who don’t care for Carrie and wouldn’t want to see her for 2 nights in a row. Daughtry didn’t win the show either so people would complain about that. You can’t please everyone.

They could benefit from a lot of people’s advice. However, I have a feeling that they’ve gotten the exact same advice the Adam or Kris or Cook or Carrie would give them from the vocal coaches, and music directors, and I *know* they’ve gotten it from the judges! Unfortunately, if you’re not ready to comprehend something, you’re probably not going to comprehend it. I’m sure Adam will give them great advice — but hearing it will be another thing.

True… David Cook himself has said the best advice he got on Idol was from Debra Byrd, who talked to him early on about connecting with the audience through the camera, as well as creating a setlist for the season. He also said she posted that great article in their breakroom about how Frank Sinatra liked to break down a song by its lyrics to internalize a song before even working on the melody every time he was preparing to record. A big part of me can’t imagine how an ex-Idol mentor will get through to them in one day what Byrd, Michael Orland, Rickey Minor have likely been trying to drill into them for weeks. All that said, I think Adam’s mentoring has the potential to be at least as helpful as Miley and Usher. For the record, I think Usher was pretty decent, and Miley was alright though not great. It’ll be interesting TV, anyway. Count me as curious to see how Adam fares.

Gosh! I hope he uses the staircase for his entrance again!!! Maybe the white suit too. We need to discuss the important stuff! What will he wear? Emo or Elvis hair? Baby or Woman??

alaadam:
04/06/2010 at 2:56 pm
Gosh! I hope he uses the staircase for his entrance again!!! Maybe the white suit too. We need to discuss the important stuff! What will he wear? Emo or Elvis hair? Baby or Woman??

UNF – staircase. That is all :-)

(BTW i think it’s a decision on Adam’s risk. AI has nothing to lose)

What does Adam have to lose? I’m not seeing the “risk” for him. If anything, its an opportunity to sell more music and promote his U.S. summer tour……

Was it a risk for Usher and Miley Cyrus too?

And here we are…over 400+ comments about an appearance that is going to happen in over a week. My hunch is this is one of the very reasons they approached Adam about it. BUZZZZZZZ!!!

Lets get Sanjaya to mentor next….

LOL, that’s fabulous.

Most? LOL really you must not be watching or reading very many interviews.

And you’ll notice I went back and edited that out. However, most of the articles I have read with him have been more about his scandalous past than anything, including the RS interview and whatever the one was where he was manhandling girls.

That was for Hollywood week, not for a theme night in which the mentor is considered the centerpiece. That’s like saying that Miley Cyrus was given an equivalent amount of screentime and focus as Barry Manilow in S7.

The Idol Boot Camp segment may well have been a “centerpiece”, had it been shown. There were no qualifications attached to ‘first asked to mentor’. Factually, that is not AL – and Barry Manilow wasn’t a guest mentor for Season 7, factually – although what his screen time or expertise was in Season 5, I have no idea…just as no one has any idea how this experiment will work out in Season 9 –

I guess the verdict on that depends on whose interests are of paramount concern – the guest, the contestants, or the show, the ratings, and/or the advertisers…and we know whose interests are of paramount concern to TPTB – their own.

And you’ll notice I went back and edited that out. However, most of the articles I have read with him have been more about his scandalous past than anything, including the RS interview and whatever the one was where he was manhandling girls.

Cool. Sounds like the PR is working.

This is total win for Adam two days on a highly watched program, a new EP coming out and a summer tour to promote. This is better than a billboard.

I’m thinking Rock Week? The judges always wanted Adam to go Rock even though he didn’t.

And here we are…over 400+ comments about an appearance that is going to happen in over a week. My hunch is this is one of the very reasons they approached Adam about

Yup!!!

I wouldn’t call this an EPIC fail, but it is a bid odd to have Adam back on the show so soon after Idol. He doesnt have a number one song and he hasnt headlined a tour. Sorry a couple of casino gigs, one failed AMA appearance and being #17 in a random european country doesnt not make a Pop Star. However, 19 needs to protect its investment, so I applaud them for being savvy enough to get Adam this gig.

A lot of the contestants from season 8 have said that Adam helped them-gave them advice-and that they ran things by Adam to get his opinion. So that spells ‘Mentor’ to me. Adam is a great choice to mentor and it will be wonderful to see him on the show again. He’s the most exciting contestant they’ve ever had, in my opinion and the most enjoyable to watch.

The Idol Boot Camp segment may well have been a “centerpiece”, had it been shown. There were no qualifications attached to ‘first asked to mentor’. Factually, that is not AL – and Barry Manilow wasn’t a guest mentor for Season 7, factually – although what his screen time or expertise was in Season 5, I have no idea…just as no one has any idea how this experiment will work out in Season 9 –

I guess that depends on whose interests are of paramount concern – the guest, the contestants, or the show…and we know whose interests are of paramount concern to TPTB – their own.

OK, as an unqualified statement, yes, he’s not. But that kind of misses the point because it’s still an apples to oranges comparison for just using a blanket statement like that. If we have to say “mentor of a finals night”, then, we’ll use that, as it’s basically a linguistic distinction and not of the nature of the promotion/presence.

And I may have namechecked the wrong season on that, my bad. It was probably S8. But what was the season where he popped in and gave some trite little speech to the Hollywood crowd? I thought it was S7, but I could be dead wrong about that. (And, no, not Barry Manilow night, the finals episode in AI3. Not what I was referring to at all)

umm was Kelly Clarkson not available? :) I mean really, if you need a former contestant with true talent and PROVEN success to mentor these kids, she is probably a great (if not, the best) candidate.

You have to admit there is a lot of hate out there from fans of “others”. However, Adam has gotten more industry love in such a short period of time than any other idol, including winners. RS cover, sang at Spielberg honor, AMA closer, 10 most fascinating people, several awards (not the biggees like the Grammy), recorded soundtrack for blockbuster movie shortly after S8, Oprah several months after S8 ended, appeared on Leno twice within several months of each other, same with Ellen, has been written and talked about more than any other idols. So, there is some Adam lovin’ going on, and not necessarily just from his fans.

I wouldn’t call this an EPIC fail, but it is a bid odd to have Adam back on the show so soon after Idol.

The same could be said about Allison, Danny, and Kris. All of whom have already returned to the Idol stage for Season 9.

Huh? Kris was on the very first live performance episode of idol; he was sent to Haiti and his trip will be featured on IGB; he will certainly perform at least one more time, if not more, this season; he will be on the idol finale; his ford commercial runs during every single idol episode; he was booked for successful concerts in southeast asia; he is opening for keith urban, lady antebellum and one republic this summer; he is performing at high profile radio statio concerts; he has a hit single that is charting in multiple formats; he has done the whole late night show performance tour and performed on GMA, ellen, bonnie hunt etc. How exactly is 19 not doing right by him or putting Adam first?

Kris was on Idol to help Haiti. It was hardly a performance to promote him or his music as,in case you were unaware, he sang “Let It Be” and not a song on his album. I am glad that Kris,despite the obvious lack of promo by his management, has managed to , as he did on the show, exceed all expectations with his first single. But Adam has had the chance to appear on the AMAs, has released three singles (soon to be four) with music videos (soon to be four),has been on a long international promo tour in Australia,Japan and Europe,and,now is going to be a mentor on American Idol. And he is the RUNNER UP. This spot should not be going to either he or Kris. Kelly,Carrie or Chris Daughtery,as the most successful former idols, should be given the opportunity- not Adam.

The same could be said about Allison, Danny, and Kris. All of whom have already returned to the Idol stage for Season 9.

They came back to perform, no one has a problem with Adam just singing a song.

The same could be said about Allison, Danny, and Kris. All of whom have already returned to the Idol stage for Season 9.

nope, its not the same thing. we’re talking about being a mentor, not just peforming.

I don’t know… In the Rolling Stone article about the rumor, they deem Adam as “arguably the most successful” male contestant to emerge from the show. Success has many measures, and if a music media great like Rolling Stone views him as successful, who am I to disagree? We don’t know what the expectations of TPTB are, but it seems, based on the amount of time and money they’re putting into promoting him, that he must be up to par in their minds. I think the only people who are disappointed with Adam’s accomplishments thus far are those who had him way too high on a pedestal to begin with.

Is this post for real? Adam is the most successful male contestant to emerge from the show? LMAO, not by any stretch of the imagination is Adam the most successful male contestant on the show. He’s not even the most successful GAY contestant to emerge from the show. lol I don’t care if Rolling Stone anointed him as God’s successor, they are obviously still trying to….hell, I have no idea why they would say something so incredibly ridiculous.

Did Rolling Stone actually say this? I have to see this with my own eyes. And you ask that who are you to disagree? Uh….a person that can easily find facts to disprove their assertion?

And here we are…over 400+ comments about an appearance that is going to happen in over a week. My hunch is this is one of the very reasons they approached Adam about it. BUZZZZZZZ!!!

THIS! What was it Simon said during his critique of B&W? He went through his list of positive comments and capped them off with something like, “…and most importantly, I think you’re someone people are going to be talking about. Well done….” (something along those lines, anyway!) No matter how you feel about Adam, he always gets people talking. Plus, during a season like this one when many, many people keep commenting/complaining that Adam raised the bar, who better to have back on the show to help out than the bar-raiser himself? I think it’s a brilliant move, and I’m so happy for Adam that he’s getting the opportunity to present himself in such a positive way to such a huge audience.

And I may have namechecked the wrong season on that, my bad. It was probably S8. But what was the season where he popped in and gave some trite little speech to the Hollywood crowd? I thought it was S7, but I could be dead wrong about that. (And, no, not Barry Manilow night, the finals episode in AI3. Not what I was referring to at all)

Barry Manilow popped in Hollywood week in S8. Same season Carly and Michael Johns popped in to give the contestants advice, but the Carly and MJ footage never made it to air.

And I still don’t get the outrage about Adam being “pimped”. Umm, obviously someone there thinks Adam is great and wants to keep promoting him- so why the F not?

How can he be a mentor when he hasn’t done anything yet? Let him do a performance if you must but forget mentoring. I’d say the same thing about anyone else from last season.

That you’re getting upset by what I said — and I’m an Adam fan, as you are! — shows the level of touchiness and anger this whole thing has brought up already!

In my view, it’s only going to get worse. Much worse. And, frankly, I’m sick of Adam — or any Idol, for that matter — being the subject of ugly fan-warring, and I am very unhappy to see it beginning.

No, no. Sorry, lucy – I know you’re a AFL fan! That just came out wrong. ha.

I just disagree a bit about the fanwarring stuff. At the end of the day, I think most people will realize Adam probably didn’t have much of a choice in the matter. Regardless of his personal feelings (and he himself said he didn’t think he was ready to mentor – or however he phrased it), they obviously wanted him to do it. So I think they compromised, agreeing to come at it from a “guy who’s been there” angle, as opposed to a “mentor” angle. And with that adjustment perhaps Adam felt more comfortable in signing on.

I think he’ll be awesome. Unlike the AMA, I just don’t see the potential for anything polarizing from Adam in terms of his actual appearance on Idol. This will be charming, sweet, articulate Adam, providing some much needed spark to the show. Followed by a performance in which he gets to really display his vocal chops and bring the house down. It’s all good!

This spot should not be going to either he or Kris. Kelly,Carrie or Chris Daughtery,as the most successful former idols, should be given the opportunity- not Adam.

agree, you have to be a proven success story to give advice to these kids. otherwise, it looks ridiculous. give adam some time to get to the level of daughtry, kelly and carrie. however 19 is trying to make us believe he’s already there. he’s not.

And at least Adam will get his staircase back, I am sick of Ryan walking down Adam’s staircase, Sick of it!!!!!

Had they chosen one of the other former Idols instead, I’d be happy for them, too (not as personally excited, but happy!)

My top pics for AI contestants being mentors would easily be Adam and Kelly. I’d pick them even over Carrie or Cook, or Daughtry.

Of course, jmo and all that, but with Kelly and her pop success, longevity, and experience, plus Adam and his experience (before AI), success on the show, and what he can offer in terms of “playing the idol game”, picking the right song, setting the style and mood to match it – I really think both offer two of the richest mentor experiences for contestants.

you know, at this point we don’t even know if Adam is going to be meeting individually with the S9 contestants and critiquing them…maybe, since the idea is to have a mentor that “has been where they are”, there will just be a meeting/dinner/brunch with all of the contestants where they ask him questions and he dispenses advice about being a contestant etc. I think that Seacrest and Adam et al. will make it very clear that he is not there to give them post-idol advice, or advice on being a “superstah”, but that he is there to give them advice on managing the idol experience.

bean99:
04/06/2010 at 3:14 pm
How can he be a mentor when he hasn’t done anything yet? Let him do a performance if you must but forget mentoring. I’d say the same thing about anyone else from last season.

I beg to differ that he “hasn’t done anything.” These kids need to learn how to own a f*ckin’ stage, and if Adam can’t show them how do that, I don’t know who could.

agree, you have to be a proven success story to give advice to these kids

Not if the advice is simply about being an idol contestant and managing the experience, which is what the email from Sony indicates Adam will be doing.

think that Seacrest and Adam et al. will make it very clear that he is not there to give them post-idol advice, or advice on being a “superstah”, but that he is there to give them advice on managing the idol experience.

I think that’s how they have to play it, otherwise it comes off as strange. If they put it in the right context it won’t be as jarring for some.

I still think he’ll be good at it. But it does have a WTF quality. LOL

This spot should not be going to either he or Kris. Kelly,Carrie or Chris Daughtery,as the most successful former idols, should be given the opportunity- not Adam.

agree, you have to be a proven success story to give advice to these kids. otherwise, it looks ridiculous. give adam some time to get to the level of daughtry, kelly and carrie. however 19 is trying to make us believe he’s already there. he’s not.

But see, how is that REALLY a formal qualification of being a mentor? Is the requirement that one have sold x amount of albums, or won x amount of grammys? Or been out there x amount of years? Not that I know of, nor is it necessarily relevant.

With his experience and success as a performer (particularly a live performer on and off the AI stage), he more than has what is needed to provide that mentoring to contestants.

After all, did past picks like Quentin Tarantino have huge music successes, or live performance ability to back it up? Heck, does one of the current AI judges have ANY music background whatsoever beyond a love of music (which, psst, yeah, I totally have that too, AI, so can I be a judge?)

JS

i think the ‘outrage’ is simply that Adam has yet to translate the excitement he generated on the show into a viable long-term successful career. He’s just starting out, and there’s no way of knowing how successful he’s going to be. It seems to me that a mentor implies that the person has had achieved some measure of success from which they can draw to offer advise. Adam has been a recording artist for a little more than 4 months so far, simply not enough time to be considered a big success. Unless, of course, you’re listening to the hype machine which has been working overtime to establish Adam as some huge international superstar without him having to do much performing at all. Image and talk can get you far in La La Land.

Okay, so if they are approaching this as wanting a “been there, done that” type person, shouldn’t a WINNER coach them on how to WIN?

I’m not saying that Adam is not qualified, just that there are many who would be more qualified. I can’t think of one element that he can bring, that couldn’t be better accomplished with one of the contestants who actually WON the show.

How can he be a mentor when he hasn’t done anything yet? Let him do a performance if you must but forget mentoring. I’d say the same thing about anyone else from last season.

The thing is, it’s not like Adam is the only mentor these kids are having this year. They’re getting the experience of having established industry stars working with them. When Adam mentors, he’ll just be doing it from another perspective, and obviously one that the show’s producers think will be helpful. Even if part of their reasoning is to help boost Adam’s sales, then so what. That’s why many other mentors go on the show. Am Idol is a business, not a charitable organization. They obviously think having Adam on as a mentor is a good business decision at this time, and I say, smart thinking!

gleeRPG:
04/06/2010 at 2:08 pm
This is bullshit. He barely has any experience and is not even selling that many albums. I am so sick of the Glambert pimping.

I agree.

Ugh. If this is true, then I won’t be watching Idol next week. Seriously, enough with the shoving Adam Lambert down our throats already. Believe it or not, not everyone thinks he’s “God’s gift to Idol”. *rolls eyes*

That’s exactly how I feel. I think lots of folks like me will not watch the show when he is on.

I think he’ll be awesome. Unlike the AMA, I just don’t see the potential for anything polarizing from Adam in terms of his actual appearance on Idol. This will be charming, sweet, articulate Adam, providing some much needed spark to the show. Followed by a performance in which he gets to really display his vocal chops and bring the house down. It’s all good!

THIS!!!

I think that, apart from some outraged fans on the internet, this will put the Adam that us fans have been following around for every interview since last season ended, up in front of 25 million people, who might, for the first time, actually see Adam interacting with others. And since we know how he charms the pants off ANYONE (Elizabeth Hesselebeck anyone? Best friends- him tweeting from her phone? Her gushing all over him when before she was appalled by him?)- I see this as a VERY good opportunity for people to tell themselves “hey- it’s Adam from last season! He’s so sweet AND talented- and he’s got an album out? Let’s go buy…”

:-D

Okay, so if they are approaching this as wanting a “been there, done that” type person, shouldn’t a WINNER coach them on how to WIN?

THIS.

Maybe Kris didn’t want to do it? He does not like the spotlight much unless he’s performing. So they went to Adam. Next will be the following season Finale two.

ADAM HIMSELF said he wasn’t qualified to mentor a few weeks ago!

Didn’t you hear about the Grammys that he won between now and then? Totally qualified now. And he has the #1 dance hit in……Afghanistan. That should count for something! :)

That’s exactly how I feel. I think lots of folks like me will not watch the show when he is on.

And for a lot of folks like me these will be the only Idol episodes I’ll watch ( except for when Adam appears on the finale night, hehe)!

But see, how is that REALLY a formal qualification of being a mentor? Is the requirement that one have sold x amount of albums, or won x amount of grammys? Or been out there x amount of years? Not that I know of, nor is it necessarily relevant.

Well if you step outside of the Adam thing a bit, and just look at the past mentors and the way they’ve been presented on the show, its been clear that the show has put the idea out there that “mentors” were these highly successful people, usually icons in some way – who come on the show to offer advice to the newbies. When there has been mass complaining about a mentor its been when they broke with this image (Miley) or when they are seen as too iconic (read: old). So Adam’s choice can be seen as odd not because of Adam himself, but because what THE SHOW ITSELF has called a “mentor” from day one. And when there are idols that could reasonably be called close to the level of success that past mentors seemed to have required, it just makes Adam seem all the more of an odd choice.

BUT, they can repackage the idea as trying something new, etc etc to help with that I think.

Yay Adam! Can’t wait for next week.

Hehe, I don’t care why Adam is mentoring next week or if he deserves it… I just know I am going to watch it! :grin:

Okay, so if they are approaching this as wanting a “been there, done that” type person, shouldn’t a WINNER coach them on how to WIN?

I’m with you on that one. If you’re going to bring in the first Idol mentor, I can think of a bunch who deserve it first. But I’m not surprised, at all.

I think Idol is embracing VFTW fully this season. Why not? It’s a crappy season so why not have stunt mentors.

Plus I think RCA has sunk so much $ into Adam’s album that they seem desperate to recoup. This could sell another 20 or 30K albums so that would help abit.

I really hope this is true. I could use the laffs. Obviously if it wasn’t a stunt, they’d bring back a more valid Idol mentor – Kelly, Carrie, JHud, even Daughtry. Could this season be a bigger joke?

On the bright side, at least I hope he actually helps Siobhan on those screaming skills (I’m not even kidding).

Reminder:

I am deleting all angry, defensive posts.

If you used to post here regularly and left all butt-hurt, now is not the time to start back up again.

YAY! This is awesome!!! Adam will provide the “Even tho I lost I’m still King of the World” perspective. Excellent! Daughtry could have worked too but hey, Idol’s on a roll this season.

But see, how is that REALLY a formal qualification of being a mentor? Is the requirement that one have sold x amount of albums, or won x amount of grammys? Or been out there x amount of years? Not that I know of, nor is it necessarily relevant.

With his experience and success as a performer (particularly a live performer on and off the AI stage), he more than has what is needed to provide that mentoring to contestants.

After all, did past picks like Quentin Tarantino have huge music successes, or live performance ability to back it up? Heck, does one of the current AI judges have ANY music background whatsoever beyond a love of music (which, psst, yeah, I totally have that too, AI, so can I be a judge?)

Trantino is a successful, critically acclaimed director who is widely known for his smart soundtrack choices. Bottom line, he earned his stripes as a respected and established “entertainer”. Adam hasnt.

And yeah, qualifications for being a mentor should have one of the following 1) many years in the business as an artist or producer 2) grammy wins 3) TOP charting tunes 4) selling out arenas……Adam has none of those qualifications. Thats just a fact.

Hey, i like adam too, im a fan, but i still think this is a bit odd. and i can fully understand why people would be questioning his merit.

That’s exactly how I feel. I think lots of folks like me will not watch the show when he is on.

And lots of folks like me WILL watch she show because of Adam. :)

But see, how is that REALLY a formal qualification of being a mentor? Is the requirement that one have sold x amount of albums, or won x amount of grammys? Or been out there x amount of years? Not that I know of, nor is it necessarily relevant.

Whatever the qualifications are, there is a HUGE, Sci-Fi Channel-like chasm between what Carrie/Kelly/Daughtry accomplished and whatever Adam has accomplished.

Saying that there is no exact qualification in order to justify Adam mentoring is very lame.

Adam has nothing but good to say about his AI experience and his management in every interview. Maybe AI TPTB values that and Adam’s view of the whole AI thing may help some AI9 kids relax a bit.

Ya some will watch, some will throw their TV out the window. Lets see how the numbers stack up after the show. And for what its worth, I think the show will be great, and Adam will be great, Someone thinks he’s well worth having as a mentor, or maybe we can say helper to the kids, so just enjoy, it will be okay.

Okay, so if they are approaching this as wanting a “been there, done that” type person, shouldn’t a WINNER coach them on how to WIN?

I’m not saying that Adam is not qualified, just that there are many who would be more qualified. I can’t think of one element that he can bring, that couldn’t be better accomplished with one of the contestants who actually WON the show.

But really, is there anything a winner could advise that could change someone from being a runner-up to being a winner? Tell them to stay away from the fog machine? Try and win over the votes from #3 and #4? Because once you get down to the final vote, it’s out of their hands. But getting to the final is something all winners and runner ups can advise on.

I’d be willing to bet this was in Adam’s contract from the get go. By Simon Fuller

I will be putting folks into moderation…

I’m not saying that Adam is not qualified, just that there are many who would be more qualified.

Uh, can’t you say that about ANYONE who mentors on AI? Have they conceivably had a list of THE BEST PEOPLE TO MENTOR EVER? And are they now merely running down the list, in order, to select the best mentors possible?

He can sing better than the likes of Miley, Jamie Foxx, Quentin Tarantino (lol), J. Lo (I could go on and on, really). Oh, he can also arguably perform as well or better than many of them too.

Okay, so if they are approaching this as wanting a “been there, done that” type person, shouldn’t a WINNER coach them on how to WIN?

I agree. A winner would be an excellent (and logical) choice.

Can we just fast forward to next week’s episodes?? At least the people that won’t be watching it next week won’t go on blogs the next day saying what a terrible job ADam did! WIN!!!

I can’t wait to see what the ratings are.

Adam = Ratings It’s that simple. They aren’t looking at qualifications, they just want to stir up interest and get people to tune in. I think it will work. I’ve lost all interest this season, but will tune in to watch Adam sing WWFM for the gazillionth time. (Sidenote: A real ratings getter would be to have him launch his NEW single.)
Sure, Carrie or Chris would be better qualified, but who’s to say they were available or interested?

On the bright side, at least I hope he actually helps Siobhan on those screaming skills (I’m not even kidding).

LOL, I’ll give you that one. If he can fix her scary scream, I’ll thank him for that anyway. I like her voice but I can’t take any more of that screaming.

It doesn’t matter to me how sweet he is or how long he’s been in the business – the fact is (to me) there are a BUNCH of Idols who are more “qualified” to mentor, who have sold a boatload of albums, who have Grammy’s/AMA’s/CMA’s, and so on who should be there first. The folks from the last two seasons haven’t even had time to do anything yet, really, so my perspective has not a thing to do with bitterbert-itis over my Idol.

And a whole lot of Idols have spoken highly of their experience, not just Adam. So unless they went down the list and everyone else said no…

Hooray it’s true. Honestly, S9 is defining the term “jump the shark.” I actually think it’s a great idea to just turn the whole season into something more fun. Why not have a meh Idol success with attitude mentor of bunch of never will bes with no buzz. It’s a match made in heaven.

Okay, so if they are approaching this as wanting a “been there, done that” type person, shouldn’t a WINNER coach them on how to WIN?

I’m not saying that Adam is not qualified, just that there are many who would be more qualified. I can’t think of one element that he can bring, that couldn’t be better accomplished with one of the contestants who actually WON the show.

I’m not going to broach the subject of who should or shouldn’t have won any particular season because in the end it really doesn’t matter, but I will give my opinion that Idol is a popularity contest and that, as such, does not always produce the “best musical artist” as its winner. That’s fine–it is what it is–but just being popular enough to get a bunch of teeny boppers and various other fan groups to vote over and over again until you win doesn’t automatically make you the best choice for mentoring. At the finale of every season you have two musicians standing, both of whom have done well enough to make it to the end of a grueling adventure. I think anyone who makes it far into a season makes a potentially good mentor, and then other factors, such as personality, industry buzz, etc., are brought into play.

Okay, so if they are approaching this as wanting a “been there, done that” type person, shouldn’t a WINNER coach them on how to WIN?

Oh- to teach them how to “fly under the radar”?
From what I hear, that’s pretty much what they’ve all been doing till now.
It only works and actually gets you to win when you have a really polarizing frontrunner that will eventually get people to not mind voting for you as long as it’s against him in the finale…
:-P

Heck, does one of the current AI judges have ANY music background whatsoever beyond a love of music (which, psst, yeah, I totally have that too, AI, so can I be a judge?)

lol, what?

Just off of the top of my head:

Randy: music producer/former musician/former member of the band “Journey”
Kara: successful songwriter
Simon: successful manager (??)

I’m really eager to know the context of the show. Theme, etc. I do not think they expect Adam to be advising on how to be an international star, lol. But he did well on the show, has experience from his past to share. Many other Idols will be on IGB and there are many weeks of the show left. He’ll do fine as a mentor. Chillax peeps.

jpfan:
04/06/2010 at 3:28 pm
I think Idol is embracing VFTW fully this season. Why not? It’s a crappy season so why not have stunt mentors.

Plus I think RCA has sunk so much $ into Adam’s album that they seem desperate to recoup. This could sell another 20 or 30K albums so that would help abit.

THIS. I don’t think it boils down to who is best for the job, but who needs it more. They have spent huge amounts of money promoting Adam, with relatively little return, and I think this is a last ditch effort to recoup some of their investment.

So unless they went down the list and everyone else said no…

Maybe TPTB have a secret deal with the AI bloggers…

I really don’t care what the ratings are going to be. I want to know the important things. Like what the hell is Adam going to wear! Rhinestones? Hair up, hair down? Acoustic or electric? OTT or PC? Oh, I can’t wait for Adam to unleash the “charmicide” on AI again!

Plus I think RCA has sunk so much $ into Adam’s album that they seem complete desperate to recoup.

Sunk cost should not be considered in making forward investment decision. I believe every project manager knows that.

RCA puts Adam in this gig because they don’t have better alternative options. well, they have already had Kasha and Orianthi on AI. I hope Christina will be on soon.

And here we are…over 400+ comments about an appearance that is going to happen in over a week. My hunch is this is one of the very reasons they approached Adam about it. BUZZZZZZZ!!!

lorismile, I’m pretty sure if they’d announced Kris Allen or Danny Gokey would be mentoring AI next week, there would still be 400+ comments. Think about it. There would be just as much controversy.

Can we just fast forward to next week’s episodes?? At least the people that won’t be watching it next week won’t go on blogs the next day saying what a terrible job ADam did! WIN!!!

Yeah right. Thats wishful thinking. lol

BeckyMD:
04/06/2010 at 3:30 pm
Adam has nothing but good to say about his AI experience and his management in every interview. Maybe AI TPTB values that and Adam’s view of the whole AI thing may help some AI9 kids relax a bit.

Im sure 19/Fox/Idol appreciate Adam’s good words, but what they are more interested in is their wallets. Adam is an investment, pure and simple. They are going to do whatever is necessary to get Adam on top of the charts and selling out arenas. It has NOTHING to do with him being a good guy LOL

Whatever the qualifications are, there is a HUGE, Sci-Fi Channel-like chasm between what Carrie/Kelly/Daughtry accomplished and whatever Adam has accomplished.

Saying that there is no exact qualification in order to justify Adam mentoring is very lame.

But really, again, where is it written that one has to have done X in their career to be a mentor?

What is the point of being a mentor on AI? Maybe that’s the more important question: to help these kids perform, to help them create a performance, to pick the right song, to make it their own, and, on top of that, to navigate the unique circumstances of AI (the judges, voting, etc.)

Of course there are lots of idols who could do this, but I think the whole “Kelly has sold a gazillion more albums, or Carrie has won a ton more Grammys” doesn’t address the actual POINT of what the mentor is supposed to do.

After all, just taking this out of the realm of former idol contestants, but how many legends who have all the grammys and platinum albums in the world have been paraded out on AI as mentors, and proven to be really really bad at it. Quite a few over the years.

Adam will be great-
-he was on idol, recently, to speak to their current issues/experience.
-he made it to the finals
-he was always mentoring during season 8 and got kudos for it
-he has had years of technical training and experience
-he toured not only with idol but with nat’l wicked and intrn’l hair so he knows about performing and endurance
-he sings like an angel and a demon so he can speak to styles
-he knows costume and lighting, arrangements and music interpretation
-he’s been judged by Simon and can speak to ‘handling’ the AI grind
-he IS successful -he has a gold album in 5 countries and selling a single 50k a week – more than 800,000 for WWFM
-he has business acumen and knows how to deal with an audience and people (including the press)
-he is a visual booster and the contestants will immediately feel ‘he knows’, ‘he cares’, ‘he’s been there’
-Good luck Adam – it will be great!

lorismile, I’m pretty sure if they’d announced Kris Allen or Danny Gokey would be mentoring AI next week, there would still be 400+ comments. Think about it.

Maybe Danny, but not Kris. The angry minority is always more loud than the happy majority in any situation and issue. Danny and Adam were the two more polorizing contestants last year so I think they generate the most hits. People wither like Kris or they’re indifferent about him, but he doesn’t generate the hate the other two do. I could be wrong but thats my theory at least.

Honestly, S9 is defining the term “jump the shark.”

Yeah, I wonder if they want to establish a Guinness record by proving how many times a show can jump the big shark in one single season as a good bye present for Mr. Cowell.

And it’s only Top 9! Imagine the kind of things they are preparing for Top 5…

lorismile, I’m pretty sure if they’d announced Kris Allen or Danny Gokey would be mentoring AI next week, there would still be 400+ comments. Think about it.

exactly, its just a very interesting subject (a season 8 contestant being a mentor to season 9) and im not surprised of the reaction.

I’m not sure if Adam’s appearance will translate straight to higher ratings, but.. That’s not the point! (And I’m already seeing the “The ratings didn’t go sky high! He is such a FAILURE!!”-posts in here)

It’s the amount of buzz that he creates (I’m writing this in a comment page #21) that will transfer to exposure. Love him or hate him, at least he is interesting! I think that this is a great move from AI producers, never mind the AI nit-pickers doing the “He doesn’t qualify, he doesn’t deserve it, he didn’t even win” -mantra.

Here are two quick snippets of examples of why Adam should be back mentoring as a representative of past Idols.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqhf1kW97fE&feature=player_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1v_51s_tKw&feature=player_embedded

:)

My top pics for AI contestants being mentors would easily be Adam and Kelly. I’d pick them even over Carrie or Cook, or Daughtry.

Yep. They are my top two as well. They are both “people” persons and would give honest feedback – cushioned with a smile.

Cook would be a solid third. He’s well-spoken and articulate and I think he has really meditated on the whole Idol experience. I suspect he has many good insights.

Carrie would be good for Country week. Daughtry would be a possibility too. I haven’t heard many interviews with him so I don’t have a good sense of his personality.

I think Idol is embracing VFTW fully this season. Why not? It’s a crappy season so why not have stunt mentors.

Well, when you’re having ratings problems, you always do stunt casting, right?

But Miley wasn’t even as bad as most expected as a mentor, so just because they’re stunts doesn’t mean they can’t be helpful or won’t make for an okay show to *watch.* I completely get why people think that Adam was one of the wrong Idols to have on as the first alum mentor. But that doesn’t mean that he won’t be worth watching on the show, since he can actually talk to them *about* the show, as well as about projecting a stage presence, mainly. I realize that that won’t be nearly enough for the many in the traditional Idol audience who either despise Adam or despise what they see as TPTB’s over-enthusiastic embrace of him.

Of course, virtually *all* the people — other than former Idols — that they have sing on results night (and not just this year!) are “stunt guest artists” meant to drive ratings …. since virtually none of them can actually sing live (even sing live in the couple-or-three-times-taped versions of live that most of them do in the afternoon before the show…) So maybe Adam’s stunt casting isn’t so different after all?

Pffft Tony don’t you know Adam is even more popular and successful than all the judges combined. Give him time by next year he’ll probably be the prime candinate to replace Simon if 19 has their way. They probably feel he’s perfecty qualified and will bring even higher ratings than even Ellen is bringing now :p

I think Xtina will be a good guess as to who is performing next week… her single drops the 13th.

But really, again, where is it written that one has to have done X in their career to be a mentor?

its borderline common sense, thats all.

Of course there are lots of idols who could do this, but I think the whole “Kelly has sold a gazillion more albums, or Carrie has won a ton more Grammys” doesn’t address the actual POINT of what the mentor is supposed to do.

After all, just taking this out of the realm of former idol contestants, but how many legends who have all the grammys and platinum albums in the world have been paraded out on AI as mentors, and proven to be really really bad at it. Quite a few over the years.

Very true.

I think Xtina will be a good guess as to who is performing next week… her single drops the 13th.

She would have been an interesting mentor.

I think Xtina will be a good guess as to who is performing next week… her single drops the 13th.

Xtina AND Adam in the same week?! I would be in heaven!!! lol

Carrie would only mentor country. Kelly seems to have a poor relationship with TPTB. Daughtry’s album has already sold 1 million so he doesn’t need the help. Kris’ album is off the BB200 which means RIP so who’s left…..Adam and his new EP of remixes. That’s all they got. I guess the theme will be Glam Rock or current Pop.

It’s a little shocking how lame the mentors are this season but face it, what real legend would want to share the stage with this group of losers. This season they’ve already had a 17 year old mentor who really can’t sing. The rationale for her was she’s sold a crap load of albums.
I wonder how they’ll justify Adam……PLATINUM SELLING (in Canada)….
Superstar (in Canada)…..I’m laffing just thinking about it. WWFM hasn’t even broken into the Top 10 on Top 40 yet. How the definition of success has changed.

How about…Adam Lambert…you can STILL find his album in the stores unlike the guy that won…who wasn’t even allowed to perform his hit single on the show. :)

Adam = Ratings It’s that simple.

I’ve seen this said so many times, but I’ve seen almost no evidence of this (the one piece of evidence that supports this theory is that Chelsea show which airs in the middle of the night). Last year, I kept reading “Adam must perform last or the ratings for the second half of the show will tank” this despite the one or two times he did appear in the first half of the show, there was no discernable difference in the ratings for the second half.

Adam = must pimp our investement and prevent our judges looking like utter and complete morons for their OTT pronouncements last year. It’s that simple. IMO, naturally.

Whatever the qualifications are, there is a HUGE, Sci-Fi Channel-like chasm between what Carrie/Kelly/Daughtry accomplished and whatever Adam has accomplished.

LOL. So true. It’s not even close. Sure, you can argue that the album sales are down, but he can’t even compare on single sales or radio success. I’m sorry, it’s ridiculous.

It’s more like: ” You broke the show, now it’s up to you to fix it”. Go Adam!

The term “mentor” is not a music industry term and does not carry with it any restrictions or specific required qualifications. Adam will play the role with the S9 contestants that he did with his fellow S8 contestants. They looked to him for support and guidance for a reason which was obvious to anyone who “wanted” to see it, then and now. If one does not want to acknowledge that Adam has anything to offer this years contestants then it is futile to discuss. But what I would suggest, just ask the top 10 from S8 who they looked to regularly for help and support…..

how cool would it have been to have Paul McCartney mentoring this week!!

Who knows maybe they’ll have another Idol be a mentor another week. I think it’s neat that Adam is going to be on there, I just don’t like the fan-wars that are going to be going on over Adam being on the show. When you look under Kris Allen on twitter there already people saying Ha ha Adam is going to be on Idol and not the winner,and of course people attacking Adam to. I love both Kris and Adam so it’s kind of upsetting. But I guess I should be use to it. Both of them are always getting attack over something. People should just be happy they both are doing what they love.Am sure Kris isn’t going to be upset that Adam well be mentoring and not him.

He’s gonna be great.

Mary102:
04/06/2010 at 3:32 pm
I’m not saying that Adam is not qualified, just that there are many who would be more qualified.

Uh, can’t you say that about ANYONE who mentors on AI? Have they conceivably had a list of THE BEST PEOPLE TO MENTOR EVER? And are they now merely running down the list, in order, to select the best mentors possible?

He can sing better than the likes of Miley, Jamie Foxx, Quentin Tarantino (lol), J. Lo (I could go on and on, really). Oh, he can also arguably perform as well or better than many of them too.

But, how is singing well really a qualification for mentoring? He has amazing vocals, but he wasn’t able to win his season. I don’t think that in his brief time with the contestants he will be able to teach them to sing. I think a mentor would be someone who would be able to help the contestants pinpoint their own strengths and use those strengths most advantageously. Realistically, that is something that would be attainable for these contestants.

Im sure 19/Fox/Idol appreciate Adam’s good words, but what they are more interested in is their wallets. Adam is an investment, pure and simple. They are going to do whatever is necessary to get Adam on top of the charts and selling out arenas. It has NOTHING to do with him being a good guy LOL

AI is separate from the label. RCA is investing in Adam, but AI hasn’t. I can see why AI offers someone who has absolute positive view of the show a mentor opportunity. If AI9 kids benefit from the mentor (or learn how to make the show more existing), AI will benefit too.

Now AI put the offer on the table, I can’t see why RCA should deny it.

BUT WHY ISN’T ANYONE WORRIED ABOUT THE CHILDREN?

(that was complete sarcasm and a joke btw)

Saying that there is no exact qualification in order to justify Adam mentoring is very lame.

But the thing is.. there isn’t! It looks like so, but the unwritten rules are subjected to change at any given moment! How else they could suddenly take QUENTIN TARRANTINO to mentor? What exact qualifications in the idol fan rule book did he hit to deserve his mentoring position?

Who knows maybe they’ll have another Idol be a mentor another week.

This is exactly what I think. There are still plenty of weeks of the competition left. Who knows, it could be anybody next week. If anything Adam could just be the guinea pig.

Pffft Tony don’t you know Adam is even more popular and successful than all the judges combined.

Is somebody actually saying this, other than people who really *don’t* like Adam?

The thing is, people come on the show as “mentors” or guest singers when their record labels are hoping to boost their sales. … Period.

At this moment, I’m sure both 19 and Sony would like to try to goose up Adam’s lagging but not hideous current U.S. sales, and they have a chance to try it here so they’re going for it ….

I doubt that it will do much, actually, since this year non-Idols seem to have gotten way big boosts from being on the show, and Idols not so much, especially when they don’t have a brand new album or song or something (Danny got a big boost, as I recall? But his album was brand new at the time — they weren’t trying to goose something that had already begun to drop off the radar screen.) ….

I doubt Adam’s appearance will give him any huge boost in sales comparable to what Usher and others got. But I don’t really see a reason to begrudge his management and record company from just going for it, the way the companies representing many many other artists have.

And if we were looking for AI to be fair and nice to all the Idols and make judgments on the basis of what would be the most fair and evenhanded thing to do — Well, history pretty much tells us that they *never* do that, doesn’t it? Never have, never will.

That said, I don’t think it’s fair for all the crap to come out and be dumped on Adam’s head about being a failure, the way it is already. These are all business decisions made far above his pay grade, I expect. But I guess there’s no help for it.

But really, again, where is it written that one has to have done X in their career to be a mentor?

No where. But I can’t remember a time when this argument was used to validate a mentor’s appearance….back when I thought that there were standards. Silly me. Adam would definitely prove that Idol has no standards when it comes to requesting mentors.

Adam = must pimp our investement and prevent our judges looking like utter and complete morons for their OTT pronouncements last year. It’s that simple. IMO, naturally

Agree.

This show needs to go back to the good ole days when such stellar acts as Neil Sedaka and Kenny Rogers were mentors :P

ANNinSD….You have given every reason for Adam to be a mentor. Well Said!!!!!!! I have nothing to add but it will be nice to see some Adam hotness on tv.

I’ve seen this said so many times, but I’ve seen almost no evidence of this (the one piece of evidence that supports this theory is that Chelsea show which airs in the middle of the night). Last year, I kept reading “Adam must perform last or the ratings for the second half of the show will tank” this despite the one or two times he did appear in the first half of the show, there was no discernable difference in the ratings for the second half.

Adam = must pimp our investement and prevent our judges looking like utter and complete morons for their OTT pronouncements last year. It’s that simple. IMO, naturally.

I could srsly kiss you right now, haha.

Adam = must pimp our investement and prevent our judges looking like utter and complete morons for their OTT pronouncements last year. It’s that simple. IMO, naturally.

I don’t think there were any OTT pronoucnements last year. You might not have liked Adam, but he was a popular contestant so I can see them bringing him back. To me its that simple. Plus, Adam is doing very well for a new artist, and continues to generate interest even after a year later. I don’t think its ridiculous at all. I don’t get the “anger”.

I think that it’s cool that it’s true that Adam will get to mentor the contestants next week. I think that he will be a decent mentor. He has been on Idol, so he knows what that’s like, he’s a talented singer and I think that he probably has a nice amount of knowledge about music,so he could help the contestants out when they are performing their song choices in front of him.

This show needs to go back to the good ole days when such stellar acts as Neil Sedaka and Kenny Rogers were mentors :P

Well, now, I would say that Kenny was a *very* valuable mentor. I’m sure his appearance constituted a *huge* warning to these young entertainment-industry wannabes to *avoid* *plastic* *surgery* at *all* *costs*!!

Here are two quick snippets of examples of why Adam should be back mentoring as a representative of past Idols.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqhf1kW97fE&feature=player_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1v_51s_tKw&feature=player_embedded

That final comment from Simon was truly a great moment, I agreed wholeheartedly with him then and I still do.

I just think that all of that, is just beginning for Adam. He just made his first worldwide promo tour, which is great, and he is about to start the solo tour, but he hasn’t even had a #1 single yet (I’m sure he’ll do eventually), I truly would have preferred to see him mentoring after things took their place. Maybe as an x-factor mentor, it would make more sense, not being an ex-contestant from that show.

Just my 2 cents, the truth is, I don’t think this is a great decision, but as a fan I hope this helps Adam and that he is able to help the contestants somehow.

And, after all, in some dull Idol nights, it is better to have a mentor than no mentor at all (those intro packages can get silly).

I just hope that at least it’s an interesting theme (though it’ll probably be Pop Music or something similar).

Adam = must pimp our investement and prevent our judges looking like utter and complete morons for their OTT pronouncements last year. It’s that simple. IMO, naturally

I doubt many ppl will remember what the judges said last week, let along last season. heh

This is exactly what I think. There are still plenty of weeks of the competition left. Who knows, it could be anybody next week. If anything Adam could just be the guinea pig.

Yup! Its obvious they are trying new things this year. I don’t see whats wrong with that. After 9 years you have to.

Adam = must pimp our investement and prevent our judges looking like utter and complete morons for their OTT pronouncements last year

An awful lot of people agreed with the judges view of Adam last year and did not view their critiques as OTT. Its all a matter of taste. Some people absolutely loved it (and clearly the judges did), some people really hated it. Viva la difference!

AI is separate from the label. RCA is investing in Adam, but AI hasn’t. I can see why AI offers someone who has absolute positive view of the show a mentor opportunity. If AI9 kids benefit from the mentor (or learn how to make the show more existing), AI will benefit too.

Now AI put the offer on the table, I can’t see why RCA should deny it.

19 is managing Adam, 19 produces American Idol. Do the math :)

Among the list of horrible mentors there have been some gems. I think the contestants deserve to at the least meet someone with a tremendous amount of experience and ideally someone with longevity in the business. Stevie Wonder, Dolly Parton, Smoky Robinson, Tony Bennett may all be old but who (besides Aaron) wouldn’t have rather spent five minutes with one of them than Miley Cyrus?
Adam will have things to offer but maybe they should have invited him to have dinner with the group rather than be the celebrity mentor. They really are giving him exposure but at the new contestants expense I would say.

And Adam himself is back to usual- plugging his favourite artists:

@adamlambert #slash get the album!!!!
23 minutes ago via Echofon

Obviously TPTB realize all they have left is stunt casting. At least people will talk about it (or at least that’s what they’re hoping.) They can’t let DWTS have all the tabloid fodder.

This is where the show needs Paula. She would have brought the crazy and boy do they miss it. Adam has to be the least successful mentor (in terms of actual sales) they’ve ever had on the show and the one with the shortest career in music. Kudos to TPTB. S9 is now a complete joke.

wow, people seriously give Adam way more power than they should.

This has nothing to do with him, take it up with Simon Fuller.

Can we wait for the theme please? Becaause if it is Show Tunes week, there isn’t another Idol who is more qualified.

When the kids meet up with him, their songs are in the bag. It’s not like he can give years of voice lessons and performance tricks. He’ll probably be very encouraging and positive.

Just my 2 cents, the truth is, I don’t think this is a great decision, but as a fan I hope this helps Adam and that he is able to help the contestants somehow.

I agree.

I think I may love you Kirsten!

Adam = must pimp our investement and prevent our judges looking like utter and complete morons for their OTT pronouncements last year. It’s that simple. IMO, naturally

I doubt many ppl will remember what the judges said last week, let along last season. heh

The people who dislike Adam will. Thats why I think this is much ado about nothing. The general public will have a much different perception than those who dislike Adam so much.

For instance, this headline from Idolator: Today In ‘Idol’: Adam Lambert To Teach The Idols How To Strut

I think that title shows what is going to be the general mood of the mainstream media.

What is amazing and people fail to see is if this was ANY other previous contestant there would never be the amount of talk as there is for Adam. There are almost 600 comments here and the internet is exploding, who else can draw that much attention? Only Lambert!
I think he will be amazing, he worked that stage last year, he has something to offer.

Saying that there is no exact qualification in order to justify Adam mentoring is very lame.

But the thing is.. there isn’t!

Fair enough. There isn’t.

That will make things much easier for MJ going into the future. No more complaints about Miley or Demi or Justin B or some new artist that RCA just signed and wants to give the big stage to (they don’t even need to have a record out yet). Anybody can do it.

I think they should have a contest to let random viewers do it. Or maybe they can go down to the shopping mall that Ryan used to troll in to fill time in during the results shows in Season 6 (or was it 7?) and pick somebody up to be the mentor. Perhaps a Walmart greeter. Those people are always positive and cheerful. I’m sure they can find one with some spare time on their hands. They can do a “Queen for the Day” type thing except with “Mentor for the Day”.

Oh, I know! I’m sure Fox would appreciate the ability to have actors doing the mentoring. You could get Wendell from Bones to mentor one week and one of the clash of the Titans people to do it the next. Think of the revenue generation opportunities. Maybe the CEOs of Coke and AT&T would like to give it a shot. Kate’s going to get booted off Dancing with the Stars soon. She’s tabloid fodder extraordinaire. I’m sure people would tune in to watch her give withering looks to the Idols. OOOOO. How about that obnoxious guy from Fox News? Think of the impressive rants he could give. Bill something or other.

I personally think there should be some qualifications of achieving something, but if not, just have random people do it.

Becaause if it is Show Tunes week, there isn’t another Idol who is more qualified.

Criticially acclaimed Color Purple star and AI winner Fantasia Barrino? Veteran of multiple Broadway productions and AI runner up Diana DeGarmo? Even though I can’t stand him, Tony nominee Constantine Maroulis? Spamalot veteran and 6 million album seller Clay Aiken?

Can we wait for the theme please? Becaause if it is Show Tunes week, there isn’t another Idol who is more qualified.

IA, show tunes is definetly a strong possibility, they did in season 7 and it’s not like the old days when musical theater was an insult on AI when so many old contestants go that route to find a job.

In that case, I don’t see what’s wrong with inviting Adam, he’s had extended training and experience in that area, more than any former idol.

Well, now, I would say that Kenny was a *very* valuable mentor. I’m sure his appearance constituted a *huge* warning to these young entertainment-industry wannabes to *avoid* *plastic* *surgery* at *all* *costs*!!

Good point :) dude scared the shit outta me.

Frankly I don’t give a shit whether he helps them or not. Seriously how many mentors did you say after the show “WOW THAT WAS THE BEST MENTORING EVAH???!!” All I care about is that I will be able to get through an episode of Idol without resorting to drinking games ( Honestly, do you know how drunk you can get just by taking a swig every time Randy breaths in through his teeth before a bad critique?)

So for that, Mr. Lambert, my liver thanks you.

Miss Chaos…LOL at your “stairs” post. I agree!!

Well, when you’re having ratings problems, you always do stunt casting, right?

Lucy, you are so right, and come to think of it – the stunt casting stated in earnest in Season 8 – Normund Gentle, Tatiana, The Bikini Kill. I only watched that season a time or two – I don’t actually watch this season at all, just a few recaps….except, I watched the beginning of the results show for the RS week because David Cook was on, he was on first, so I didn’t have to hang around. The bar is so low this year I have no interest in investing that block of time. Other people will watch the show that AL is on because they want to see him, and then go back to the recaps too…so eek! what happens when TPTB run out of people’s favorites? More Top 40 acts? Oddly enough, they didn’t cast Top 40 performers for them to mentor. It gets strange.

I personally think there should be some qualifications of achieving something, but if not, just have random people do it.

I vote Wendell! (despite the fact I’ve never watched the show. Thats how we pick a mentor right? I think I’ve got it down!)

Maybe Danny, but not Kris. The angry minority is always more loud than the happy majority in any situation and issue. Danny and Adam were the two more polorizing contestants last year so I think they generate the most hits. People wither like Kris or they’re indifferent about him, but he doesn’t generate the hate the other two do. I could be wrong but thats my theory at least.

Probably true. Also, it would not be as controversial if the winner of last season were to be chosen as a mentor by the show that made him the winner, a show whose whole premise and raison d’etre is all about winning the show.

But I still think no matter who was chosen from last season to mentor, there would be a huge number of comments about it.

“Don’t hate the player….hate the game”

Why is anyone coming down on Adam for this? I bet he was asked to do this, not the other way around. If people are going to be mad, be mad at the AI producers not Adam! :)

This isn’t the end of the world, and I certainly cannot literally get upset about a TV show. I even like Adam. I just don’t think this is a wise decision for anyone. Those who know me know what a diehard David Cook fan I am, and yet I don’t even think HE should have been chosen as the first former Idol to act as a mentor on the show. It should have gone to Kelly (if she even wants to do that), who was the first, is on her 4th album, been around nearly a decade, and has had more #1 pop hits than any other Idol winner or runner up. I also think when a former contestant is chosen to mentor, it should be someone who won, until they’re past their 2nd succssfull album & tour. Daughtry now qualifies, but might not have a year ago. Strictly from a past contestant point of view, what Cook, Clarkson & Underwood can bring to the table is “how to win each week.” That’s what they did. Clarkson & Underwood can also bring their huge success as recording artists to the table. Cook certainly had a great launch so he’s also appropriate. But for the first former-Idol mentor, I’m sorry, but Adam Lambert really is a poor choice. Modest album sales, one single that’s become a hit, and he didn’t win.

That said, he’s polarizing, generates buzz, and continually needs publicity to keep his album selling. So I understand why this decision was made. Plus, I think he’s a better mentor than Miley Cyrus, who has NOT been around very long AND has NOT had the experience of being on Idol.

But the thing is.. there isn’t! It looks like so, but the unwritten rules are subjected to change at any given moment!

I understand now. The mirage of Idol having standards when it comes to mentoring has now vanished.

How else they could suddenly take QUENTIN TARRANTINO to mentor? What exact qualifications in the idol fan rule book did he hit to deserve his mentoring position?

The theme was “At The Movies”. Huge movie director….songs from movies….

I think they should have a voter contest and pick a viewer to mentor the Top 4 or something. Why not? Ellen has proved that anyone watching the show with no musical background can be a judge?

By the way does Adam have Katharine McPhee’s agent. Because this is in the “this person must be a bigger star than I think they are to get this gig” school. Maybe the audience will be so confuzzed by Adam’s appearance they actually turn the album and single into big hits. It could happen. :)

Criticially acclaimed Color Purple star Fantasia Barrino? Veteran of multiple Broadway productions Diana DeGarmo? Even though I can’t stand him, Tony nominee Constantine Maroulis? Spamalot veteran Clay Aiken?

Adam has done musical theater since he was a teenager and worked professionaly since he was 18 I believe. So he does have more experience in that area than anyone you mentioned.
But I guess it’s a little too soon to be talking about that before getting any indication of the theme.

Mtlfan:
04/06/2010 at 3:45 pm
how cool would it have been to have Paul McCartney mentoring this week.

LOL mtlfan! Cool yes but a little embarrassing for Paul I would think, given the level of talent this year.

I personally think there should be some qualifications of achieving something, but if not, just have random people do it.

Adam isn’t a random person. He’s a prior contestant and the email sent by the record company stated he’ll be coming from that perspective. That is the qualification. So there’s only a select group of people who qualify. You might not like that Adam was the one chosen (I am!), but to say he doesn’t have the experience or knowledge of a prior AI contestant and going through theme weeks is well… lame.

Can we wait for the theme please? Becaause if it is Show Tunes week, there isn’t another Idol who is more qualified.

Really? What about the slew of ex-Idols who have had long tenures on Broadway and off-Broadway, had starring roles, Tony nom’s…? I’m not one of those arguing he’s unqualified, btw, I think it’s fine, but I just don’t see how being in a chorus of Wicked and doing some underground progressive theater stuff makes him MORE qualified to mentor show tunes than all those ex-Idols with upwards of years of legit big-time theater experience. Just sayin.

Ok- I really have a question:
How come people who are fans of AI, and know what it’s about, and what it has been about since the beginning, are still so upset about all that goes down?
I mean. seriously- one of the reasons I’m NOT afan of the show is all the manipulation and “drama”. That’s why I’ve never watched before S8 nor after. Because sorry, it’s a shmalzy, mediocre talent show.
I was very much surprised when someone like Adam came along and kicked major ass all season, literally forcing me to keep on watching.
But that’s why, if, say, it wasn’t Adam mentoring, but someone else, and doesn’t even matter who, I wouldn’t give a damn. That’s the show folks. There are no “respectable principles”. It’s pure reality TV.
I thank them for giving Adam his break (and for the record, I’m also crossing my fingers for Allison and Matt to succeed, cause they be talented!), but I certainly don’t have expectations of them that they will obviously never meet.
But people who are FANS of the show keep raging about it. I really don’t get it. Just don’t watch. No?

So, just now on the radio, right before WWFM the dj says ‘the rumor is Adam Lambert…’

(and I start listening)

‘says a bong of his was broken in the earthquake and he tweeted about it but then deleted it.’

Seriously ? WTF? This is what is being said about Adam, not the mentoring.

and sorry, I shouldn’t have said Adam is more qualified for Show tunes than Constantine. And I’ve actually seen ROA.

Adam isn’t a random person. He’s a prior contestant and the email sent by the record company stated he’ll be coming from that perspective. That is the qualification

You think there are qualifications to being a mentor. We are just disagreeing on what those qualifications should be.

I was responding to those many posters on this thread who feel that there are no qualifications. It’s a completely different debate.

I really don’t see a reason to angst over Adam mentoring the kids next week, I really think it is a great idea to invite someone who went through the same experience and could share some pointers from that angle. I really don’t think that the show is “jumping the shark” or that inviting Adam over A, B or C contestant gives ppl a right to dump a s**tload of negative and hateful comments on Adam. I don’t know why, but I just checked out some of the comments on various AI blogs, and it is really ugly… I hope Adam is staying the hell away from the ai boards for the next few days.
Adam is exiting and the fact that he is mentoring next week will generate additional interest in the otherwise very average season, that is probably the reason why the show producers invited him over other alumni. I am a fan of the show and I adore Adam, so it is a win win for me, can’t wait to tune in and watch! :)

AI is separate from the label. RCA is investing in Adam, but AI hasn’t. I can see why AI offers someone who has absolute positive view of the show a mentor opportunity. If AI9 kids benefit from the mentor (or learn how to make the show more existing), AI will benefit too.

Now AI put the offer on the table, I can’t see why RCA should deny it.

19 is managing Adam, 19 produces American Idol. Do the math

RCA and AI are two independent units under an umbrella. I don’t know their internal cost transfer system but I’m quite sure there is one as most of multi-division company. The principals to analyze investment return stay valid in this case. Neither AI nor RCA will agree the contract if they don’t expect positive return.

The reasons why Kelly, Carrie, Daughtry, Davids or Kris is not on as mentor can vary from time conflict, label interest, etc. who knows.

The theme was “At The Movies”. Huge movie director….songs from movies….

Being a singer and a director are two different things. Thats like saying Whitney Houston can mentor aspiring directors. Its not the same thing.

This whole thing is an eye opener for me because I didn’t realize people turned in for the mentors. Its a very special honor I see. lol

Adam isn’t a random person. He’s a prior contestant and the email sent by the record company stated he’ll be coming from that perspective. That is the qualification. So there’s only a select group of people who qualify. You might not like that Adam was the one chosen (I am!), but to say he doesn’t have the experience or knowledge of a prior AI contestant and going through theme weeks is well… lame.

And of that select group, why was he chosen? Is he the most qualified? Just curious.

I am not expecting Adam to be bad at mentoring or to be worse than other mentors, or whatever. He will probably be better than some. He might be great. That’s not an issue I have.

I just don’t see why they picked him unless their goal is to promote him, or someone else’s goal is to promote him. And while I can’t begruge him that amount of promotion, I guess I don’t see why losing AI makes you deserving of that. It doesn’t, to my way of thinking.

And here we are…over 400+ comments about an appearance that is going to happen in over a week.

And now it’s up to 602 and counting! Pace yourselves kids, don’t forget we’ve still got a two-hour show to get through TONIGHT. Why in the name of God is it two hours for nine contestants? And there’s NO mentor this week to eat up the time, WTF are they going to do for two hours??? Anyway, just skimming this thread has exhausted me. I’m going to go rest up for tonight’s trainwreck. See you then!

the stunt casting stated in earnest in Season 8 – Normund Gentle, Tatiana, The Bikini Kill.

Bingo. And this year — and the past two or three, really — they’ve tried hard with the top 40 stars, but the ratings continue to sag.

At this point, they probably figure that there’s little left to try besides polarizing people who tend to pull in a lot of hype and press. And when you combine that with the fact that they really want to feature only people signed by 19 and Sony, then Adam becomes one of the very obvious choices.

I’m sure they’d love to goose Kris’s sales as well, but they’ve already had him on and are scheduled to have at least videos of him on on IGB plus the finale, so they probably figure — Well, let’s try to give Adam a goose. … Nobody else that they’ve signed from Idol actually has a new album out right now, do they? So from the goose sales point of view, I would think that he makes as much sense as anyone — his album is still on the Billboard 200 (and thus not *completely* in the tank quite yet when it comes to sales) and *may* still have a tiny bit of room to climb on radio, etc. So he gets the goose.

No guest, alum or non-alum, ever gets a plum spot on the show unless somebody — and hopefully several somebody’s and hopefully somebody connected with 19 and/or Sony — is hoping to make bucks off of it.

BTW, my previous post was subjective, especially about when Daughtry “qualifies” as a mentor. Just my own barometer. I think the first guest mentor should be someone who won the show. After that, if they’re hugely successful recording artists, whether or not they won is irrelevant. Chris Daughtry has had two albums and 4 years of non-stop success, so of course he would qualify as any successful, experienced pop star would. Just wanted to clarify. It’s just that Adam has NOT had that kind of success, nor did he win. Not saying he doesn’t have something to offer, but y’all got to understand why so many fans are upset out there. There are a gazillion possible mentors out there for Idol to tap. If you’re going to go with someone from within the family, at least pick a known quantity & winner!

Ellen has proved that anyone watching the show with no musical background can be a judge?

She has? lol

I have no angst. I think it’s kind of funny and I’m happy for MJ and other Idol bloggers that something of interest is going to happen on S9. Because this show is def circling the drain.

However, I can still note that Adam is the least “distinguished” mentor ever. And even in the Idol finalists group, he’s mid stream at best in terms of success. So it all looks kind of desperate to me. But still fun.

You think there are qualifications to being a mentor. We are just disagreeing on what those qualifications should be.

Personally, I don’t care about the mentors and I don’t think a mentor should generate like 500 posts in a few hours. lol I mean, my night wasn’t ruined becasue Miley Cyrus was a mentor, and I didn’t feel the need to comment because well…. its not about her or Usher, or whoever. Its about the contestants.

Adam will be the first mentor in 9 years who can personally relate to the contestants. He’s gone through the same journey. It could make for some good TV and some sale increases for Adam. Its a win/win in my book. Whats the problem???

Ellen has proved that anyone watching the show with no musical background can be a judge?

She has? lol

So. True.

Scott- I have to agree with you. I think it should be someone first who has won and who has a track record of success– Kelly or Carrie. Then it can be others, but I still think they should have a real track record of success.

You think there are qualifications to being a mentor. We are just disagreeing on what those qualifications should be.

I think that since there are multiple mentors throughout the season that it’s OK if the qualifications are not always identical from week-to-week. I think it’s good for the kids to get different perspectives from different people, and I think a recent contestant who made it far into the show–no matter who was chosen for that role–is an interesting and potentially helpful choice. I like that they’re trying something new. It will be fun to watch.

“Don’t hate the player….hate the game”

Why is anyone coming down on Adam for this? I bet he was asked to do this, not the other way around. If people are going to be mad, be mad at the AI producers not Adam!

I know, right? I’m not that bothered by this, but to the extent that I find it weird, I’d blame TPTB, not Adam. It’s like when we were discussing David Cook performing a Stones cover on Idol, and folks were insisting that DC was not being “klassy” for not turning town the appearance, and agreeing to do something that could “show up” the contestants or whatever, LOL. Krazy. Are we gonna say Adam’s not being klassy for agreeing to be the first mentor when clearly, Kelly, Carrie, others have seniority, etc.? No way. He’d be a fool to turn down this opportunity from 19.

A Broadway week? Holy Smokes – Syesha! She just closed her run as Deena in Dreamgirls – and she has ‘been there, done that’ advice from the perspective of someone who was in the bottom 2 or 3 Five times – almost a record – and yet finished 3rd….and TPTB had to run her over with “Happy Feet” to finally be sure. That’s a story of determination and confidence I’ll bet Syesha would be happy to share. Oh. OK, maybe that would be oversharing.

A couple of weeks ago there were these clips of the current crop naming their dream mentor. I didn’t watch it but heard about it. Did any actually name Adam as their dream mentor?

“Don’t hate the player….hate the game”

I haaate that saying. Adam is right in the game, he laughed off reports of this exact thing already and still signed up.

But whatevs, it really is just something to laugh and shake my head about. The desperation is palpable.

The reasons why Kelly, Carrie, Daughtry, Davids or Kris is not on as mentor can vary from time conflict, label interest, etc. who knows.

I would think that appearing on the number one show in the country would be a good enough reason to reserve one day on their calendar to do it.
And there’s a absolutely no way I would believe any of their labels/management would have passed on this offer.

Adam is definetly getting a prime exposure spot and that says a lot about what 19 thinks of him and his potential as a recording artist.

If you’re going to go with someone from within the family, at least pick a known quantity & winner!

Why? Jennifer Hudson didn’t win and hasn’t sold the most albums, but she’s involved in not only the music but movie industry. I think she’d make a terrific mentor because of her diverse experiences. I would choose her over Daughtry or Carrie any day.

I have no angst. I think it’s kind of funny and I’m happy for MJ and other Idol bloggers that something of interest is going to happen on S9. Because this show is def circling the drain.

However, I can still note that Adam is the least “distinguished” mentor ever. And even in the Idol finalists group, he’s mid stream at best in terms of success. So it all looks kind of desperate to me.

I agree with almost all of the post (BTW: To answer a previous impertinent question, I’m not “angry” I just think it’s ridiculous).

The one part of this I disagree with is being happy for MJ and the other Idol bloggers. This is like Christmas came early for VFTW and Top Idol and some of the others, but I think poor MJ is going to need one of Dingo’s IV drips by the end of this. She is going to wear out her delete button and consider a job as a zookeeper after this week.

Adam will be great-
-he was on idol, recently, to speak to their current issues/experience.
-he made it to the finals
-he was always mentoring during season 8 and got kudos for it
-he has had years of technical training and experience
-he toured not only with idol but with nat’l wicked and intrn’l hair so he knows about performing and endurance
-he sings like an angel and a demon so he can speak to styles
-he knows costume and lighting, arrangements and music interpretation
-he’s been judged by Simon and can speak to ‘handling’ the AI grind
-he IS successful -he has a gold album in 5 countries and selling a single 50k a week – more than 800,000 for WWFM
-he has business acumen and knows how to deal with an audience and people (including the press)
-he is a visual booster and the contestants will immediately feel ‘he knows’, ‘he cares’, ‘he’s been there’
-Good luck Adam – it will be great!

Amem for that! I totally agree if you. And thats the reason why I´ll be wacthing the show for the first time this season.
Just one question… Who´s mentoring today?

Adam is there to offer his advice from the perspective of a former contestant. He was chosen because he does create buzz. I like Kris, Daughtry, and some of the others, but if I’m being honest, I wouldn’t tune in to see either of them mentor. This story has already been picked up by WPLJ so I would say AI has accomplished what they set out to do.

I think that since there are multiple mentors throughout the season that it’s OK if the qualifications are not always identical from week-to-week. I think it’s good for the kids to get different perspectives from different people, and I think a recent contestant who made it far into the show–no matter who was chosen for that role–is an interesting and potentially helpful choice. I like that they’re trying something new. It will be fun to watch.

I totally agree. So true.

This mentoring thing is like a club with no dress code. So far, everyone (with common sense at least) assumed that there was a dress code and the club managed to stay pretty classy. Hate the people all you want but they at least had a common theme.

Now Adam waltzes in completely out of dress code and the bouncer doesn’t say a word.

Suddenly, the club doesn’t seem so exclusive anymore.

Being a singer and a director are two different things. Thats like saying Whitney Houston can mentor aspiring directors. Its not the same thing.

Tarintino picks what songs go into movies. He knows a thing or two about what makes particular songs stand out (which is why certain songs go into movies and others don’t) and that’s the advice that he was trying to impart onto the contestants.

The analogy you gave is the contrapositive….which doesn’t make sense. Whitney has no professional experience with any kind of say about what goes into movies.

The desperation is palpable.

Lol it truely is.

Wow, 600 posts on this subject!! Guess I don’t see this as a big surprise….and not a big deal either way. Maybe TPTB wanted someone to liven up the show a bit….maybe they wanted someone who has worked on the show recently, someone that was real successful in changing up the songs to fit his personality each week. Heaven knows many in this group are not getting *it* so far…..it just looks like a win win situation. Maybe during country week we will be fortunate to have Carrie….maybe rock week Daughtry…..etc!! Anyway, I am looking forward to having the show spiced up a bit….and love Adam or hate him….he will do just that!

I am not expecting Adam to be bad at mentoring or to be worse than other mentors, or whatever. He will probably be better than some. I just don’t see why they picked him unless their goal is to promote him, or someone else’s goal is to promote him. And while I can’t begruge him that amount of promotion, I guess I don’t see why losing AI makes you deserving of such major pimpage by the show a year later. Just my opinion.

ITA with you ross. And this coming so soon makes me say that it’s just an update to last year TPTB agenda. And I’ve nothing against Adam

I haaate that saying. Adam is right in the game, he laughed off reports of this exact thing already and still signed up.

Well, I would think that none of these kids are in the position to make a final call on something like this. Adam may well have thought that he wouldn’t want to do it. But if his management and record label tell him to do it — He’ll do it …. As would any of the others, for something like this. …

On something like not wanting to do pop music or not wanting electric or acoustic instrumental backing on your album, or something, even the young can make a musical stand on principle and *maybe* win. Certainly they can get a certain respect for making that stand. But whoever you are, I don’t know that any young performer can say no to a promotional appearance before millions of people that their management has arranged, if the event is not a white power rally or something.

So there’s really no way of knowing whether Adam thinks this is perfect for him, ridiculous, or anything in between, seems to me.

Why? Jennifer Hudson didn’t win and hasn’t sold the most albums, but she’s involved in not only the music but movie industry. I think she’d make a terrific mentor because of her diverse experiences. I would choose her over Daughtry or Carrie any day.

But that’s what I mean! I agree with you to a point! She’s a known quantity. I can’t say whether or not Adam Lambert will succeed in one area: movies, recording aritst, broadway, etc. It’s just too soon and although he gets media attention and has one radio hit, he’s just NOT that successful. YET! He may become a superstar. But he’s not. YET! J-hud IS a big star and so I think she’s appropriate too. I just failed to mention her. I will say, though, she does NOT have the credentials to talk to these kids about what it’s like to be a POP STAR, because she is not one. She has had mild success as a recording artist; she’s an Oscar-winning actress. So I would still pick Daughtry over her.

Who the heck is the mentor for THIS week? I can’t even remember –is there one?

I have no problem with Adam being a mentor — he’s articulate, he knows how to succeed on Idol, he’s a current artist, he has years of experience in the etnertainment business, and whether you like his style or not, he’s a technically excellent singer. Whether Kelly, Carrie or some other former Idol would be better qualified is neither here nor there when discussing whether Adam himself would be a good mentor.

I don’t think this will result in big ratings, because the ratings last year were down from the previous season, even with all the buzz around Adam. So why should him showing up as a mentor suddenly result in big ratings?

I also don’t think Adam is going to get a huge bump in album sales or single sales from this, as most of the people who loved him from AI likely already have bought his album or single. How many people watching S9 have never heard of Adam or heard him sing? I’m thinking not a whole heck of a lot. And if they didn’t like him before, I don’t know if his appearance next week is suddenly going to change a lot of people’s minds.

A couple of weeks ago there were these clips of the current crop naming their dream mentor. I didn’t watch it but heard about it. Did any actually name Adam as their dream mentor?

I don’t think they care what they want. They could all name Madonna and it wouldn’t happen either. TPTB are gonna do whatever they want to do.

This is like Christmas came early for VFTW and Top Idol and some of the others,

Those sites don’t like Adam so yeah, they would be nasty about him no matter what he does. However, there are a lot of blogs and news outlets that are reporting this as a positive. Depends on where you look and where your own opinion lies.

This week they’re not even having a mentor.

And next week Adam will be “mentoring” from the perspective of a former contestant.

The Idol producers change it up all the time. There are no rules – I don’t see what the big deal is.

I’m just excited to have a reason to watch two whole episodes of Idol next week. Go Adam!

good points girlygirl.

This mentoring thing is like a club with no dress code. So far, everyone (with common sense at least) assumed that there was a dress code and the club managed to stay pretty classy. Hate the people all you want but they at least had a common theme.

Now Adam waltzes in completely out of dress code and the bouncer doesn’t say a word.

Suddenly, the club doesn’t seem so exclusive anymore.

LMAO! I love that analogy. And its pretty true.

But he may still turn out to be the life of the party, and score a lot of free drinks in the process. Heh.

I just don’t see why they picked him unless their goal is to promote him, or someone else’s goal is to promote him.

Of course they’re trying to promote him! They’re having Kris and Danny on this season — running Kris’s Ford commercials, having him on a few times, etc. — because they’re trying to promote them, too!

It’s all about who is a 19/Sony person with a fairly new album out there that *needs* the goose. ….

*Everyone* who appears on Idol is there for promotion. Just like everyone who’s on DWTS as a guest or Conan or Craig Ferguson or The View is there for promotion.

And when your management lines up for promotion for you, I guess you just do it.

I don’t know when we expected Idol to be “fair” to contestants or, heaven help us, to alums! They’re doing whatever they can to maximize their take from the ones that are 19/Sony-related products. Period. It has been ever thus.

Kelly, Daughtry, and Carrie don’t actually seem to need much help right now. Archie and Cookie have been on but don’t have stuff out that’s new enough for them to figure it’s worth giving really heavy-duty promotional spots to. Kris has been on and is going to be on.

Adam has a kinda new record that hasn’t gone totally into the toilet just yet — and thus might conceivably be goosed a little higher — and he will have a new single pretty soon and hasn’t (like Kris and Danny and Allison) been on the show yet this season. … So they are giving him promotion. But the mentoring promotion seems to me kind of like the “singing a song that’s not on your record” promotion. Probably won’t do much for sales, I would think.

and he tweets…

I will say, though, she does NOT have the credentials to talk to these kids about what it’s like to be a POP STAR, because she is not one.

To be honest Scott, most of the mentors aren’t pop stars, or at least not now. Plus, they made it the old fashion way, so they don’t quite understand what these Idols go through.

Oh well. I think its a nice twist no matter what prior contestant they would have chosen. The fact that I’m an Adam fan just makes it just that much sweeter. lol

I hope Adam writes a book someday.

Anyone that remotely believes that the Mentors are on the show to guide the contestants to be superstar recording artists is deluding themselves. Nothing, I repeat, nothing anyone says in the 30 minutes or so that the contestants have with a mentor will help them career-wise. Period. A mentor can have been in the business since the 50′s and sold 10 billion albums and it wouldn’t make a difference.

The only thing that any mentor can do is help the contestants with the presentation of the one song they are doing that week. They are there to help them show off that one song choice to the best of their ability, be it helping the singer with phrasing, atmosphere or other performance enhancement. Just because someone sold a trillion records doesn’t mean they are qualified to help a contestant pull off a great performance.

Adam is just as qualified as anyone else to mentor. He has performed in multiple venues; stage productions, clubs, tours and on the very show they are on. Various contestants from his season spoke of him being a go-to for advice on this very subject last year. He obviously knew how to work the stage, and whether one likes his style or not, he is an accomplished vocalist. He helped out others with performance choices during his theater days, so he does have actual experience with mentoring.

It all just comes down to how well a mentor can aid for this one performance, nothing more, nothing less.

BeckyMD:
04/06/2010 at 3:38 pm
Plus I think RCA has sunk so much $ into Adam’s album that they seem complete desperate to recoup.

Sunk cost should not be considered in making forward investment decision. I believe every project manager knows that.

LOL thats what I was thinking. That was one of the first things I was taught in Finance 101 in college. I clearly remember that tidbit, besides compound interest. LOL

I will confess, however, I am looking forward to Adam shaking things up next week! He’s always good television and maybe he can get through to these kids lol!

I am not expecting Adam to be bad at mentoring or to be worse than other mentors, or whatever. He will probably be better than some. I just don’t see why they picked him unless their goal is to promote him, or someone else’s goal is to promote him. And while I can’t begruge him that amount of promotion, I guess I don’t see why losing AI makes you deserving of such major pimpage by the show a year later. Just my opinion.

This is totally my opinion as well. I think that Adam is a good guy and will probably do a good job. Let’s face it,though, the whole “mentoring” thing is more for good TV than to actually help the idols in their performances. There just isn’t enough time for there to be any real help in most cases. And, I admit it, as a Kris fan, this is just another slight against him and it is just one too many for me. I’m done.

As soon as I read the news, I knew that this thread would have a ton of responses… I believe they chose Adam for a couple of reasons. First, the press loves him. He will be all over the internet (as will the show), which will help with ratings. A lot of new viewers tuned in last season just to see what he would sing. Perhaps they would like to lure some of those viewers back with hopes of them liking one of this season’s contestants. Also, Adam is very personable and communicates well in interviews, etc. He will be very engaging and helpful for those who need help with staging interesting performances (if they listen to him). Bottom line is, this is about money. The producers of AI must think it will help ratings, and his management must be betting it will help his sales in the US. For me, I will finally be excited to tune in for this season. So far, it has been a snooze fest.

Oh I get it now, next weeks theme will be: Songs of Liza Minelli

It all makes sense now…

adamlambert It’s true! In addition to performing on Idol April 14th, I will be mentoring the top 8 on the 13th. I feel honored to be asked.

Awwwww he was asked!

Mentor: teacher, trainer, trusted advisor, supporter, guide

Just because someone is successful, doesn’t necessarily make him/her a good teacher/mentor. From a sports perspective, how many star players transition to coaching? I think both require skill and talent – just different kinds (and some people do have both).

I hate to see teachers (mentors) diminished because they haven’t worked outside the classroom or long enough in the field (i.e as a singer, an athlete, a writer, etc). What good teachers (mentors) do is to inspire their students (mentees) to be the best they can be – and this isn’t just measured in years. We can debate about Adam’s success in the music business, but from what I have observed about him this past year, I am confident that he will coach, teach, guide, advise, support and inspire the S9 contestants next week. And, yeah, he’ll sing too!!!

@adamlambert Could ya teach Tim Urban how to sing while you're at it ??? Congrats on the gig.
less than 20 seconds ago from web

From Adam:
Even though I’m just at the start of my recording career, I hope to lend some insight as one who’s been thru the Idol adventure. excited!!
2 minutes ago via Echofon

adamlambert Even though I’m just at the start of my recording career, I hope to lend some insight as one who’s been thru the Idol adventure. excited!!

Now Adam waltzes in completely out of dress code and the bouncer doesn’t say a word.

For some reason this just struck me as funny, I love it. But to me it sums up what is so great about Adam. He does his thing and we just stand there open mouthed ( in disgust, awe, whatever) and then he waltzes out and moves on leaving us to deal with the aftermath (or premath?) Haha!

Reminder:

The subject of this post is not other poster’s opinions. Deleting all meta posts and their followups

First Hannah Montana, and now this! Wow. A longtime Idol fan here, so please bear with me. I mean no disrespect to Adam, but even the wildest of Lambert fans have got to admit that his presence as Idol “mentor” signals a lowering of the bar for that position re: industry experience, song catalogue, name-recognition, prestige, career longevity and overall success.

Looks like Fuller has finally run out of names in his rolodex of stars.

Of course he was asked. I wouldn’t expect Adam to go begging to do it when he just said he was too soon.

LMAO frogcooke I <3 you.

I wonder if there has ever been a contestant that they have tried so hard to make successful? I don’t remember there ever being one. Hopefully it works out for them.

Not surprised to see that TPTB asked him. Somehow I think it would have been rather strange/presumptuous for Adam’s management to suggest it this soon after coming off Idol. Much better for TPTB to approach Adam. It would be interesting to find out whether they approached other people and were turned down before turning to Adam, or whether he was the first person they asked.

Also, we still need to find out the theme night. Hopefully NOT anything to do with musicals…that’s a bad theme no matter who mentors

I’m shocked! I never expected that Adam would get an oportunity like that. I’m thrilled for him. And I’m very happy that I’ll see him in my TV again (how long is the episode? one or two hours?). That’s gonna be so much fun. And will help selling the album and the single.

I agree that it would make more sense to have Kelly as the first Idol mentor, and it may seem that Adam is a newbie for the Idol audience, but he has years of experience as a performer and could have a lot to share with this kids. TPTB wants Adam, what are you gonna do? (but I’m not convinced Adam actually wanted this gig. I mean, of course he wants the exposure and the sales boost, but when he addressed the issue in that interview he seemed to really believe that it was too early cause he just got of the show last year.)

But lol at the people saying he didn’t earn this. What exactly a person has to do to “earn” being an AI mentor? It’s not like they’re gonna give him a grammy. I think all you need to “earn” being a mentor on this show is being asked by the producers (it’s their job to decide who’s good enough for the show).

Good luck Adam! I hope you’ll do a fantastic job.

just don’t see why they picked him unless their goal is to promote him, or someone else’s goal is to promote him.

LOL of course their goal is to promote him! Just like their goal when Cook, Gokey, Alli and Ruben performed was to promote them! And their goal when Archie performs tomorrow is to promote him…and when Kris performs it will be to promote him. Idol loves to have former winners and contestants back who they view as successful to promote the franchise. Many people view Adam as successful. Is he currently as successful sales, awards wise as Daughtry or Kelly? of course not. Is he one of the most famous, written about Idol alums ever? Like it or not he is. Does he currently have a song that people hear on the radio every day? like it or not he does.

Scott- I have to agree with you. I think it should be someone first who has won and who has a track record of success– Kelly or Carrie. Then it can be others, but I still think they should have a real track record of success.

The point of AI is not to find the next best singer, performer. The point, mission, is for the “show” and all those involved to make money. Season 9 is sorta lack luster. It isn’t garnering publicity or excitement. Do we really think having Kelly, or Carrie on as mentors is really gonna bring the wow??! They’re awesome people. Incredible performers who have acheived really fantastic success. Right now AI doesn’t need Carrie, with her squeaky clean pretty midwest persona. The show needs someone to bring controversy with talent. Someone that people talk about when he sneezes. Someone who can’t even wish people a Happy Easter without getting a million replies that he’s going to hell if he doesn’t convert to Christianity. They are trying to bring in viewers. People who stopped watching after last year’s finale or possibly new viewers who have heard of Adam and may tune in to see him interact with the season 9 peeps and then maybe stick around for more.

A little article about this generated in less than 3 hours twice as much comments than 13 minutes long idolatry that was posted 3 days ago and certainly took much more time to create. That’s the MAIN reason he is mentoring on idol. Who cares that Usher was mentor last week and less than 24 hours after giving advice to the contestants gave a truly trainwreck performance that was worse than Kesha and Jonas brother with Demi combined? Right….
If you idol fans wouldn’t care about Adam so much, he won’t be on the show. Is it so hard to understand? It’s not a brainsurgery to figure out that TV shows are about BUZZ and RATINGS. Why would anyone think that the producers care about something else (like CD sales)? That’s just naive and LoL-worthy… They want to beat DWTS and get bigger ratings. THAT’S IT. FULL STOP. They don’t care about Adam or anyone else.
This decision btw. Nigel would be proud:)

I think Adam will do a fine job. That said, it seems that this years contestants (excepting Siobhan) are so very different from Adam, that I wonder how his advice will translate for them. I’m interested to see how Casey, Lee and Crystal respond to his mentoring. I’m especially hoping that Tim takes all glitter and sparkle advice and runs with it!!! ;-)

Adam took criticism very well; that’s something else he can advise this group of contestants on. Adam was also very generous in his compliments to the band and other guest mentors. Show buisness is not just about singing and playing an instrument on a stage; you have to acknowledge those that help you.

Oh, there is quite a bit that these contestants can learn from Adam.

The drama over this decision is hysterical. I don’t get the whole “deserve” mentality – is it that big of an honor to get chosen to mentor on this show?

The list of former mentors include huge stars with immense success in the recording industry: Stevie Wonder, Rod Stewart, Dolly Parton, Diana Ross, Neil Diamond, Smokie Robinson, Billy Joel, Maria Carey, Slash, Usher…

Even the contemporary mentors like Gwen Stefani, Jennifer Lopez or Miley have sold a lot more than any idol contestant..

The only two who that I remember that don’t have huge success as recording artists are Quentin Tarantin and Andrew Lloyd Webber but it was for very specific themes and they are among the most respected personalities in their field.

So yes, I do think joining this type of group is a big deal, and it’s great promo for Adam.

Poor Adam has to tweet he’ll be family friendly. The children!

And the buzz has been generated. Good work, TPTB.

A couple of weeks ago there were these clips of the current crop naming their dream mentor. I didn’t watch it but heard about it. Did any actually name Adam as their dream mentor?

Nope. I watched it, cuz Lee mentioned David, but no one mentioned Adam.

Looks like Fuller has finally run out of names in his rolodex of stars.

I hope that’s not the case. I’m an Idol fan, and I like to see the show progress and get MORE bigtime artists, etc. on board to clear their songs, show up as mentors, performers, etc., as it proves itself to be more than a karaoke show over the years. I’d hate to see signs that it’s sliding backwards somehow… I was pre-angsting earlier that we haven’t had too many huge names announced for IGB this year. I’m hoping we’ll get more names soon.

pffft….AI just keeps adding more nails to their coffin. This season is a total joke and having Adam on as a mentor makes it a bigger joke. I don’t care about fandom or success or whatever…I just don’t think he’s qualified, I didn’t think Miley was either and she’s got waaaaaaaaaay more experience than Adam. I am a HUGE HUGE HUGE Daughtry fan and to be completely honest I wouldn’t even think that he’s great mentor material ( and I LOVE him and think he’s amazing!), all these people are totally raw and still learning, how will that help newbies?

I am so psyched about Taylor Hicks and Adam Lambert coming back to Idol to mentor for musical theater week! And having them collaborate on a mash-up of “Hand Jive” and “Wilkommen” from Cabaret for the group number is genius.

Why would anyone think that the producers care about something else (like CD sales)? That’s just naive and LoL-worthy…

I agree- if they really cared about album sales- they wouldn’t have yanked all the performances off of youtube, thus thwarting any chance of them getting to be viral enough to generate real buzz, a-la SuBo, which translated into millions in album sales… it’s all for show- and Adam knows how to put on a show!

Studio57:
04/06/2010 at 4:33 pm
@adamlambert Could ya teach Tim Urban how to sing while you're at it ??? Congrats on the gig.
less than 20 seconds ago from web

Hysterical. What I wouldn’t pay to hear what he’s saying about the twats coming into his feed today. Hopefully he’s lounging at home with some friends and a few drinks enjoying it all.

Just look at this thread — over 650 comments in just a few hours. This is why TPTB wanted Adam to mentor — he is a hoopla magnet. Love him or hate him, everyone pays attention to him. I think ratings for AI will probably go up next week because so many people will be interested to see what happens. The fans will tune in to cheer Adam on, and the non-fans will watch to jeer.

And the winners will be … FOX and Simon Fuller. Nicely played, PTB!

MOre Adam tweets!

adamlambert Don’t worry America: I will be beyond family friendly. Relax and enjoy. For Your Entertainment.

Awwwwww! He is thinking of the children! I just luv him!

I wonder if there has ever been a contestant that they have tried so hard to make successful? I don’t remember there ever being one. Hopefully it works out for them.

Danny? Kris? lol

just sayin’

Honestly, I think they’ve been pushing the season 8 idols pretty hard altogether. The top 3 guys, anyway. The Kris Ford ads are adorable, but even though that’s the case, I think they push them a *lot.*

But of course they’re doing this, because I’m sure they were probably caught off guard by how low sales overall have been for these guys this year, compared to at least the *winners* of previous seasons.

And of course others have been pushed hard in other ways and by other management and labels — Katharine McPhee, anyone? A lot of people have tried very hard to make her happen.

I would almost say that a similar thing is going on with JHud when it comes to record sales. Yes, she’s made it as an actress. But I think she gets a lot of music opportunities that her actual *sales* might not seem to warrant. Now, I adore Jennifer and think she’s a truly great singer. But I seriously doubt that her record label seeks out hot opportunities for her just because they like her high-quality work. They’re trying to make her happen as a top-selling recording artist, too, it seems to me.

The thing is, anybody you try to *make* happen is going to get some kind of pr that’s seems incommensurate with their production — by definition.

But Adam isn’t the only beneficiary of this, I don’t think.

And, truly, I can see why they see promise in all of these people I mentioned and why they keep throwing stuff at the wall to see if something will stick. It has to be frustrating to see somebody that you think is very talented, attractive, and full of potential wide appeal and then see it not happening.

I confess that if I were a music mogul, I’d certainly be trying to make even *more* people happen! I’d be trying to make Ruben, Melinda, LaToya, Carly, and Elliott happen, among others! … So I would go broke quickly.

I just want to know if the whole band is playing with him. I want to see Tommy on the Idol stage ;) That boy is cute!

They are trying to bring in viewers.

Generating discussion (a lot of it in objection) doesn’t translate to bringing in viewers. As has been pointed out there’s no evidence of Adam being able to bring in viewers. Carrie’s “squeaky clean pretty midwest persona” has proven to bring in the numbers whether we’re talking the CMAs, HIMYM, or her own prime time special. Obviously the girl’s not available because of her tour but I’m trying to point out the fallacy of your argument that somebody like Carrie or Kelly wouldn’t bring in viewers.

I think the return of Kelly to mentor would have been a big deal and cause for a lot of excitement and celebration. Just because it isn’t controversial doesn’t mean it wouldn’t have brought in viewers.

Adam made the most of his time on Idol. He knew how to use the stage, the genre, the band, wardrobe and hair, the camera, the audience. He took voice lessons forever, he developed his own singing style, he’s undeniably talented. Adam has used the Idol game to get exactly what he wants for himself. Who better to mentor the contestants? He’ll hopefully be honest and creative with them, and maybe this season will be salvaged for at least one week. ;)
I’m beyond thrilled.

And he just tweeted:

adamlambert Don’t worry America: I will be beyond family friendly. Relax and enjoy. For Your Entertainment.
4 minutes ago via Echofon

adamlambert Even though I’m just at the start of my recording career, I hope to lend some insight as one who’s been thru the Idol adventure. excited!!
10 minutes ago via Echofon

Aww

Kelly, Carrie, J-Hud, Daughtry must be busy. Good thing for Adam.

OMG! “I will be beyond family friendly”. Adam just cracks me up!

The list of former mentors include huge stars with immense success in the recording industry: Stevie Wonder, Rod Stewart, Dolly Parton, Diana Ross, Neil Diamond, Andrew Lloyd Weber, Smokie Robinson, Billy Joel, Maria Carey, Slash, Usher…

Even the contemporary mentors like Gwen Stefani, Jennifer Lopez or Miley have sold a lot more than any idol contestant..

I can’t argue this but how many under the age of 20 or 25 know who (or are fans of their music) these folks are with the exception of Miley, Usher… maybe Gwen? I think they are throwing stuff against the wall at this point to wake up the audience & make the show more relevant. (?) IDK at this point. Maybe there will be more idols to come?

Reminder:

The bitching and complaining about fellow posters opinions? Will get you banned. Watch for it.

I agree- if they really cared about album sales- they wouldn’t have yanked all the performances off of youtube, thus thwarting any chance of them getting to be viral enough to generate real buzz, a-la SuBo, which translated into millions in album sales… it’s all for show-

Now, see, I think they yanked the recordings because they are *stupid* about new media.

I work for a media company and, uh, let’s just say that the old media is pretty much universally *very* *stupid* about new media.

They’re looking for money by having Adam on the show. And, yeah, some of that money is from eyeballs and ad dollars for AI, but I’m sure that potentially selling some more of his music is also on their “plus” list.

This kind of coverage illustrates why they wanted Adam!! http://edition.cnn.com/SHOWBIZ/
half a minute ago via web

Darn, I wanted him to do an upbeat, sexy song. But yea family friendly WWFM fits the bill.

I’m just waiting for the next few weeks announcements, when AI informs us that the upcoming mentors are: David Cook, Kris Allen, David Archuletta, Fantasia, Ruben, Clay Aiken and Taylor Hicks.

he Kris Ford ads are adorable, but even though that’s the case, I think they push them a *lot.*

they are working, my husband finally remembers his name.

Carrie showing up a mentor would have generated more interest than the stunt casting of Adam. She’s actually a big star who’s sold millions of albums. However, Adam does get the blog world excited.
To most of the Idol audience being a mentor is a sign that someone is a success.

So I think 19R is hoping that Adam as mentor brings him closer to actually being a big success. I think that’s a big part of it also.

Holy Crap. The world is coming to an end. You know S9 must be bad when they bring somebody who hasn’t been out for a year since the season ended to mentor.

I just want to know if the whole band is playing with him. I want to see Tommy on the Idol stage ;) That boy is cute!

I must say I have missed Tommy too. I am sure the whole band will be with him for the performance. The whole band must be stoked to perform on a show like AI.

Jay Leno, Ellen Degeneres and The View all stated that they had enormous viewer increases when Adam appeared, as did the morning shows. No doubt in my mind Idol is using this to increase viewership and Adam has accepted this gig to increase his exposure. It’s business…good business.

However, Adam does get the blog world excited.
To most of the rest who don’t really follow Idol, being a mentor is a sign that someone is a success.

I actually think the rest of the world has no idea who the mentor will be until they show up on TV that night. This is only a controversy here, and other places like it. I don’t think the rest of the world gives a shit.

I hope he goes Acoustic. Just after the VH1 airing, it’s the perfect time.

Generating discussion (a lot of it in objection) doesn’t translate to bringing in viewers. As has been pointed out there’s no evidence of Adam being able to bring in viewers.

They’ve tried a lot of other stuff, though. So now they’re trying this. I’m sure they want to have Carrie on when she’s available, too, since, as you say, they know that she *does* bring in viewers, for some stuff, at any rate. But they’ve tried the hot top 40 people and it hasn’t quite worked. Having Kris and David C doesn’t seem to have helped much. So another thing to try would be having somebody very controversial and polarizing on, and featuring him heavily. ….. Obviously they have not found *any* formula that’s really working, so I don’t know why we’re surprised that they’re trying something that they haven’t tried yet.

Adam = must pimp our investement and prevent our judges looking like utter and complete morons for their OTT pronouncements last year. It’s that simple. IMO, naturally.

They failed miserably with Ruben and Fantasia then. The judges picked them as favorites from the 1st show and they stayed on the “pimp train” until the final. Neither of them performed as expected. That was when idol was new and the viewing public wasn’t burned out on idols. Ruben or Fantasia didn’t have the success that Kelly, Carrie or Daughtry had.
Archie was the golden boy from the 1st time he sang Imagine during Hollywood week. He didn’t win his season. Cook did receive favorable critics, but IMO they wanted Archie to win. Neither Cook nor Archie had anywhere near the success that Kelly, Carrie, or Daughtry had. Why aren’t they “pimping them” to make themselves look better?
The judges look like morons all the time. They claimed that Katie was the front runner this season. Simon said Paige had the best vocals of any of the girls this season. Simon never wanted Cook or Daughtry on the show in the first place.
It just doesn’t make sense that TPTB would ask Adam to come back and mentor to “save face” for the judges. Paula isn’t even there anymore (and she was Adam’s biggest supporter) and Simon is leaving them and the show is trying to diminish his role this year. Would TPTB really care if Simon looked bad? I would think that would be exactly what they are hoping for.
All the past winners and runners-up have been investments. Why wouldn’t they be asking those who didn’t perform like Kelly, Carrie or Daughtry to come back and mentor? There are more contestants signed with 19R that have under-performed than those who have sold like these three idol contestants.

The Kris Ford ads are adorable, but even though that’s the case, I think they push them a *lot.*

they are working, my husband finally remembers his name.

Okay, now there’s a piece of undeniably good news! (… I’m sure someone will come along in a minute to deny that it’s good news … but for the moment, Yeah!)

Carrie is on for IGB so they are “using” her there…

carolinacharms:
04/06/2010 at 4:33 pm

First Hannah Montana, and now this! Wow. A longtime Idol fan here, so please bear with me. I mean no disrespect to Adam, but even the wildest of Lambert fans have got to admit that his presence as Idol “mentor” signals a lowering of the bar for that position re: industry experience, song catalogue, name-recognition, prestige, career longevity and overall success.

Looks like Fuller has finally run out of names in his rolodex of stars.

This is exactly what Simon Fuller wanted, mention Adam Lambert and the blogasphere and Twitter explodes. They want ratings above all else at this point with DWTS breathing down their necks. Also Adam has had 10 solid years of vocal training and stage work. If you watch one of the AI 8 group interviews the contestants said Adam was the “camp counselor” the one they went to to talk about the upcoming week, songs, etc. If I can find it I will post it later.

Jay Leno, Ellen Degeneres and The View all stated that they had enormous viewer increases when Adam appeared, as did the morning shows. No doubt in my mind Idol is using this to increase viewership and Adam has accepted this gig to increase his exposure. It’s business…good business.

ETA: Forgot to quote that ^^^^

Chelsea Lately too, but The Morning Show did not because he was switched to their show at the last minute.

Awwwwww! He is thinking of the children! I just luv him!

Haha, right, he’s thinking of nipping controversy in the bud before people even start with the conjecture.

Okay, now there’s a piece of undeniably good news! (… I’m sure someone will come along in a minute to deny that it’s good news … but for the moment, Yeah!)

It’s good news any way you cut it. That advertising campaign is win/win for both Kris and Ford.

suz526:
04/06/2010 at 4:32 pm
Mentor: teacher, trainer, trusted advisor, supporter, guide

Just because someone is successful, doesn’t necessarily make him/her a good teacher/mentor. From a sports perspective, how many star players transition to coaching? I think both require skill and talent – just different kinds (and some people do have both).

Using that same sports analogy, why would you ask the pee wee level coach to do the job, when there are major league coaches readily available?

@perezhilton: @adamlambert My family loves crotch-grabbing and man-on-man action. Now that’s entertainment!

I’ve wanted them to bring back a former Idol as a mentor for a long time. I’m disappointed they chose Adam to be the first given that honor. It seems to me to be a blatant ratings ploy and I’m sure they will get the boost they’re looking for. This season is appearing to be more and more desperate.

Ok, somebody just tweeted him he should perform Pants on the Ground with Kris. That’s funny stuff.

Is there an over/under on when this thread will reach 1000 posts…? I say 7pm EST… :)

yeay, go Adam!!!!! he will be great :)
can’t wait :) Oh, I love all the buzz and discussions, it’s so much fun!!!!!

The Kris Ford ads are adorable, but even though that’s the case, I think they push them a *lot.*

It’s only good news if 1) you know who Kris is and/or 2) you don’t use some device to record AI and then skip through all the commercials. Unfortunately for Kris, I doubt his Ford ads are really giving his career a boost.

Using that same sports analogy, why would you ask the pee wee level coach to do the job, when there are major league coaches readily available?

Because the Pee Wee Coach shouts, throws his hat down, yells at the umpires, kicks dirt and is basically more entertaining to watch! It is TV.

Adam has a good amount of experience performing since he was in musical theater for such a long time. He is also very well spoken, has a good sense of humor and seems to be pretty down to earth for such a flamboyant performer.

Even though I don’t prefer Adam’s style of singing/performing, he’s much less creepy than Andrew Lloyd Webber who I honestly couldn’t stand at all – he was pompous and crude – and they kept bringing him back during S7!

The mentoring sessions are all taped and edited, so IDOL won’t have to worry about unpleasant surprises from Adam even though I think he will take this job very seriously and be on his best behavior.

I think Kris will be happy for him and get a kick out of watching the show with Adam mentoring. I’m not sure about other IDOLs, but if the point is to generate a controversy, which then increases ratings, they have certainly done that!

Even the contemporary mentors like Gwen Stefani, Jennifer Lopez or Miley have sold a lot more than any idol contestant..

The only two who that I remember that don’t have huge success as recording artists are Quentin Tarantin and Andrew Lloyd Webber but it was for very specific themes and they are among the most respected personalities in their field.

But the fact that the producers would choose these mentors, to me, says that the choice is not just about being an icon in the music industry.
I agree that it’s a great opportunity for Adam, I just don’t see it as a reflection on any of the other Idols one way or the other. Look at the buzz it’s creating on this board and others – I think the producers made a choice they thought would be good for their ratings.

If only the # of comments on a blog translated into real success. They don’t. Carrie’s album is still in the Top 20s on the BB charts and I doubt she gets many comments.

And all the hype about Adam (especially after the AMA fiasco) hasn’t done all that much either. His album is still stuggling to match last year’s runner up in sales. It may not even with this big opportunity on Idol. That’s the real bottom line for Idol sadly.

why would you ask the pee wee level coach to do the job,

Maybe they think this year’s contestants are Pee Wee level.

I want to know the theme!

JMHO, I think Idol is testing the waters by using Adam as a mentor and this is a lot to dump on his shoulders but he will do just fine. I think,as another poster mentioned, past mentors have been artist that the contestants couldn’t relate to because their music was popular before these contestants were even born, BUT, to use contestants from previous years makes alot of sense, they can offer them the benefit of their being a contestant and what to expect on the idol tour. I think the reason Adam was chosen was because in S8 he was known as the contestant that helped other S8 contestants. JMHO, KEEP AN OPEN MIND AND ENJOY THE SHOW.

Well waddayou know, it’s true! No matter how you feel about Adam, you have to admit there is buzz surrounding him where ever he goes.

I know non-AI people who know who he is and are interested enough to check out his appearances. They pretty much don’t know who any of the successful idols are, or don’t realize Kelly, Carie and Daughtry came from AI.

The comment that AI is doing this to up viership is ludicrous. I don’t care if some huge star was next weeks mentor, I doubt if the viewership would increase any significant amount.After all, why would anyone sit through this years AI just to see their favorite star unless there are a regular AI watcher. With the advent of YouTube there is no reason to sit through that show.

Adam mentoring can help them with their vocals – he’s had vocal training, their stage presence – he’s done theater for years, and the AI experience – that’s obvious. He can also give them advice on what and what not to do on tv. :D :P

Maybe they think this year’s contestants are Pee Wee level.

They ARE Pee Wee level, the whole lot of them.

Jay Leno, Ellen Degeneres and The View all stated that they had enormous viewer increases when Adam appeared, as did the morning shows. No doubt in my mind Idol is using this to increase viewership and Adam has accepted this gig to increase his exposure. It’s business…good business.

Interesting. I always thought that new artists appear on talk shows to promote themselves to the built-in viewers, more than they are able to draw in new viewers. Sure, they will often draw in their fanbase to watch as well, but the main goal for newbies is to expose non-fans to the new artist and music. If Adam’s effect is more like that of an established artist, whose appearance actually draws in new viewers to these shows, then how come his album sales aren’t on par with those of said established artists? Are these hundreds of thousands (I’m just guessing that measurable, or “enormous” viewer increases of these big shows would number in the hundreds of thousands) of new viewers for these shows just not album buyers? Just pondering. I’ve never really thought too deeply about this, since I didn’t know Adam’s TV appearances were such a ratings boost.

It may or may not make even with this big opportunity on Idol That’s the real bottom line for Idol sadly.

Well, as with Kris’s Ford commercials and David C’s singing a Stones song, I don’t think the mentoring is going to help him out with sales at all. I think they all have been asked to do things *mainly* in hopes of helping Ford or help AI gain back some possibly lost viewers from other seasons. …

But when he performs a song, that song will probably get a bit of a boost, and, given that Adam’s sales have tended to be a little more album-heavy than Kris’s possibly a wee bit of a boost for the album as well. …

That *is* the bottom line. But I’m sure he and Kris will at least get second albums, so nobody in the business can really hope for more than that these days, as far as I can see.

Maybe they think this year’s contestants are Pee Wee level.

lol

Is there any doubt?

jericho. I don’t think Kris is complaining about his Ford ads. His bank book isn’t complaining either.

This is going to be good for the show. Look how many people are commenting on this, even if it means just a few more fans for Crystal or Mike or Lee I think it is great news. People know I am not a huge Adam fan, but he played the AI game very well and I look forward to his advice.

The comment that AI is doing this to up viership is ludicrous.

I don’t think so. I think they pretty much do every single thing they do in the hopes that it will up viewership. ON what other basis would they make *any* choices?

And, at this point, they’ve tried — repeatedly — the have-people-on-the-show-who-are-hot-hot-hot-on-radio-with-new-albums-out, and *that* hasn’t helped viewership. So now I figure they’ll be trying some different stuff … Like, let’s see if a controversial past contestant can at least win back some old Idol fans who either love or hate the guy.

Where’s Q3? Is this is the big WWFM push we talked about yesterday? I guess so.

@adamlambert – Don’t worry America: I will be beyond family friendly. Relax and enjoy. For Your Entertainment. 27 minutes ago via Echofon

He can also give them advice on what and what not to do on tv. :D :P

Heh, so true! :grin:

HannaB4:
04/06/2010 at 4:49 pm
Jay Leno, Ellen Degeneres and The View all stated that they had enormous viewer increases when Adam appeared, as did the morning shows. No doubt in my mind Idol is using this to increase viewership and Adam has accepted this gig to increase his exposure. It’s business…good business

Well, it will be interesting to see. I don’t recall seeing anything to back that up, but MJ does post the rating for AI each week, so we’ll certainly find out.

But the fact that the producers would choose these mentors, to me, says that the choice is not just about being an icon in the music industry.

But they were still icons. Or at least really really successful in their fields. I think that is the point.

Whether he has theater experience or is a nice guy is a completely different argument. He very well may be good at mentoring. I think he will be myself.

But this does represent a huge break from the way this show has sold mentors in the past. It just does. They were all experienced, highly successful people. They are introduced with these packages that tout all these impressive achievements. That is how it has been sold to the audience for years.

So if Adam is the first to break from that, and the first Idol, there needs to be some way to re-articulate the mentor idea to the audience so that the contrast isn’t jarring. Which is why I’m starting to think that’s exactly what they will do. It will be interesting to see just how they rework this.

I wonder how they’ll justify Adam……PLATINUM SELLING (in Canada)….
Superstar (in Canada)…..I’m laffing just thinking about it. WWFM hasn’t even broken into the Top 10 on Top 40 yet. How the definition of success has changed.

I’m sure that Adam is glad to entertain you.

But let’s make that Double Platinum in Canada…

A few numbers…

FYE [album]
US – Gold 500,000 units: January 2010
Canada – Gold 40,000 units: January 2010, Platinum 80,000 units: March 2010
Singapore – Gold 6,000 units: March 2010
New Zealand – Gold 7,500 units: March 2010

WWFM Single:
US – sales through 4/4/10 are over 800,000 tracking to be platinum in 3 weeks
Canada – Double Platinum 80,000 units: March 2010
Top 10 in at least 6 countries. In top 10 radio and video countdowns all over the world – Poland, Philappines, Bulgaria, US, Canada, Mexico, Peru, etc.

FYE Single
Canada – Platinum 40,000 units: March 2010
New Zealand – Gold 7,500 units: March 2010
#1 Billboard Hot 100 airplay, Top 10 in 6 other countries on sales charts.

We’ll know how Adam does in Europe when they release his album in the UK, Germany etc. but WWFM is charting in a number of EU countries.

Earlier in the year [and in a 2008 blog] MJ commented that Elliot hitting #3 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 was a really big deal. Adam is now #1 on that chart. We will not know the Japan sales numbers until certification because there is no consolidated sales chart for Japan. But count on FYE single and album to both be certified in Japan.

And what is the exact importance of the position on the MediaBase Pop spin chart relative to mentoring Idol — or anything else? To measure relative airplay it makes more sense to use the Billboard Radio Airplay Chart — which is based on audience, not spins, and a broader array of genres. And Adam is currently at #20 on that chart vs. #13 on MediaBase Pop Chart. But #20 is not bad.

THIS is why they chose Adam Lambert. They don’t have to spend one red penny to advertise on T.V. Adam tweets and the free advertisement for American Idol begins. It is all about money.

http://edition.cnn.com/SHOWBIZ/
http://edition.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/TV/04/06/adam.lambert.american.idol.ew/index.html

I guess there could be an increase in ratings…keeping in mind the point and laugh factor.

Well, it will be interesting to see. I don’t recall seeing anything to back that up, but MJ does post the rating for AI each week, so we’ll certainly find out.

I’ve never seen any evidence that Adam is a huge ratings draw either. ButI guess, nothing happens in a vacuum. People cut deals to appear on tv. The artist’s management hopes the exposure helps them sell records. The TV producers hope the artists they book help bring in viewers. It’s not an either or.

Carrie is 19′s Golden Girl. I think she’s been back on this show in more ways than any previous contestant. If she wanted to mentor, I believe wholeheartedly that she would be their first choice.

Anoop Desai was the first idol I’ve heard who referred to the mentoring sessions as photo ops, that’s what they are for both the mentor and the contestants. This is another way for 19 to promote Adam, and get publicity for him and the show. Considering that they are both his label and management, there’s nothing wrong with that, even though it is a little annoying considering that Adam’s resume pales in comparison to the resumes of other idol alums, even at the same point in their careers. I think it’s funny that they paint him as the breakout star of the series, but his numbers, just like Kris’, aren’t close to most of the second and first place finishers that came before him. Jordin’s numbers have been trashed for years, but coming into the new year, Adam was putting up numbers that were close to hers, but since then I think he’s fallen off the pace. How can 19 even put on the act that Adam has come close to achieving what Daughtry did in the four months after his album was released.

I wonder if they will ask Adam to tour with S9 this year too…I mean just to increase tour attendance. He probably won’t be able to since he is headlining his own tour but AI will probably want him. J/K but I did see those theories on the net! LOL

But this does represent a huge break from the way this show has sold mentors in the past. It just does. They were all experienced, highly successful people. They are introduced with these packages that tout all these impressive achievements. That is how it has been sold to the audience for years.

So if Adam is the first to break from that, and the first Idol, there needs to be some way to re-articulate the mentor idea to the audience so that the contrast isn’t jarring. Which is why I’m starting to think that’s exactly what they will do. It will be interesting to see just how they rework this.

I have no doubt that is what they will do. I am sure that Adam will get a nice intro package, but Ryan will also say that this year they decided to to something different — they thought it would be good if the contestants could hear from someone who only a year ago stood in their shoes and made it all the way to the finale/someone who can understand the pressures they feel, and what it is like to stand on the idol stage while 20 million plus people watch you and the judges criticize you etc. etc. They are not going to spin/promote this appearance in the same way as other mentors.

The show’s producers know that emergency action is needed to save AI9. After losing 5 million viewers in the past two weeks, urgent and drastic action is necessary. They need someone who has lots of personality, great singing ability, proven TV ratings firepower, and controversy. Adam Lambert meets those requirements, and nobody meets them quite like Adam.

Adam was camp counselor last year, so he even has experience at mentoring idol contestants!

And I think we have Simon’s replacement next season while we’re at it!

Plain and simple, Adam is being brought in to save American Idol, like Cincinnatus was brought in to save the Roman Empire.

What is Heaven in London?

http://pure.hmv.com/experience-the-music/Exclusive-pair-of-gig-tickets-Adam-Lambert-26042010/invt/m091001925

I’m not a huge AL fan, and it seems a bit odd for a relatively new artist to be considered a mentor… I will say that Adam had a gift for song selection, and if he can improve this season’s crop in that area I’ll kiss his glittered behind!

I guess there could be an increase in ratings…keeping in mind the point and laugh factor.

If that’s the case, they don’t need mentors. They already have the top 9.

Heh! High five!

Q3, not disrespect intended, but you know all that is beside the point, right? I think the point of the original post was that compared to the achievements of past mentors, Adam doesn’t have the same level of success to boast. Nothing you posted changes that. He’s a new guy making good strides, but he’s not a huge superstar yet. You’re kind of making the point for the OP. LOL

I am sure that Adam will get a nice intro package, but Ryan will also say that this year they decided to to something different — they thought it would be good if the contestants could hear from someone who only a year ago stood in their shoes and made it all the way to the finale/someone who can understand the pressures they feel, and what it is like to stand on the idol stage while 20 million plus people watch you and the judges criticize you etc. etc. They are not going to spin/promote this appearance in the same way as other mentors.

I think that will work fine, actually. Take care of that little detail and its all good.

Plain and simple, Adam is being brought in to save American Idol, like Cincinnatus was brought in to save the Roman Empire.

And this, my friends, is why we need a “negro, please” smiley. LOL

I think I’ll have to DVR next week because I don’t think I can stomach watching him for two hours.

I don’t think the rating will change much, but if they do, good for Adam and Idol!

No, he doesn’t have Daughty accomplishments but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have any insight into the game of Idol. If that’s the way they want to spin the episode, he’s fine for the job.

Maybe Adam and Crystal can duet on Hellbent, they seem to lean the same way politically.

What song is Adam doing? Because WWFM has lost its bullet on Top 40 and it makes no sense to do it on the show.But it does make sense to launch the new single (with the new video) and try to get that higher up the charts than #13 which is where it looks like WWFM peaked in the US.

@adamlambert

Even though I’m just at the start of my recording career, I hope to lend some insight as one who’s been thru the Idol adventure. excited!! 44 minutes ago via Echofon

I am thrilled that Adam will be on AI two nights next week. I miss not seeing him on TV much.

Q3, not disrespect intended, but you know all that is beside the point, right? I think the point of the original post was that compared to the achievements of past mentors, Adam doesn’t have the same level of success to boast. Nothing you posted changes that. He’s a new guy making good strides, but he’s not a huge superstar yet. You’re kind of making the point for the OP. LOL

i agree

I guess there could be an increase in ratings…keeping in mind the point and laugh factor.

I do this every week, I will have ample more reason to do so next week.

He can also give them advice on what and what not to do on tv.

I’ve got to agree with that! lol He certainly can tell them what NOT to do on TV.

After losing 5 million viewers in the past two weeks,

I don’t think your numbers are right.

Plain and simple, Adam is being brought in to save American Idol, like Cincinnatus was brought in to save the Roman Empire.

Yay Crazy hyperbole lol!I do think that may be the first time and last that Adam is ever compared to Cincinnatus.

And I think we have Simon’s replacement next season while we’re at it!

Plain and simple, Adam is being brought in to save American Idol, like Cincinnatus was brought in to save the Roman Empire.

Tongue firmly planted in cheek? It’s hard to tell sometimes on a blog. I just want to make sure I read your post with the proper interpretation.

Even though I don’t prefer Adam’s style of singing/performing, he’s much less creepy than Andrew Lloyd Webber who I honestly couldn’t stand at all – he was pompous and crude – and they kept bringing him back during S7!

But dude, when he practically propositioned Cook during the mentoring session? Now that was entertaining and funny as shit!

Maybe Adam and Crystal can duet on Hellbent, they seem to lean the same way politically.

I think you are confusing Adam with his brother Neil, Neil is the political one not Adam.

What song is Adam doing? Because WWFM has lost its bullet on Top 40 and it makes no sense to do it on the show.But it does make sense to launch the new single (with the new video) and try to get that higher up the charts than #13 which is where it looks like WWFM peaked in the US.

The video isn’t being shot until the 16th. I think #13 is it for Pop, HAC will climb a little longer, but I agree WWFM on Idol is a couple of weeks too late.

However people will purchase a single they’ve heard before so maybe IIHY isn’t the best idea until it has airplay. (If it gets airplay)

I try to not be offended about you idol sucks, so this time I’m not even going o try to read to this thread

THIS IS THE BEST THING SINCE FYE WAS RELEASED
IM LIKE LEGIT CRYING RIGHT NOW!!! THIS IS LIKE MY DREAM CONE TRUE!!!!!!!! I NEVER THOUGHT THIS WOULD HAPPEN,THIS IS THE BEST SEASON EVER!!! For all you “people” (yes, that needs to be in quotes, because I’m felling stanny.Don’t worry though I still love you all) saying he’s a bad mentor,shut the f$&k up! Haha j/k :) I really think he’s a good choice becuz he’s CURRENT!!!!

ANYWAY I AM FREAKING THE SHIT OUT IM DHAKING WHILE TYPING THIS WHAT A DREAM COME TRUE OMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AND I THINK THE ADAMS TOO GOOD FOR IDOL CRAP IS BS I LOVE HIM ON IDOL OMAAAA IM GONNA COUNT DOWN THE DAYS DID I MENTION THIS IS A DREAM COME TRUE .(if anyone’s still reading this,excuse me becuz I’m gonna flail…or actually I’m only gonna squee a little to save mj the work of deleting it later :) but I’m exploding inside)
SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEFLAILFLAILFLAILFLAILSQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

WOW THIS IS SO AWESOME IM SO DAMN HAPPYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

After losing 5 million viewers in the past two weeks, urgent and drastic action is necessary.

Ok now, I am very happy for Adam to get this opportunity but this is sure putting a lot on his shoulders. I don’t believe for a minute that Adam is going to “save” Idol. This is more for Adam’s and hopefully the contestants benefit not AI. AI may have lost viewers but it is still HUUUUUGE. These kind of expectations are not realistic. If that were the case wouldn’t the ratings have gone through the roof when Carrie, Cook and all those big, established stars like Usher, Miley, etc. performed? Expecting Adam to be this huge ratings booster for a show that is already hella big when these other stars didn’t do it is ridiculous and very unfair to Adam. I am just going to do what Adam suggested, “relax and enjoy”.

Plain and simple, Adam is being brought in to save American Idol, like Cincinnatus was brought in to save the Roman Empire.

Adam is going to save the top rated show on TV, that’s seeing the same type of viewer erosion as every other show, yet still maintains its top position, and which is the show that is single handedly helping Fox to win the key demo crown. This has nothing to do with seeing Adam’s album sales fall to 8,000 the past two weeks, or trying to maintain the image that he is an established star.

I have mixed feelings about this “mentoring” – I love Adam and look forward to actually paying attention to the shows next week, but always feel protective (as I did after the AMA’s) of any criticism coming his way.

I’m sure TPTB have their (good) reasons for asking, and he has his (good) reasons for accepting, but feels like so much pressure to perform for Adam. He has been asked to do so many different things – I hope he’s up to the challenge.

I don’t really understand the viewpoint that one must be a “superstar” already or have sold better than Jordin, Cook, Daughtry or whoever in order to be asked to help the contestants. I don’t think there have ever been any “rules” for Idol mentors, have there? Also, it seems like they are choosing a little differently this year, more contemporary, and now more of a beginner type (in the same boat as they are as it were) – so no precedents for this.

My lord, I can’t get over the number of comments on this already. I hope MJ has separate threads next week. I don’t envy her.

I liked Adam’s tweets. He knows he’s new, even if the fans forget sometimes. I also like how everyone is now reporting on it. As I said earlier, the show is getting what it wanted…BUZZ

OMG luv, you just killed my eyes. :)

I don’t think it’s the Adam fans proclaiming the rating will double and he’s the savior of the season. (ok except luv)

What song is Adam doing? Because WWFM has lost its bullet on Top 40 and it makes no sense to do it on the show.But it does make sense to launch the new single (with the new video) and try to get that higher up the charts than #13 which is where it looks like WWFM peaked in the US.

The show is only next week. I think WWFM still has some life in it. Maybe they are going save the new single for him to perform on another AI? Finale?

Poor Adam!! Not only does he have to sing his song well…. he has to save Idol. Ha! Nothing is going to save Idol, I think. Adam is temporary life-support, at best!

Just Wow, I’m curious as how Adam is even qualified to mentor since he has less than stellar sales and short term experience in the music biz. It just astounds me that this is happening. Why not an actual AI winner to mentor since they actually, you know, won on the show?

But whatever. As long as he doesn’t talk anyone into wearing a codpiece I guess everything will seem ok.

Aww, Adam’s dad said tweeted he just heard WWFM for the first time on the radio, in a deli.

I think they’re just paving the way for Subo to mentor the following week .. it’s the reality show runner up thing

The theme will be songs about Cats

ie

What’s New Pussycat
Eye of the Tiger
Tiger Feet
Cool For Cats
Lovecats
The Lion Sleeps Tonight
Everybody Wants To Be A Cat
I Tawt I Taw A Puddy Cat (especially for Tim that one)
Honky Cat
Stray Cat Strut

But whatever. As long as he doesn’t talk anyone into wearing a codpiece I guess everything will seem ok.

Haha! Gee, I was kinda hoping.

I liked earlier speculation of Adam mentoring country week. He could teach them about turning weaknesses into strengths. Really though it just gives me a glimmer of hope of Crystal singing Miranda Lambert’s “Dead Flowers”.

Uh what?

I love Adam, but it’s too soon for him, and he’s not successful enough, imho for the honor –yet (hopefully). Kelly or even David Cook, would be better choices. Besides being pretty successful, both were really good their respective seasons and grew during their and created ‘watercooler moments’ while doing so. All of which is what is needed for this season’s contestants, plus they have been more successful after AI than Adam has.

Adam suffered from the same things I wouldn’t think the otherwise better choices of Carrie and Daughtry, which is not having the growth arc America loves, and again, which this group NEEDS desperately.

Oh show, you are being so silly.

Bobbi:
04/06/2010 at 4:55 pm
I’ve wanted them to bring back a former Idol as a mentor for a long time. I’m disappointed they chose Adam to be the first given that honor. It seems to me to be a blatant ratings ploy and I’m sure they will get the boost they’re looking for. This season is appearing to be more and more desperate.

I had thought Kelly Clarkson would be the Idol to be the first mentor. After all, she is a winner! I guess us ‘old’ people won’t be getting a mentor who is a geniune legend. You know, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, winner of numerous Grammies; and several #1 songs.

I wasn’t a super fan of Kris or of Adam, but this seems so unfair. Now, this may be a great intro to Glee at 9:38 PM, but it’s a lousy thing for Idol.

Who is tonights mentor?

I love Adam’s comment about being “beyond” family friendly. Right now I am totally “beyond” ecstatic for him. I can see him being very positive, yet honest, with the contestants. I have no doubt he will shine!! :)

I liked earlier speculation of Adam mentoring country week. He could teach them about turning weaknesses into strengths. Really though it just gives me a glimmer of hope of Crystal singing Miranda Lambert’s “Dead Flowers”.

You know what? Anything could justify Crystal singing “Dead Flowers”. Bring on country week!

I would hate Kelly to mentor
Haha,sr4mjc,I should have added a warning.Oops :D

I’m so excited Glee is back too!

Nice to see the UK press retweeting the news that Adam is to be a mentor .. can’t do him any harm with the single and album due to be released here very soon

Dan Wooton has been very supportive of Adam to far and has a fairly large and active twitter following

http://twitter.com/danwootton/status/11719871847

As long as he doesn’t talk anyone into wearing a codpiece I guess everything will seem ok.

I am so hoping to see Siobhan in a codpiece!

AI Management needs to drastically address the downward slope in the TV viewership chart ERGO=ADAM RAH RAH OH LAH LAH RAH RAH

Who is tonights mentor?

I don’t think there is one.

What on earth can he mentor on?
How to get max exposure but not be able to push CDs out the door?
How to embarass yourself on your first major network appearence in front of the entire music industry?
I guess he could mentor David Cook on how to get 19 to distribute your singles?
Or he could give the ladies advice on the smokey eye techinque. I always had difficulty with that.
I guess it will be Dancing with the Stars for me next week.

I am so excited that Adam has been selected to mentor the contestants and I think he is the best choice. His run on the idol stage has been the most talked about (positively) since Idol’s inception. He has been commended by the music industry for his song choices, his performances, his fashion, his stage presence, and for being true to his artistry. Putting all the hype aside, what do these contestant’s need — someone like Adam to give them guidance to improve their performance. Idol is coming down to the wire and I have never seen an idol season where it is taking every effort for me to watch.

There have been some seasoned performers who have mentored on Idol, but who provided the contestants with little or no guidance on their vocals or performance. Being a successful/seasoned performer does not always mean that a person will be a good mentor/teacher. Many of the seasoned artists who have been on the show have said that if they had to do what these contestants are doing, they would not have made it in the music industry.

Adam was one of the most successful contestants on the Idol stage and I believe he will take the mentoring task very seriously. He was always there to help his fellow contestants in Season 8. He also has excellent communication skills so I think he will make the contestants feel comfortable. Hopefully, they will listen and apply any critique he gives to improve their performances and turn this season around. Either way, I am looking forward to seeing Adam mentor and espeically to watch his performance.

Like “So You Think You Can Dance” sometimes changes are needed to give a show new appeal and keep it entertaining, which Idol has not yet been this season.

bessiedim: RAH RAH RAH RAH RAH right back at you :D
Truthiness: Adam suffered from the same things I wouldn’t think the otherwise better choices of Carrie and Daughtry, which is not having the growth arc America loves, and again, which this group NEEDS desperately.
I think that he was just consistently so good that there was no growth for him, like Ricky Minor said: every week Adam was just great, great, great…. but that’s not his fault, right? I bet all of this season’s contestants would kiss his glittery butt to be half as good as he was :D

Who knows next weeks theme might be Glam rock week. That would be awesome.

I think that he was just consistently so good that there was no growth for him, like Ricky Minor said: every week Adam was just great, great, great…. but that’s not his fault, right? I bet all of this season’s contestants would kiss kiss glittery butt to be half as good as he was :D

I think Crystal is consistently great.

I love Adam, but it’s too soon for him, and he’s not successful enough, imho for the honor –yet (hopefully). Kelly or even David Cook, would be better choices. Besides being pretty successful, both were really good their respective seasons and grew during their and created ‘watercooler moments’ while doing so. All of which is what is needed for this season’s contestants, plus they have been more successful after AI than Adam has.

Even Adam himself has made it clear that he is mentoring based on his AI experience. No one worked the show and stage like Adam. He is not mentoring based on super stardom. They are trying something different next week.

Earlier in the year [and in a 2008 blog] MJ commented that Elliot hitting #3 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 was a really big deal. Adam is now #1 on that chart.

And you said the chart was meaningless–that only some Japanese-language chart you dug up had any true significance, thereby diminishing Elliott’s accomplishment.

I hope you tweeted Adam to let him know the Billboard chart was trash when he tweeted excitedly about appearing on it. Set the boy straight! So to speak. LOL.

I am so hoping to see Siobhan in a codpiece!

lol .. my vote for the codpiece wearer would be Casey but there again I’m very shallow

As long as Big Mike doesn’t come out in spandex pants and a bondage top I’m happy

gangreen29: I totally agree that Crystal is great, and yet even MJ says that it might be to her disadvantage to be an early runner :(
Like Truthiness said: people like watching contestants grow and they tend to root for an underdog, so what can the great singers/performers do? pretend they are not so good in the beginning and “hustle”? I don’t know…..

I hope Adam remarks his territory ( the stairs) so Siobahn and Ryan stay off of them. Really. How dare they. And he better teach Siobahn how to scream. maybe they can bring Gokey in as a kind of counterpoint.

There’s a lot of buzz about this inside the AI bubble. Outside the AI bubble? Probably not so much

dhunken:

“Oh and just a point what the hell does mentoring get the person anyway. Its not some prestigious award or even a honor in the music business. All this angst over “Not my idol not your idol either” in less then a week it would have been forgotten except everyone who is going to make more out of this then need be. He has more then enough experience to help these idols. I will be watching and happy for all involved.”

ITA. Yes, Adam also gets the benefit of performing his current single (as many other AI contestants have and will continue to have in the future), but I really think that his theatre and live performance background will be very beneficial to this year’s group of contestants. I’m very happy and excited for Adam. Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy :)

karenw

As long as Big Mike doesn’t come out in spandex pants and a bondage top I’m happy
Karenw, lolololol, imagine the size of codpiece Big Mike would have to wear???? But I agree that it would look great on Casey ;)

I think Adam is going to take this very seriously. It doesn’t matter if we think he’s qualified or not, he was asked and he’ll do his best. He had a good run on the show, there’s no reason for all the hate. We don’t know who the next weeks will bring, it could start with Adam next week, then Kelly and Daughtry and Carrie and Cook until the end of the show. And that would make for a great season.

There’s a lot of buzz about this inside the AI bubble. Outside the AI bubble? Probably not so much

Yes. Which means that they’re probably trying to use this in particular to retain viewers. In the long run, though, it’s not gonna happen.

1. Idol doesn’t make sense
2. Mentors are whoever tptb say they are
3. Maybe they wanted Cook, but could only get Lambert
4. Maybe Lambert was the only one who would take the job
5. Maybe it’s just good old fashioned programming?

Anyway I would rather see Adam than half of the other mentors that have no connection with the show. For better or worse Adam is the epitome of what this show is about. I am so glad this is a show night otherwise I am sure that this thread will have 1000 comments that I don’t really have the time to read.

Studio 57:

“I hope Adam remarks his territory ( the stairs) so Siobahn and Ryan stay off of them.”

Absolutely. (And tell Katie to stay the hell away from “Feelin’ Good” – that song’s sacred!)

Uh what?

I love Adam, but it’s too soon for him, and he’s not successful enough, imho for the honor –yet (hopefully). Kelly or even David Cook, would be better choices. Besides being pretty successful, both were really good their respective seasons and grew during their and created ‘watercooler moments’ while doing so. All of which is what is needed for this season’s contestants, plus they have been more successful after AI than Adam has.

See — other than the fact that I’m thrilled Adam will have this opportunity to shine in front of literally millions, the other thing I love about this decision is that he WASN’T his season’s winner and he ISN’T yet the greatest star out there in the music world. Only one of these kids will be THE WINNER and most of the others who establish careers beyond Idol will have to work very hard to overcome the “Idol stigma.” I like that for one week they’ll have someone they might be able to relate to a little bit. He’ll go in and assure them that through hard work, they can have some kind of career in the business. Adam, himself, says he never thought he’d be the winner. He looked at things from gig to gig and saw getting into the top 10 touring group as getting a summer job. Sorry to say, but after watching this season, I think these kids could use a little encouragement because I really don’t think any of them is going to go off and be this huge “star” — not right off the show, anyway. There will be a winner, but a winner does not necessarily a star make. I just don’t see how it’s bad for them to have, among many mentors throughout the season, someone who is thought of as very talented but still in the process of trying to make it. It seems like it would be the encouragement they need, rather than always trying to measure up to mentors who are larger than life–and larger than most of them could ever dream of being.

agathe.hb:
04/06/2010 at 5:53 pm

karenw

lol .. my vote for the codpiece wearer would be Casey but there again I’m very shallow

As long as Big Mike doesn’t come out in spandex pants and a bondage top I’m happy
Karenw, lolololol, imagine the size of codpiece Big Mike would have to wear???? But I agree that it would look great on Casey ;)

I don’t know about Casey but Tim in a cod piece and no shirt could damn well help him stay another week LOL

gangreen29: I totally agree that Crystal is great, and yet even MJ says that it might be to her disadvantage to be an early runner :(
Like Truthiness said: people like watching contestants grow and they tend to root for an underdog, so what can the great singers/performers do? pretend they are not so good in the beginning and “hustle”? I don’t know…..

There’s always room to grow, Adam was not Freddie Mercury and Crystal is not Melissa Ethridge, you can always improve.
There were several problems with Crystal performance last week, so there’s a lot of ways to improve.

And you said the chart was meaningless–that only some Japanese-language chart you dug up had any true significance, thereby diminishing Elliott’s accomplishment.

HAHAHAHA point to MJ

LMAO Karenw

Really. How dare they

Ikr?

I think Crystal is consistently great.

Nice voice but consistently boring IMHO. They all need some serious serious stage work and I think it is way too late, we won’t be seeing any “wow” from this group any time soon.

Teri63:
04/06/2010 at 5:57 pm

Uh what?

I love Adam, but it’s too soon for him, and he’s not successful enough, imho for the honor –yet (hopefully). Kelly or even David Cook, would be better choices. Besides being pretty successful, both were really good their respective seasons and grew during their and created ‘watercooler moments’ while doing so. All of which is what is needed for this season’s contestants, plus they have been more successful after AI than Adam has.

See — other than the fact that I’m thrilled Adam will have this opportunity to shine in front of literally millions, the other thing I love about this decision is that he WASN’T his season’s winner and he ISN’T yet the greatest star out there in the music world. Only one of these kids will be THE WINNER and most of the others who establish careers beyond Idol will have to work very hard to overcome the “Idol stigma.” I like that for one week they’ll have someone they might be able to relate to a little bit. He’ll go in and assure them that through hard work, they can have some kind of career in the business. Adam, himself, says he never thought he’d be the winner. He looked at things from gig to gig and saw getting into the top 10 touring group as getting a summer job. Sorry to say, but after watching this season, I think these kids could use a little encouragement because I really don’t think any of them is going to go off and be this huge “star” — not right off the show, anyway. There will be a winner, but a winner does not necessarily a star make. I just don’t see how it’s bad for them to have, among many mentors throughout the season, someone who is thought of as very talented but still in the process of trying to make it. It seems like it would be the encouragement they need, rather than always trying to measure up to mentors who are larger than life.

Excellent points. I have nothing to add but Bravo!

One positive thing… Adam will probably go gaga over Siobhan. So many people have been comparing the two, now she actually gets to be mentored by the runner-up of Season 8. Woo Hoo! I hope it won’t be a bad omen for her.

Yes, I am looking forward to Glee, too! It won’t be competiting with DWTS since their Result Show time has changed.

Adam Lambert is the one and only former contestant who can fix American Idol. It’s ironic, since he’s the one who broke it.

Kelly? Way out of touch in terms of the AI “game.” She’s sold a ton of albums and is a well-established artist, but AI was a very different contest nine years ago.

Carrie? I guess those who voted for the likes of Danny would love to see her mentor on AI. But country is one of those genres you either love or hate. And it’s a very niche genre, so how could she mentor any other theme? If they invited Carrie back, then they may as well bring back Kellie-salmon-mink-Pickler. She’s just as irrelevant, in any field other than country.

Daughtry? C’mon. He’s a wannabee Nickleback. And Nickleback is a wannabee rock group. Which makes Daughtry a double wannabee. Puh-lease.

Who else… David Cook? Yeah, I think he’d be pretty good, but he doesn’t have the buzz factor going for him. It would be like having David Archuletta on. Warm-n-fuzzy… if you’re already watching. As much as I like Cook, I wouldn’t tune in specially for his appearance.

That leaves us with Adam.

He’s articulate and funny. He knows how to play the game successfully. He generates more buzz than a hive of bees. And the religious goons that freaked out ref: AMA-gate will tune in to see if they can pick any more self-righteous holes in his performance. I hope they like disappointment.

Adam is, in short, the best Idol TPTB have ever produced. Although, come to think of it, they didn’t really produce him. He produced himself. He made it happen. He picked his songs well. He asked for stage elements that would make his performances even more dramatic (think stairs, chair, lighting). He entertained.

And now he’s out there, proving himself to be the rock star he is. And he’s doing it on his own terms. He chose to rise above the ridiculous AMA “scandal”. He put together a dynamic, unique, diverse album that has won him fans all over the world. And those in the industry continue to laud him as “iconic.” That’s because he is.

It makes perfect sense.

I don’t know about Casey but Tim in a cod piece and no shirt could damn well help him stay another week LOL

LOL dhunken!

Mj I knew you can’t resist lol

This is great news – for both Adam and for the show. It sure needs a shot in the arm about now. It’s obvious that anything else I could say has been said many times already in this elephantine thread. So I’ll just say that I’m very happy & excited. Yea Adam!

I don’t know about Casey but Tim in cod piece and no shirt could damn well help him stay another week LOL

better keep away from that one then .. lol

Perhaps Tim could be talked into wearing a flaming headress but with all that hair his level of flamability would probably be too high .. add to this the risk of him randomly throwing in a couple of knee slides and he’s probably too much of a health and safety risk to the audience

Q3, not disrespect intended, but you know all that is beside the point, right? I think the point of the original post was that compared to the achievements of past mentors, Adam doesn’t have the same level of success to boast. Nothing you posted changes that. He’s a new guy making good strides, but he’s not a huge superstar yet. You’re kind of making the point for the OP. LOL

No disrespect taken.

I just wanted to put the correct facts out there that Adam has done more than be Platinum in Canada, and the MediaBase Pop spin charts are one narrow industry measure of radio airplay on a sample of radio stations. People who analyze radio usually take a broader, more complex view.

Regard Adam being selected as a mentor which I did not actually comment on, I think Adam’s tweets explained it quite well.

adamlambert It’s true! In addition to performing on Idol April 14th, I will be mentoring the top 8 on the 13th. I feel honored to be asked.
Around 4:20PM ET 4/06/10 via Echofon

adamlambert Even though I’m just at the start of my recording career, I hope to lend some insight as one who’s been thru the Idol adventure. excited!!
Around 4:40PM ET 4/06/10 via Echofon

adamlambert Don’t worry America: I will be beyond family friendly. Relax and enjoy. For Your Entertainment.
Around 4:46PM ET 4/06/10 via Echofon

I actually think it is a good think to have a past Idol — who has been thru the entire process — be a mentor. I am an Adam fan so pleased he was chosen, but I would be interested and happy if they had picked another Idol alum.

I think it is important to pick someone who was recently on the show, and having Adam who got a major label contract and didn’t win, might help the AI9 crew relax a bit and take some more chances.

I think Adam will be a great, entertaining mentor but I sincerely doubt that Adam will have that much effect on Idol’s ratings. In any case, we’ll know all in about a week.

Nice to see the UK press retweeting the news that Adam is to be a mentor

I knew I liked British people
Wow-800 comments
At least (I hope) everyone can agree Adam is at least a little tiny bit better than Miley? Please? ;)

I think the theme should be songs from Adam’s album.

Tim: Time For Miracles (because he has the vocal range for it)
Casey: Fever (with the pronoun intact)
Lee: Strut (to help build confidence)
Andrew: For Your Entertainment (acoustic version?)
Siobhan: Pick U Up (can she hold that note without taking a
breath?)
Aaron: Broken Open (he can draw on all 16 of his years to mine
the emotional depths of this song)
Mike: If I Had You (to show he can sing more than ballads)
Crystal: Sleepwalker (for realz)
Katie: Music Again (again, contra indicated)

I’m getting all goose-bumpy just thinking how well this bunch would do.

We need everyone to vote for Tim this week so that he’ll be around next week to be mentored by Adam!!!!! It will definitely be must see tv!

Excellent points. I have nothing to add but Bravo!

Me too!

love Adam, but it’s too soon for him, and he’s not successful enough, imho for the honor –yet (hopefully).

That is how I felt yesterday but I’ve come around. My coworkers (non Idol bubblers) think it’s a great idea and are thrilled. So, if they, non-Adam fans can be excited, I can be too. lol

Who is tonights mentor?

I don’t think there is one.

Just John and George rolling in their graves.

I don’t think he should be a mentor, but I do think he’ll be one of the better mentors this season. Does that make any sense?

At least (I hope) everyone can agree Adam is at least a little tiny bit better than Miley? Please? ;)

No. I love Miley and nothing you say luv will change that lol.

There’s a lot of buzz about this inside the AI bubble. Outside the AI bubble? Probably not so much

But the bubble in this case will be watching. It’s not award show or European concert, the audience for this is within the bubble…

By the way I would like to point out that Kelly and Daughtry and to some extent Carrie (I love all three. Carrie is even for me with Adam) did quite a bit to distance themselves from Idol. Adam has done nothing but embrace Idol and say that it is what got him the exposure he needed to get a contract. Maybe the producers are rewarding the one who stands by them. I would be hard pressed to really remember any other idol contestant that praised and was truly grateful for the show and spoke of it as highly as Adam did from day one. This is my observation.

karenw:
04/06/2010 at 5:34 pm
I think they’re just paving the way for Subo to mentor the following week .. it’s the reality show runner up thing

The theme will be songs about Cats

ie

What’s New Pussycat
Eye of the Tiger
Tiger Feet
Cool For Cats
Lovecats
The Lion Sleeps Tonight
Everybody Wants To Be A Cat
I Tawt I Taw A Puddy Cat (especially for Tim that one)
Honky Cat
Stray Cat Strut

Oh Cr@p thats funny.

FAN-FUCKIN-TASTIC

haha

But no, really. This should be good. Either good in the he’s actually a good mentor way (which I think he will be) or at the very least good in the bringing many lols way.

Yes. Which means that they’re probably trying to use this in particular to retain viewers. In the long run, though, it’s not gonna happen.

Of course it’s not. The show is nine years old. It’s on the slide down. The only thing they can do at this point, is slow the slide. It’s like Survivor, which was the number one show for a while. Now it doesn’t get nearly the ratings it used to, but it’s still hanging in there. Those “all star” seasons are no accident.

I think this is all the same premise – bring back the familiar faces that the fans still have some interest in. Why else ask Cook to come back and sing a Rolling Stones song? They’re bringing these prior contestants back to keep viewer loyalty.

I would disagree that Carrie has tried to distance herself from idol. She is their poster child. She thanks Simon Fuller every chance she gets and is on idol several times every season.

I’m not so sure about Adam in a mentor role, but what Adam COULD do and do WELL is teach this bunch how to work a stage! And I mean physically take them on a stage and show them how it’s done…step by step if necessary. I’ve never seen such a stiff group.

I don’t get this “he’s not qualified” talk.

Really, how can one be BETTER qualified to give someone advice on how to perform on American Idol…than by being a past American Idol contestant who placed high?

Music industry experience is well and good, but it mostly doesn’t apply to Idol. Idol’s a different ballgame entirely.

Wait. So this being all true means that email was real. Damn, whoever that was does not know how to write a business email!

girlygirl:
04/06/2010 at 5:53 pm

There’s a lot of buzz about this inside the AI bubble. Outside the AI bubble? Probably not so much

Well it has already moved outside the Idol bubble in the past 6 hours — Rolling Stone, CNN [online and broadcast crawl], USA Today, Yahoo News, Newsday and about 30 newspapers in non-Idol columns. So, seems like it is moving quickly into the “real world”.

All last season, Adam’s fellow contestants looked to him for advice. There is a reason for that.

It is my humble opinion that being a good mentor is not learned, but is a gift that not many people have. Fame, fortune, or even years of experience in many cases will not necessarily make you a good mentor. Adam is a natural. He LOVES what he does, he’s a good communicator, and he loves to help people. He has a gift.

Adam may or may not be qualified to give advice on how to be successful in the music industry but he is certainly qualified to give advice on how the Idol game is played each week. He played it beautifully.

Ellen has nothing to do with the music business and is judging Idol. Go figure…

Great song choices and theme, LaurelG!

I also love how American Idol continues to have confidence in and embrace Adam on TV.

I would be hard pressed to really remember any other idol contestant that praised and was truly grateful for the show and spoke of it as highly as Adam did from day one. This is my observation.

I’ll respectfully disagree. I believe Carrie has been the Captain of the AI cheering squad since day one.

Just John and George rolling in their graves.

LMAO. What about Ringo? Why can’t Ringo mentor? No one even ever mentions him as a possibility. It’s all Paul, Paul, Paul. Ringo must feel like Jan Brady.

For some reason, this news makes me want to vote repeatedly for Tim Urban. Huh.

Adam may or may not be qualified to give advice on how to be successful in the music industry but he is certainly qualified to give advice on how the Idol game is played each week.

Egg-zac-ly.

Ellen has nothing to do with the music business and is judging Idol. Go figure…

My husband, the closet AI fantard, is still bitter about this. Every freaking week he has to say “what is she even doing there? Can she even sing?”. LOL – he just can’t seem to get over it.

I’m not so sure about Adam in a mentor role, but what Adam COULD do and do WELL is teach this bunch how to work a stage! And I mean physically take them on a stage and show them how it’s done…step by step if necessary. I’ve never seen such a stiff group.

OK, fine, but even if that’s all he gave as a mentor (and I think he’ll have much more under his hat than that)he’d be doing better than many “established stars” who come on the show.

jersey:
04/06/2010 at 6:07 pm

I would disagree that Carrie has tried to distance herself from idol. She is their poster child. She thanks Simon Fuller every chance she gets and is on idol several times every season.

I never said she fully did and said to some extent I followed Carrie for the beginning she was solely my favorite Idol until Adam and now I love them both the same (and they couldn’t be more different go figure) but I recall in the beginning she avoided comparisons or talk about idol. She never put it down but I felt she also not embracing it so much and no where near the level that Adam has. This is just my observation not a dis I love her.

I love the idea of having former contestants as mentors. Obviously they understand the challenges and could bring a great perspective to it. I think Adam will be a really good mentor. He was very effective at proactively using the resources available to him on the show to showcase what he wanted to do. I am really looking forward to seeing him.

Sherena:
04/06/2010 at 6:13 pm
Adam may or may not be qualified to give advice on how to be successful in the music industry but he is certainly qualified to give advice on how the Idol game is played each week.

Egg-zac-ly.

Let me just add.. a game that none of them are playing very well yet. Has there been one watercooler moment yet on the show?

This season has zero buzz, actually they are getting negative buzz.

http://www.queersighted.com/2010/04/06/why-booking-adam-lambert-as-an-american-idol-mentor-is-a-great/

Sherena:
04/06/2010 at 6:08 pm

I don’t get this “he’s not qualified” talk.

Really, how can one be BETTER qualified to give someone advice on how to perform on American Idol…than by being a past American Idol contestant who placed high?

…..Along with all of his years of experience on stage in the music field! Adam knows what works and will be very honest with the contestants.

The thing is they wanted Adam, I never read, or heard that they wanted a AI past Idol to mentor. They wanted Adam, he even said that he didnt think he was ready to mentor, but when asked (or threatend) that he was on AI as a mentor along with his performing the next day, it worked for both sides. The only thing that can happen is that DWTS will win the nite, cause of all the people not wanting to watch cause Adam is there. Or just maybe there will be more watching because he is there, that left the show after S8.

I want to know how everyone knows how many posts, as I dont see any numbers, only what page I am on.

Even Adam himself has made it clear that he is mentoring based on his AI experience. No one worked the show and stage like Adam.

Yeah, but what is going to teach them? how to lose in the end? I mean the guy didn’t win, after all, and had a B3 trip. And ratings were up last year over this one, but were down from the year before when there were people like David Cook doing great watercooler moments and working the stage. So Cook has done better after AI than Adam, and his season was higher rated than Adams. Just saying.