Thursday May 10

Gibb and Take
On ”American Idol,” single mom LaKisha gets eliminated after failing to connect with Bee Gees songs

…But, really, so what? To me, LaKisha Jones embodies everything I love about Idol. Just a year ago, she was a single mom working a 9-to-5 bank job, perhaps holding on to a dream of making it big as a recording artist. Today, she’s a household name, the fourth most-popular competitor on America’s greatest talent competition. Whether or not the Idol powers-that-be pick up their option to sign LaKisha to a deal (I kinda doubt it), and whether her career ultimately trends more Baby V. than J. Hud, she still managed something extraordinary…

http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20007164_20008533_20038423,00.html

Names & Faces

Clarkson rules

TMZ.com reports first “American Idol” Kelly Clarkson has used her music muscle against her venerable record label head, Clive Davis — and won! Davis asked for significant changes and wanted to put the brakes on the CD. But Clarkson wasn’t having any of it. “My December” drops July 24.

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070510/ENT07/705100338/1046

“Idol” narrows down to 3, including Blake

Blake Lewis might be “absolutely terrible,” but he’s safe for now à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  and he and “American Idol” will be in Seattle Friday….

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/television/2003700836_idol10m.html

Barry Gibb and Judge Judy are out of order
‘American Idol’ contestants struggle with music selections and the TV judge is sent to her seat.

MILES away, Griffith Park may have been on fire, flames no doubt taunting the homes of many members of the “American Idol” crew. But in the Idoldome, nothing distracted attention from the work at hand à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  the last round before the semifinals.

As it turned out, after all the buildup and coming off an epic week, Barry Gibb night was a letdown…..

http://www.calendarlive.com/tv/cl-wk-idoltracker10may10,0,1124366.story?coll=cl-tv-features

Heaven and Hell awaits us
Familiar names make up reborn Black Sabbath, which will rock the stage at Tower City on Friday

…Later this month, also at the (see full name above), the Toyota of Bedford Great American Rib Cook-Off and Music Festival will feature jam band Rusted Root (May 25), young contemporary R&B man and fifth season American Idol cast-off Elliot Yamin and Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes (May 26), The Temptations (May 27) and Pat Benatar and husband/guitarist Neil Giraldo as well as tribute band Abbey Road Live (May 28)…

http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/entertainment/17204670.htm

Reality Check: The ‘Idol’ Countdown Continues

While it’s been LaKisha’s time to go for a while now, that didn’t make her swan song any easier. I’m going to go out on a limb, as a matter of fact, and say that the “I’m Going Home” montage for LaKisha was the most touching of all the departure videos.

I don’t know if it was seeing that cute little kid of hers or watching her get that kiss from Simon, but I found myself actually moved by one of those tear-jerkingly manipulative videos for the first time. Even the discovery that LaKisha occasionally refers to herself in the third person didn’t quell this feeling….

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,271157,00.html

Tips on getting into Hollywood hot spots

…Ever watch “American Idol” and wonder how the girl with the “See My Sign-Jaya” poster got herself into the CBS studio to watch the show?

“We have a gigantic database of people who really enjoy this,” said Katurah C. Rogers, promotional director of Audiences Unlimited Inc., a 25-year-old company that contracts with television production companies to provide audiences for sitcoms, awards shows and other televised events….

http://www.presstelegram.com/entertainment/ci_5856477

LaKisha is Bee Gone

It was an American Idol shocker last night. Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell actually switched seats! The judges have maintained the exact same seating order for six seasons….

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/magazine/20070510_LaKisha_is_Bee_Gone.html

TV’s Griffith Park fire coverage spotty

…KTTV-TV Channel 11 may have had more at stake, as the station airs Fox’s mega-hit “American Idol.” That program aired without interruption Tuesday.

The station has announced that both episodes will air in their entirety Saturday.

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-me-firetv10may10,1,1903189.story?coll=la-news-a_section

‘Idol’ performer to appear at fair

As this season of “American Idol” winds down, the Sioux Empire Fair has announced one of the TV show’s biggest stars is coming to town.

Read more about Daughtry at the fair on Robert Morast’s blog at http://www.linksiouxfalls.com

http://www.argusleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070510/NEWS/705100307/1001

Semifinalist Sparks to sing in Valley

…Professional athletes, cheer squads and mascots from the Arizona Cardinals, Coyotes and Sting are expected to attend. Although the Suns and Diamondbacks are on the road, staff members from each organization will also come out, said city spokeswoman Jennifer Liewer. Sparks has sung the national anthem at games for the teams in years past.

Drawing from previous seasons’ experience, Idol producers told Glendale to expect 10,000 people at Westgate’s “AI pep rally.” Sparks’ fans rejoiced upon hearing her status after Wednesday’s results show on the Fox TV network…

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/0510idol0510.html

Idol: LaKisha gets Big Kiss Off, Nielsen says Big Drop-off

And then there were three. Turns out a kiss from Simon Cowell is like one from Tony Soprano. LaKisha Jones got the kiss of death from American Idol voters, just a week after getting a smooch from Simon.

Someone must have voted twice. Last weekà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s show had 25.5 million viewers, according to Nielsen ratings, down from 31 million last year and 28 million earlier this year when Sanjaya was still the one folks tuned in to diss……

http://www.hollywoodtoday.net/?p=844

Early expectations may have doomed Jones’ ‘Idol’ hopes!

…If Jones had made it to the final three, she was tentatively scheduled to return to Flint on Friday with an “Idol” crew for a homecoming celebration. City officials still expect her to come home soon, but they don’t know when.

“We are going to start planning something for when she does get here,” said Michael Townsend, Flint’s budget and information systems director, who volunteered at the viewing rally…

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070509/ENT03/70509071&imw=Y

Paris Bennett releases new album, ‘Princess P’

The latest American Idol also-ran (last year’s fifth-place finisher) to strike out on her own is an adorable 18-year-old, who recorded this debut on an independent label owned by her uncle (later attracting distribution from a much larger indie, TVT Records). If the results are less polished and predictable than a typical Idol affair, Bennett and her collaborators, who include Beyonci colleague Jon Jon Traxx (and, briefly, fellow Idol Kevin “Chicken Little” Covais, who “raps” on the brief, appropriately titled “Let Me Rap”), tend to cling to tried-and-true contemporary pop-R&B formulas. Still, the album offers enough homespun charm to leave you rooting for the plucky upstart.

http://www.jconline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070510/ENT06/705100308

American Idol says goodbye to LaKisha Jones

LaKisha Jones was voted out American Idol, finishing fourth in yesterday’s elimination round; Blake Lewis came third last night, possible premonition of who will be voted off next….

http://www.theonlinewire.com/articleView.aspx?ID=2704

Wichita concert may be on Phil Stacey’s schedule

Phil Stacey has a long to-do list at the moment.

He’s calling from Nashville, where it’s 11:30 a.m., but his voice has that distinct, just-woke-up quality to it…..

http://www.kansas.com/172/story/66205.html

Arts, Briefly

…à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ and à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Houseà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ Set Pace

With help from the former Bee Gee Barry Gibb, the final four à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“American Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  contestants faced off Tuesday, as the show lifted Fox to another ratings victory on the night. Nielsen estimated 24.5 million viewers tuned in at 8 p.m., noticeably down from a year ago (29.9 million) but still far ahead of the No. 2 show during the hour, CBSà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“NCISà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  (13.7 million)…

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/10/arts/10arts.html?_r=1&ref=arts&oref=slogin

American Idol: Another One Goes Home

People like to call à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹American Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ a singing competition, but letà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s be honest, the talent tournament is just a well-publicized popularity gossip-fest. That might offend some vocal purists, but this is America. Whatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s more fitting than thirty million people indulging their high school beauty salon chatter urges? We here at Cinema Blend, in an attempt to cater to these sophomoric appetites, have decided to provide a one-stop shop for all of the rumors and shenanigan-ridden secrets. So here is my best Dorothy Parker imitation in the first installment of CBà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s weekly idol gossip coverage…..

http://www.cinemablend.com/celebrity/American-Idol-Another-One-Goes-Home-4153.html

“Nashville celebrates Number 1′s And An Idol’s Return”

…Brentwood à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s own Melinda Doolittle made it to the final three on Wednesdayà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s American Idol.

She just cut a duet with Reba McIntyre, so it will be interesting to see if the redhead uses her arena suite that night…

http://wkrn.com/nashville/news/nashville-celebrates-number-1s-and-an-idols-return/94422.htm

Kisha Kiss Off

…And even after Sanjaya butchered it earlier in the season, the final four did further damage to the Kinksà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“You Really Got Meà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  in the Ford commercial.

In other filler during the show, a new competition to find the best unsigned band in America à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ of any style à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ was announced, an idea so new they donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have a name for it yet (theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re calling it à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“The Band Showà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ).

http://blogs.courant.com/roger_catlin_tv_eye/2007/05/kisha_kiss_off.html

Wednesday’s Idol: LaKisha Goes, Blake Stays

…LaKisha came with the sort of style and story Idol audiences love: A single mother from Maryland, she had a way of planting herself in front of the judges and unleashing an indomitable voice. But over the course of the Hollywood rounds, she never seemed to be enjoying herself. For all I know she may well have been gurgling with inner delight every single moment, including the kiss with Simon, but she didn’t convey it. Instead she gave off a perplexing air of having to endure the experience … with stardom being the light at the end of the tunnel. A tired diva. I’d rather have seen Blake “Beatbox” Lewis leave, but at least he’s always determined to put on a good show…

http://www.people.com/people/package/americanidol2007/article/0,,20007868_20038395,00.html

LaKisha sent packing on à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹American Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢
Fourth place finisher had a lot in common with Jennifer Hudson

…LaKisha was eliminated from à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“American Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  last night, finishing the season in fourth place. She doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have that Hudson attitude, and wasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t surprised by the verdict. But the hurdles she faced on the show were similar à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  trying to be really good every week despite the wide range of styles and the short time to choose and learn songs. And having two singers à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  in Hudsonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s case, LaToya London and Fantasia Barrino à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  who sang in a similar style…

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18580407/

Post-’Idol’ success

So LaKisha Jones got booted from “American Idol.”

If previous “Idol” seasons have taught us anything, it’s that a performer’s vote tally isn’t necessarily an indicator of postshow success. So, Jones’ fourth-place finish doesn’t mean she’ll be a runner-up in the big-time music race….

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070510/ENT03/705100476/1038

Up & Coming

TAYLOR HICKS

(Crystal Ballroom, 1332 W Burnside) I’ve never been a big fan of the American Idol name, because none of them are actually, you know, idols. But in fairness, Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken have something close to respectable careers in the adult and pre-teen markets. Then there are the “whatever happened to” idols, such as Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, and surely the most disappointing of the lot, Taylor Hicks. The winner of season five, Hicks has nothing to offer a record-buying public, unless you like middling renditions of Otis Redding, Percy Sledge, and Ray Charles, a task that’s already being tediously performed by Rod Stewart. But maybe you’re a member of Hicks’ famed “Soul Patrol,” in which case you should put on your pleated Dockers, tasseled loafers, pop the collar on your knit Perry Ellis polo shirt, and go. Your expectations should be satisfied.

http://www.portlandmercury.com/portland/Content?category=22187&issue=321134

LaKisha sent home from ‘Idol’

Well, that wasn’t very suspenseful, was it?

After a 24-hour period in which pundits of all shapes, sizes and colors predicted that LaKisha Jones would be booted off “American Idol” Wednesday night à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ LaKisha Jones was booted off “American Idol” Wednesday night…..

http://www.charlotte.com/153/story/116249.html

Federal Way fans sing the praises of Sanjaya

Fallen idol Sanjaya Malakar was back onstage Wednesday giving one of his best performances. No singing was involved.

The screams were so long and so prolonged that for several minutes all Malakar could do was grin sheepishly and wave to his many admirers……

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/pop/315019_sanjaya10.html

Bee Gees Week fries LaKisha — and us

I said it Tuesday night, and Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll say it again. Bee Gees week is the worst thing to happen to à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“American Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  this season.

Just at a time when the show should really be gaining momentum, it had the life stomped out of it by a library of impossible-to-sing songs. And during his painful performance of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“To Love Somebodyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  on Wednesdayà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s elimination show, Barry Gibb proved he canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t really pull à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢em off anymore, either. How the heck is LaKisha Jones expected to?….

http://www.kansas.com/172/story/66156.html

‘Idol’ producers go on ‘Search’
New show to discover musical groups

The producers of “American Idol” are singing a new tune, pacting with Fox for what’s tentatively being called “The Search for the Next American Band.”
Skein will mirror the “Idol” format, starting with an audition phase in which producers will look for musical groups of all ages and genres.

Simon Fuller created “Band” and will exec produce, along with “Idol” mates Nigel Lythgoe, Ken Warwick and Cecile Frot-Coutaz. FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment will produce. Project was announced during the Wednesday edition of “Idol.”………

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117964613.html?categoryId=16&cs=1

C.J.: Paris Bennett has a little bounce in her step

That potent, native stage presence that Paris Bennett showcased live Tuesday before a Mall of America audience was honed in a kitchen and related rooms.
Ann Nesby, Bennett’s grandmother, came from Atlanta to see the concert tour show that Paris has created for “Princess P,” the “American Idol” alum’s debut CD. A hip-looking granny, with a modified Chaka Khan hairstyle, Nesby said. “This is my first time seeing her show.” ….

http://www.startribune.com/464/story/1173930.html

Hundreds of fanjayas scream for Sanjaya

Sanjaya Malakar returned to Federal Way this afternoon to the screams of about 600 adoring fans.
à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Hello, everybody,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  he said, waving to the crowd at The Commons at Federal Way. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m so happy to be home.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

With every gesture or move, the 7th place finisher on à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“American Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  drew thunderous screams. He signed autographs, posed for pictures and hugged fans, but he did not sing…..

http://www.thenewstribune.com/441/story/58663.html

Abdul Auctions off her à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ Finale Tiks for Bargain Price at Benefit

Paula Abdul donates ringside ducats to Lupus charity eve, fetches $3k for cause……

http://www.hollywoodtoday.net/?p=841

Leona’s second single is ready

….Produced by US hitmaker DALLAS AUSTIN, ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll premier on TV juggernaut American Idol to show her off to the Yanks.

Mentor SIMON COWELL is a judge on the show. Nice to have friends in high places

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,4-2007210542,00.html

Once essential, MTV no longer calls the cultural tune

…The mighty MTV has stumbled, and it’s twisting around like empty bubbles going down the “Real World XVIII” hot-tub drain. There was a time in the 1980s and 90s when the channel had the ballast to send an act to the top of the Billboard charts, but “American Idol” is the new boss. There was a time when the word “clip” meant an MTV video with artistic and commercial punch, but now the word refers to the virals that ricochet through YouTube. And there was a time when a band had no future without MTV exposure, but now a MySpace page or a position on iTunes is more essential. When it comes to the buzz biz, MTV is out of the loop…

http://www.azcentral.com/ent/music/articles/0509mtv0509.html

NEVER AGAIN
KELLY CLARKSON (sony bmg)
Rating *****

The bitter bitch is back, and be warned, this chick is throwing some fierce shade. Her ex-boyfriend is the cause of her wrath on this fiery tale of reclaiming female independence.

Mizz Kelly, easily American Idol’s finest moment, roars like a cornered lion on this self-penned, loud-rocking number, sending shivers down the spine of cheaters everywhere. Though nothing new for her, ‘Never Again’ has a riotous energy that will see her punching her way to the top of the global charts.

http://www.evolutionpublishing.com.au/sxnews/music/never-againarticleid101630.aspx

American Idol: Kiki’s not staying alive

Admittedly, I was hoping that Blake would be going home tonight. After all, he had the nerve to wear that stupid tuxedo shirt. If that’s not asking to be sent home, I don’t know what is.

At least it was better than Barry Gibb’s wardrobe. Didn’t anyone warn him about those stage lights? No one wants to see an old man’s nipples but there they were. Yikes…

http://www.chaskaherald.com/node/1627

LaKisha Jones leaves “American Idol”; Ryan Seacrest issues public warning on Sanjaya Malakar

…What was Bill Maher doing in the audience?

Will a band version of “American Idol” work? (They’re seeking hopefuls for “The Band Show.”)…

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment_tv_tvblog/2007/05/lakisha_jones_l.html

The winner of season five, Hicks has nothing to offer a record-buying public, unless you like middling renditions of Otis Redding, Percy Sledge, and Ray Charles, a task thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s already being tediously performed by Rod Stewart.

I’m seriously wondering who is paying these writers to say these things. I did not know Taylor’s cd contained any Otis Redding and Percy Sledge stuff. Am I missing something?

I can guarantee you this person is old enough to know who Percy Sledge and Ottis Redding is. I guess he/she prefers music that has a lot of screaming or misogynistic lyrics where men can act our their desires on stage with underage young girls..Sorry Akon.

Idol Blake Lewis Returns for a Day to Serenade Puget Sound

…Friday’s appearances kick off with an exclusive interview and live performance on Q13 FOX News This Morning during the 8:00 a.m. hour. After a morning filled with live radio interviews, Lewis will perform a mini-concert free to the public at Westlake Mall Park at 12:15 p.m. From there, it’s on to Blake’s hometown of Bothell for a city-wide celebration beginning with a parade at 4:00 p.m. on Main Street. The Blake Lewis Idol hometown visit will conclude when he performs the national anthem before the Seattle Mariners home game vs. the New York Yankees at 7:05 p.m. at Safeco Field. Blake’s visit home will be documented by American Idol producers and will air during American Idol on Wednesday, May 16, at 9 p.m. on Q13 FOX. …

http://www.ipdgroup.com/pr-news/9030-idol-blake-lewis-returns-for-a-day-to-serenade-puget-sound

Bucky Covington Sells More Than 100,000 CDs

American Idol Season 5 finalist Bucky Covington continues to establish himself as the hottest new artist in country music, having sold in excess of 100,000 copies of his self-titled debut CD in just three weeks. His debut single à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“A Different Worldà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  is generating strong phone requests as it enters the top 20 and continues to climb the Billboard chart…….

http://www.realitytvmagazine.com/blog/2007/05/bucky_covington_1.html

Paula: Dancing Keeps Me Fit!

Want to look like Paula Abdul? Well, Idol’s nicest judge tells PEOPLE that one of her fitness secrets involves dancing. “I live a clean, healthy life,” she says. “I always have. I don1t drink, I don1t do drugs. I laugh, I dance. Dancing keeps me fit.” It’s no surprise à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ the former Laker girl choreographed music videos for Janet Jackson, Prince, George Michael, Duran Duran and others.

What else keeps Abdul in good spirits? “You have to cherish good friends and lots of laughter,” she says. And Abdul specifies: “Laughter is like everything and the more pea-in-your-pants laughter, the better.” Would “frenemy” Simon Cowell concur?

http://www.people.com/people/package/americanidol2007/article/0,,20007868_20038362,00.html

The bitter bitch is back, and be warned, this chick is throwing some fierce shade. Her ex-boyfriend is the cause of her wrath on this fiery tale of reclaiming female independence.

Kelly C is becoming like Mary J. Blige where three cd later she is still upset over a broken relationship. Maybe those two can do a No More Drama cd together..Whatever it takes to sell cds..

The Most Overexposed Celebrities

…He cites American Idol cast-off Sanjaya Malakar, who comes in at No. 11 on our list, as example. Consider this: when we ran this list in early fall, the public knew nothing of the subpar singer or his many wacky hairdos. Some seven months later, the polarizing contestant is lining both the glossies and the blogs, even scoring an invite to the White House Correspondentsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ dinner.

That kind of attention can be a turn-off for some, especially those like Tom Cruise or Lindsay Lohan looking for respect as an artist. But for others, like Malakar, that overexposure may not be a bad thing, opines Jake Halpern, author of Fame Junkies: The Hidden Truth Behind America’s Favorite Addiction. For them, Halpern says, it’s all they have. And more importantly, without it they cease to be celebrities…

http://www.forbes.com/media/2007/05/09/celebrities-britney-sanjaya-biz-media-cx_lr_0510overexposed.html

New Book Names Top 100 Country Music Fan Clubs

The Black Book Guide to Official Country Music Fan Clubs: The Top 100, by Amy Jordan, offers an inside look at Americaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s top country music artists and their fan clubs, including superstar entertainers like Kenny Chesney, Faith Hill, George Strait and Rascal Flatts. Each listing includes free stuff like music, download and photos that fans can get without joining a club.

To be fair, the top 100 are named alphabetically from Trace Adkins to Trisha Yearwood. The book includes perennial favorites with informal clubs like Garth Brooks and Reba, along with newcomers like American Idol Carrie Underwood and The Wreckers…….

http://www.openpr.com/news/20217/New-Book-Names-Top-100-Country-Music-Fan-Clubs.html

Idol-icious

It looks like an “American Idol” summer. Reuben Studdard will headline the free Alive at Five concert in Albany’s Riverfront Park on Thursday, June 14.
Now, it’s looking like the first of the “American Idol” winners will be rolling into town, too. Although it hasn’t officially been announced by the arena, Kelly Clarkson’s “My December” tour begins in July, and will stop at Times Union Center on Sunday, Aug. 5. Tickets will probably go on sale on Saturday, May 19…..

http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=588099&category=ARTS&newsdate=5/10/2007

LaKisha’s exit stuns nobody

Randy Jackson said Wednesday’s “American Idol” might be a night filled with surprises. We wonder what show he was watching….

http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/television/379329,CST-FTR-idol10.article

MALE CALL AT TIME MAG BASH

ONE of the women drawing admiring male stares at the Time 100 bash Tuesday night was Belinda Stronach, the Canadian friend of Bill Clinton who made the list in 2004…

…Another beauty was Natalie Swanston, the young blond girlfriend of Simon Fuller, the genius behind the Spice Girls and “American Idol.”…

http://www.nypost.com/seven/05102007/gossip/pagesix/male_call_at_time_mag_bash_pagesix_.htm

Nokia drops X Factor sponsorship

Nokia is the world’s biggest mobile phone company
Mobile phone giant Nokia has cancelled its sponsorship of ITV1′s The X Factor.

…For the first time, contestants aged between 14 and 16 will be allowed to enter the competition…

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6641613.stm

Good morning everyone and thanks you Lisa B for all the articles…

Ok.. They have wasted no time in the last two weeks telling Jordin up front and straight out that she is SAFE…

I have come to the conclusion that they must be scared of her father.

NGM Entertainment and Once in a Lifetime Productions’ ‘Band America’ TV Series Searches for Next Legendary Band

On Monday Once in a Lifetime Productions and NGM Entertainment announced that “Band America” has begun the search for the next superstar music group.

….Nick G. Miller is Executive Producer of the series. When asked about the recent announcement of American Idol’s proposed television series involving a nationwide search for bands he replied, “We knew that when we made the announcement on Monday that some other company would quickly respond announcing a musical show with bands. I didn’t think it would be the American Idol group. We are honored. They have obviously done a great job with their series. But our show is not American Idol. Band America is about people coming together and making original music that moves the listener. Our goal with this series is to find a group of people that can collectively create music that is current today, next week, next year, and ten years from now.” He adds, “The content of each episode, the talent, and the sincere passion of the contestants and the guest artists will drive this series to the top, not the marketing. That in and of its self is what really sets Band America apart.”

http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/news_press_release,103720.shtml

American Idol
“Bee Gees Week”

An alternative title might be “Bee Gees Weak,” because nobody came out looking very good after the final four contestants performed a program of songs by guest mentor Barry Gibb.

Blake Lewis’s signature beat-box scatting wasn’t working for him. Singing “You Should Be Dancing,” you’d think he had a bad case of Saturday Night Fever; he couldn’t stop jive talkin’. As for his stage presence? He should have been dancing, yeah. And singing, oh yeah…..

http://blogs.theledger.com/default.asp?item=596069

American Idol: 9 Down, 2 To Go

….This week, alledgedly, ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s the week that the contestants pick a song, the judges pick a song, and the svengali-like Clive Davis picks a song. We know Cliveà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s going to be all about the Celine for Jordin. You can just feel it. Here are some other songs Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d like to hear in the semi-finals (Some of these songs Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve mentioned over and over again for two seasons, but Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve yet to hear them performed on the Idol stage. Come on, ABBA. Give that permission already):

http://blogs.phillyburbs.com/blog.php?p=13521&cat=39#more-13521

As always, thank you Lisa for the articles.

I just wanted to say congrats to Bucky. It looks like his single is going to do well on country radio. I even heard it this morning while flipping through radio stations. :clap_tb:

Oh, and of course Jordin is only 17….just in case ya’ll didn’t know that. :tongue1_tb:

Some Idol Related Concert Revenue:

Kelly Pickler: April 27: Statesboro.: Sold Out (13,960): $409,470
Kelly Pickler: April 26: Chattanooga: Sold Out (7,110): $279,195
Kelly Pickler: April 28: Columbus: 6,926/7,277 : $269,906
Taylor Hicks: March 31: Cleveland: Sold Out (1200): $41,000
Eva Avila: April 14: Toronto: 961/1,092: $19,025
Eva Avila: April 15: Hamilton: 589/1000: $13,040
Eva Avila: April 6: Thunder Bay: 599/1000 : $11,002

Kelly is touring with Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift and Jack Ingram.

So Lakisha’s gone. Not very shocking. Not as Shocking as Jordin being Only!Seventeen!!!OMG!!!

So at this point, I’m actually ok with any of them winning. I don’t know when the last time was I could say that. I don’t really think Blake deserves it vocally, but he is the most entertaining and he would put out the most original Idol album ever, provided Clive doesn’t mess everything up. Wait. Who am I kidding?! Clive would TOTALLY mess everything up. So maybe I don’t want Blake to win, for his own good.

I think Melinda deserves it most just on consitency and quality, but my pragmatic/selfish side says my best chance of getting a jazz standards album from her is if she doesn’t win. Jordin is who they want, so let’s give them Jordin, so she can get some top 40 airplay and they can leave my favorites alone.

I like Jordin, but for some reason I don’t want to hear her album. Unless she makes a rock/pop album, them I’m all over it. But that’s not gonna happen. They are SOOO going JoJo on us for her. She’s going to make Kat McPhee’s album part 2, with a little more “urban” thrown in because she’s, you know, black. Not that there’s anything even slighly urban about her. But we all know they will go there anyway.

Anyway, what does everyone else think?

I can’t believe there hasn’t been more talk and excitement about the announcement that they are looking for BANDS……you know, people who actually get to PLAY their own instruments and HOPEFULLY, play their own songs!!!!

I’ve been waiting for this for a LONG time………(of course, yes, I do play in a band…(for 38 years in fact)….but no, I won’t be trying out.

As for Season 6, let Jordin win to make her “Clive special” CD…and let Melinda put out a GOOD CD………….Blake should just go away.

Good morning, all.

Thanks for the news links, lisa. Interesting stuff this morning. It was just a matter of time before 19E decided to do a show focusing on a band. We have AI in the Spring, So You Think You Can Dance during the summer, and now American Band possibly during the fall. I wonder how this show will be received…I predict many boys bands and such, as I think that most bands that skew towards alternative and rock will balk at the show and its lack of “rock cred.”

Ok.. They have wasted no time in the last two weeks telling Jordin up front and straight out that she is SAFEà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

I have come to the conclusion that they must be scared of her father.

Lol! I now have a mental image of Nigel being taken out by a linebacker. It’s quite hilarious in all of its cartoonish glory.

That being said, last night’s boot wasn’t a shocker. But yay for the top 3 – the contestants’ song choice will very interesting. I’m looking forward to that actually. I still think Melinda will make it to the finale to face one of the other two. She might even win the whole darn thing.

But maybe youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re a member of Hicksà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ famed à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Soul Patrol,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  in which case you should put on your pleated Dockers, tasseled loafers, pop the collar on your knit Perry Ellis polo shirt, and go. Your expectations should be satisfied.

Even though I don’t consider myself a hardcore SPer, and I’m perfectly aware that the critic/reviewer/writer is stereotyping, I’m so effin’ fed up of being told I’m old, decrepit, and lacking in musical taste if I like the live music of Taylor Hicks. Sorry…maybe I’m a bit more tired and grumpy than I realize at the moment.

I’ve got to get ready for work now…

All three of them are decent but Melinda should win as she’s the most talented by a mile (although lacking “it”). But if Jordin wins in an upset, that’s fine. Blake winning would not be a good thing for him or idol. He’s way better off going out 3rd and getting a non-Clive deal. Two “novelty” winners in a row would really turn winning idol into a non-event.

I read somewhere that Leona Lewis(?), Simon’s protege will appear next week. So I guess she and Elliott will be the two performers. I’m wondering when they’ll show the homecoming videos. (Flint could have used and AI visit more than Seattle but that’s the breaks). And now they’re doing an AI for bands??? Who knew about this?

Kelly Pickler: April 27: Statesboro.: Sold Out (13,960): $409,470
Kelly Pickler: April 26: Chattanooga: Sold Out (7,110): $279,195
Kelly Pickler: April 28: Columbus: 6,926/7,277 : $269,906

Kellie Pickler did that on her own solo concert ? I’m amazed !!

Some performance order stats for the remaining contestants:

Opening the Show (aka “The Death Spot”):
Blake: 2 (once in Finals)
Jordan: 1 (never in Finals)
Melinda: 2 (both in the Finals)
Weeks Since First: Jordin (9), Blake (5), Melinda (0)

Closing the Show (aka “The Pimp Spot”):
Blake: 1 (in the Finals)
Jordin: 3 (three times in the Finals)
Melinda: 3 (two times in the Finals)
Weeks Since First: Blake (3), Melinda (1), Jordin (0)

Next week, in fairness, Jordin would go first and Blake would go last since they haven’t sang in either of those spots for the longest time. But, last week Phil had not sung last for the previous 10 weeks and had sung first two weeks earlier and still he had to sing first again. This week, Lakisha and Jordin had gone the longest without singing last and first respectively, but Jordin still got to sing last despite having sung last two weeks earlier. So, forget fairness.

Every singer that has sung first on Final 3 night has gone home. It is generally pretty obvious that the producers want that singer gone because they make it difficult for that singer to proceed. Clive made Jasmine sing the signature song of a singer she had outlasted the week before (to much gnashing of teeth). Last year, the producers did everything to Elliott short of driving a bus right onto the stage (poorly chosen songs, singing times much shorter than others, “thanks for coming” judge comments, etc). So, I suspect that the singing first on final 3 night has become a producer convention as well.

If so, I don’t see Jordin singing first. She has only ever sung in the first half of the field twice in the finals. She has never sung first in the finals (a level of protection they didn’t even offer Chris D last year). Melinda cannot sing first next week because she sang first this week (one can only sing first/last twice in a row on coin flip week).

So, I predict the singing order next week will be: Blake-Jordin-Melinda

There’s all sort of talk/discussion at the Boogie board about Taylor Hicks’ concert at the Warfield in SF being produced as a DVD.

All this started because : “There were hysterical screams and laughs just after he talked about being excited about making a DVD at the Warfield”

See here :

http://excoboard.com/exco/thread.php?forumid=113040&threadid=1347197&page=1

See also here :

http://myidol.americanidol.com/boards/topic.aspx?topic_id=751388

QUOTE :

“Several people at the Warfield in San Francisco, where Taylor is performing tonight, said that there are signs everywhere warning people that they may be on camera. The word is that it’s for a DVD of the concert.“

Kellie Pickler did that on her own solo concert ? Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m amazed !!

No. I pointed out at the end of that post that she is touring with Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift and Jack Ingram. It just messes up the presentation if I put that on every line. It’s easier to read if the info stays on one line (IMO).

It was very clear Kirsten.

For those wh care, Kimberley Locke’s singe — CHANGE has made it to the Top 10 on the Mediabase AC Airplay charts :

http://www.mmr247.com/mmrweb/AllAccess/Charts.asp?format=A1m

Kirsten did say above that Kellie is touring with Brad Paisley, so, no Kellie did not sell those venues out by herself.

I will kinda miss Lakisha next week. But what the hey. I am in it for the watching only. Who wins is of no consequence to me and it is odd not to be invested for only the second time in 6 seasons.

As to how Taylor is billed/covered nowadays. He has been officially declared a loser/no-talent so he is fair game for anyone.

I don’t see things improving for him on the publicity front anytime soon.

He is doing very well in concert, so it is not affecting HIS game plan much.

Jordin went first last week? Oh, nope Phil went first, she went second so she has performed in the first half.

To be fair about Elliott leaving, it’s obvious he wasn’t going to outlast either Taylor or Katharine. Not with Taylors unstoppable voting fanbase, and Katharines SOTR

I juat saw Lakesha on Fox doing the post interview thing. She’ll do fine performing live but I can’t see her getting signed by a label. I can’t imagine what current music she could sell.

I remember around last year’s tour, some “industry insider” posted here and predicted that Elliott and Bucky would never get deals so I’m extra happy to see the Buckster doing so well. Not that I care about Clive and his units but I can’t see any of this year’s Top 3 selling a million CDs. They’re not in popular genres or thrilling performers. And no DAUGHTRY this year to make up the difference either.

Re Kim Locke, it doesn’t seem that airplay on AC radio sells albums at all.

I see LaKisha doing Gospel music quite easily, since thats where she started, her and Mandisa can be bffs instead of Mandisa and Melinda

Hicks’ bland ambition hits S.F.’s Warfield

Taylor Hicks’ quick descent into irrelevance passed through the Warfield Theatre in San Francisco on Wednesday.
And the cameras were rolling, documenting the show for use later as a TV special and, perhaps, a concert DVD.

Let’s hope, for Hicks’ sake, that there’s some highly judicial editing to the footage. If not, TV viewers will see just how far last season’s “American Idol” champ has fallen……

http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_5862488

From today’s Wash Post (blurb about Elliott’s upcoming tour);

“For those who follow “American Idol” closely, Season 5 has become somewhat legendary for its roster of artists. In addition to Hicks and McPhee, finalists Bucky Covington, Chris Daughtry and Paris Bennett have released albums”

Legendary sounds good. (That costa review is painful. Don’t read it Taylor fans.)

Yes it is bad that they stereotype Taylor audiance like that…It is like how dare they like this goof by some of them.and I wonder what other group or artist has someone stereotypes of who listens…..One of my faves Elliot would never get this treatment. Why?
AI has made Elliot the “opie” of american idol but he is not and rather probably be known for singing and not dragged in to the mess.(he is sweet)AI loves to stretch that sob backstory to the limit on some of those contestants even if they can sing ok or not…Just look at the skit that Kevin Spacy did on SNL he nails it with the crying frienda and parents dead center…..Some I think including Elliot would do fine w/out it maybe they thought they needed the sympathy votes to help w/ the fact that some could sing. and preform..Yes others have this hastoo failed at some degree like Kat .I know I was surprised they did not show thier pets suffering fromthe stress of thier owners being gone..(fish waving signs that read miss ya)..I know stick w/ backstories about where the live ,family members or music background…..It will not happen AI choses favorites and thier lest to turn into a jokeif it it can..Hey it makes good tv..

This year I have to give kudos to Blake to staying on course because he is an artist even if some do not get him…I also am surprised that it took soo long for themto bring “Battle of the Bands” over here.

Last end w/ a question when will Shermans cd that procedes go to cancer comes out. Now that is a heartwarming story .

Kirsten, you are right about the going first. My kids loved Vonzell, but when she went first, I knew she was history.

I was intrigued by this “The Band” show commercial. And has there ever been such a commercial for the tour as we saw last night (“the biggest tour ever!”).

I don’t want to hear Jordin’s album, but my daughter would probably listen to it. Lucky for us, those Disney/Nick stars (Vanessa Hudgins, AJ and Ally, Hannah Montana, Hilary Duff) have a short shelf life.

Jordin went first last week? Oh, nope Phil went first, she went second so she has performed in the first half.

I never said that Jordin has not performed in the first half of the show. She just hasn’t sung first on the finals.

Jordin has performed in the first half of the show twice in the finals (out of 9 weeks of finals). She performed 2nd on the Final 5 (second Final 6) night and 2nd on Final 7 night.

Or in other words, in the finals Jordin has preformed last in 33% of the weeks and first 0%. She has performed in the first half of the show 22% of the times and last half 88%.

Same stats for Melinda: 22% pimp and 22% first. 56% in the first half, 44% in last half.

Same stats for Blake: 11% pimp and 11% first. 44% in the first half, 56% in the last half.

I’d love it if The Band Show had some really good talent on there, but for some reason I have a feeling we’ll see Nickelback, Emo/Screamo, and Classic Rock bands.

Blake Lewis Seattle performance details

Want to see Blake Lewis performance for free? Read the below from KCPQ’s Web site:

http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/earcandy/archives/115163.asp

I loved the Chris D interview and especially that he likes Blake. I remember Blake picking Chris when asked about his favorite previous idol on Idol Extra. My favorites like each other. :clap_tb:

What you said makes a lot of sense, Kirstin, but I hope you’re wrong. It just would be unfair to poor Blake to not give him the pimp spot next week. Yes I know it’s not about fairness but still. :annoyed_tb:

Blake seems to like all the idols last year, he’s said he likes Elliott and Katharine

To be fair about Elliott leaving, ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s obvious he wasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t going to outlast either Taylor or Katharine. Not with Taylors unstoppable voting fanbase, and Katharines SOTR

It wasn’t obvious to me. Elliott had already outlasted Chris, which I was surprised he could do. Compared to Chris, I thought Kat was a much easier hurdle for him. And, because I generally do not like SOTR no matter who sings it – I didn’t see it as the mesmorizing performance that some did. I also had no clue about the size of Taylor’s fan base. I didn’t visit the boards last year, so I was just a viewer. From my couch, I thought Elliott had a good chance of making the final.

What was obvious to me was Clive’s disdain and/or indifference to Elliott during their little sit down. And I foresee a similar, uncomfortable conversation for Blake, topped off with a ridiculous song choice. But I hope I’m wrong.

Mary S – I was able to get two more tix. check your email

SOTR was a big performance and I believe if she didn’t perform it that night she would have been kicked off. I never thought Elliotts fanbase was that big, but he is a good singer and a likeable guy so when other peoples favourites got kicked off they started voting for him. That’s the way I saw it.

Here’s Akons statement about what happened:

TMZ has just received a statement from R&B singer Akon in response to the media firestorm over his onstage simulated sex romp with a 15-year-old during a concert in Trinidad a few weeks ago:

“First, and most important to me, I want to sincerely apologize for the embarrassment and any pain I’ve caused to the young woman who joined me on-stage, her family and the Trinidad community for the events at my concert in Port of Spain on April 12th.

It was never my intention to embarrass or take advantage of my fans in any way, especially those under the age of 18. That is why we tried to make sure that the club did not admit anyone under 18 in the audience. Somehow, that standard was not met.

Again, I apologize to those concerned and to all my fans and I pledge to all that we will strive to make sure this type of incident does not happen again.”

Elliott had a rare bad night at last year’s final 3 which he couldn’t afford as he always had to knock it out to stay in the game.
The vibe between him and Clive was awful. Clive looked horrified that he even had to be in the same room with him. That said, remember Top 3 elimination night when they revealed the results, and E lost by .001% or something silly. Doubt next week will be that dramatic. Ciao.

It just would be unfair to poor Blake to not give him the pimp spot next week. Yes I know ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not about fairness but still.

TPTB would “snub” Blake because they are smart. They would do it to make sure all his fandom get out the vote because they are unfair meanie weenies. Its the old “let’s treat Blake like the unwanted child and we will mobilize the vote to get him into the final two” trick.

The producers learned their lessons really well with the Taylor/Chris mishap from a previous season.

If Blake doesn’t gets the pimp spot next week, I am going to kill those TPTB.

It his turn… They guy deserves a chance to make a comeback.

I also think that CLive would be more inclined to sign Blake than Melinda, just because he has potential to put out music that would sell very well.
He could fit the Top 40 format with the right songs and producers. JMHO.

Also if Blake is going to go home next week I want him to go home in a high note with the pimp spot and a good song choice. So I really hope Clive and the judges don’t screw him up with bad selections.
I have a feeling that Blake’s own song choice will be very good.

So I dunno, anything can happen next week. But clearly if Blake gets to sing first the producers want him gone.. Sigh. So unfair.
Melinda/Jordin finale… zzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Just saying.

City of Bothell to Welcome Home American Idol’s Blake Lewis:
Special Parade & Performance on Friday, May 11

In honor of American Idol Top 3 finalist and Bothell citizen Blake Lewis, the City of Bothell welcomes home Blake and American Idol on Friday, May 11 for a special hometown parade and performance, which will both be shot for the May 15 and 16 shows (American Idol airs on Q13 Fox on Tuesday and Wednesday; check local listings).

Event details….

http://www.ci.bothell.wa.us/dept/CM/PIO/NewsEvents/releases/2007/051007lewis.html

What you said makes a lot of sense, Kirstin, but I hope youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re wrong. It just would be unfair to poor Blake to not give him the pimp spot next week. Yes I know ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not about fairness but still

I totally agree with you Bean. But, I’m 99% sure that Jordin is not going first next week. Heck, I wouldn’t put it past the producers to put her last two weeks in a row at this point.

I’m still saying Jordin and Blake final two. Blake is getting a lot of Chris votes.

Again, I apologize to those concerned and to all my fans and I pledge to all that we will strive to make sure this type of incident does not happen again.

I think it is more tolerable to SAY it than to ACT it out. Those who SAY it never had to apologize.

Taylor has had really consistently good concert reviews nationwide – even reviewers who didn’t like him on the Idol tour had positive things to say about his solo tour. I’m not getting all the negative articles/comments about him being a novelty winner, etc. How is he a novelty winner when he was never in the bottom 3, when Simon said during Top 24 that he received the most positive feedback on him than on anyone else, when the guy was not bashed for his singing, he can play instruments, and he’s put out 2 albums featuring his own songs?
I’m the first to admit that his SoulPatrol shoutouts became irritating, that I am in my 40s but still go to concerts, but there is nothing about him that makes him a novelty act. And his concerts rock. Most idol winners first CDs are kind of shaky (Carrie being the exception). But he had a lot of good songs on his – just crappy marketing and no support from the Idol folks who should at least support their winner/representative who made them tons of bucks while he is their current Idol. I’m very happy that so many of the others from Season 5 are doing well, as it was a really talented group, but it doesn’t mean that the guy who won it is a talentless hack. He just has different pressures/different expectations/different timetables to deal with. I think a lot of people will realize what they were missing when he performs on Idol at the finale.
Sorry for going on, but it kind of brings me down a bit…

Calimari: I’m totally hearing you. Taylor Hicks isn’t just a product that American Idol manufactured. He’s got his own great things going on. I don’t understand the less than positive concert reviews. He’s an awesome live performer. I also don’t understand his lower cd sales. I like his cd and there is no way most of those songs wouldn’t do well on top 40 charts. I listen to top 40 music all the time and I think Taylor would fit in just fine. Don’t understand what’s happened there, but I’ll always buy his cd’s and I’ll always buy a ticket.

I’m a Blake fan this year. I won’t deny that the girls all have talent, but Blake is the only one who doesn’t make me yawn.

LaKisha Jones Cut From `American Idol’

…Jones spoke Thursday morning with WJBK-TV in Detroit, telling an interviewer that she is looking forward to pursuing a recording career and eventually moving into a new home.

First up, though, Jones is scheduled to appear on the upcoming “American Idol” tour, and will be in the season finale episode of the top-rated show….

http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/provider/providerarticle.aspx?feed=AP&Date=20070510&ID=6868333

radname May 10th, 2007 at 10:17 am

Hereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Akons statement about what happened:

TMZ has just received a statement from R&B singer Akon in response to the media firestorm over his onstage simulated sex romp with a 15-year-old during a concert in Trinidad a few weeks ago:

Way to downplay it, Akon. That was simulated RAPE, buddy. Using the word Romp sounds like it was fun for all parties when it was clear that he was aggressively man handling her and she was completely overpowered.

I have been watching all the west coast press and radio station airplay debates re: Taylor (pre-concert and post-concert) and I am more convinced than ever that there is a campaign in progress attempting to sabotage his career by some very influential people. Taylor had great reviews by a lot of reporters who didn’t want to like him but had to give him kudos for a great performance. He had mostly sold-out shows even thru the midwest. But even though he has had some of the most awesome concerts on the coast he can’t seem to catch a break out there press-wise. And that concert preview for Portland was obviously calculated to discourage people from attending his show. As a fan, those reviews have thoughts running thru my mind that question whether Taylor is “all that” just for a second. Then, when I think about it, “Yeah, he is ALL THAT and more”. But for those who aren’t already fans, who is going to risk being ridiculed for loving a “failure”?

Elliot was good but no “IT” facter and Taylor was a pretty good singer and enterainer but both were not Idols vision of thier winner….Blake I feel the same way he would do better not in thier contract. Too Bad Chris D was not around for the Band Idol. I was mistaken “battle of the Bands ” in europe the bands had to do thier owm music….

Tay is getting trashed so has others and Elliot was good at singing and did have bad prefromances his stage presence nis not the greatest but soo what. .I like both but this is getting tiresome .Ya driven me nuts….like what Bat Masterson said”How can you be deragatory towards a person the people who think is a demigod”1800

Mary S – I was able to get two more tix. check your email

I got your email, and replied. Thanks, jersey! I’m still wandering in the wilderness trying to find my way into the THHQ – promised land. LOL.

Actually, though, when I read “reviews” (i.e.: hack jobs) that go beyond criticizing Taylor to trashing not just him but his fans, I have to say it wears me down. I give up.
:surrender_tb:

I get it. I’m obviously a loser who is also elderly/toothless/Depends-wearing/unhip/bedazzled/insane/fawning/unhappily married who only likes “lounge singers”… because I’m a Taylor Hicks fan, despite the fact that I’m none of those things and nor are the vast majority of Taylor’s fanbase.

I don’t expect every critic to love Taylor, his music or his concerts, but geez. Maybe I should just take a break from the online fandom for a while. I just want to be a fan without having to feel like Taylor is the favorite whipping boy of the “kick him when he’s ‘down’” crowd. Bleargh.
:annoyed_tb:

Here endeth my rant.

Oh yeah, on season six – I predict Jordin goes second next week. I’m not sure if the PTB want Blake or Melinda more in the final 2. I think they “like” Melinda better, but that she’s not as “marketable” (by their math) as Blake. Melinda went first this week, but if they want her gone, she’ll go first again. Blake hasn’t had the pimp spot as often, and it would look obvious if Jordin got it again this week. If they want Blake gone, he’ll go first, Melinda will go last.

Eh, you know what? I haven’t got a clue what the PTB want this season – except Jordin.

I just know that there is an awful lot of ugliness that comes out something (AI) that should be a fun diversion.

‘Idol’ Crew ‘Search’ for a Band

…Tentatively titled The Search for the Next American Band, the show will have the same format as Idol, taking bands of all ages, genres, and styles through an audition phase, a secondary phase in which judges narrow the field to 10, followed by a finalist phase voted on by viewers. Three bands will compete in the show’s finale. The show will also dig into the bands’ personal stories and focus on their interpersonal relationships and conflicts…

http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20038428,00.html

Re: Akon “It was never my intention to embarrass or take advantage of my fans in any way, especially those under the age of 18. That is why we tried to make sure that the club did not admit anyone under 18 in the audience. Somehow, that standard was not met.”

omg. Don’t get me started on this! Under 18 is just the tip of this iceberg. This fool is a waste of space and needs to be banished from stages around the WORLD.

Moving forward, any sponsor who backs him is obviuosly desperate and needs to be prepared when consumers boycott them.

There.

calimari
May 10th, 2007 at 10:50 am
Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not getting all the negative articles/comments about him being a novelty winner, etc.

JasperHicksFan
May 10th, 2007 at 11:35 am
I have been watching all the west coast press and radio station airplay debates re: Taylor (pre-concert and post-concert) and I am more convinced than ever that there is a campaign in progress attempting to sabotage his career by some very influential people.

JMO–I have felt that AI and the media decided, both win Chris was voted off and when Taylor won, they were going to make sure he was NOT a success…and they are succeeding. I have felt for a long time that the media is no longer “pure news”; they insinuate themselves far beyond news and interject “opinions”. They, like AI, have a huge amount of power and, I feel, grossly abuse it for their personal agendas.

Looking back at Taylor’s win, this guy should have been hugely successful! He definitely had the fan base to kick start his career. And he started out really well…then, the total “elimination” of him from the Idol agenda became painfully obvious. The media has been brutal, in spite of many, many positive reviews! He has a great management firm but they do not have the guns to go up against the powers of AI, media and our good friend, Clive.

What a tragedy for a guy who has never been anything but decent!!!

For our Canadians — might be a tad embarrassing (some gross nudity!)

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoID=2017521702

Akon à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“It was never my intention to embarrass or take advantage of my fans in any way, especially those under the age of 18. That is why we tried to make sure that the club did not admit anyone under 18 in the audience. Somehow, that standard was not met.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

Apparently this THUG don’t GET IT..What standard is he talking about, apparently NOT his.. Seems he doesn’t have a standard or any morals.. It really ticks me off when someone will NOT accept responsibilty for their actions… He’s doing nothing but scapegoating the CLUB..
Seems he also thinks this type of behavior is acceptable, as long as someone is NOT underage… What a JERK..

Sorry about the bold type..

If I remember correctly the owner of the Idoling Along blog (Jennifer I think?) had an interesting theory about performance order for final three night last year. She thought that they stopped doing it completely by producer choice and set the performance order by cumulative votes over the season. Pure speculation of course but an interesting theory. She had the order listed for the first five seasons and it seemed to fit with what you would expect the cumulative vote totals to be. Even if true, I am not sure what that would make the order this year. Interesting since at least the two previous years (I didn’t watch prior to that) I think it was fairly obvious.

American Idol Taylor Hicks Coming To Branson’s Welk Resort Theatre On July 30

….à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Taylor Hicks is one of the hottest concert tickets across America,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  said Joe Sullivan, Executive Producer and General Manager of Welk-Sullivan Productions. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“I encourage Taylor Hicks fans to get their tickets when they go on sale May 11 as I expect this concert to sellout quickly.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ….

http://www.bransoncourier.com/issue-16/taylor_hicks_branson_welk_thetre_resort_ameri-733.html

I think I will be voting like crazy next week in hopes of seeing Blake at the finale. That’s all I need. It don’t matter who he’s at the finale with, and it don’t matter if he wins or not. I just want him at the finale.

Maybe Half Past Forever could try out for Band Idol. LOL

Hello everyone.
Just thought I would drop in a say hello.

American Idol 6 – Yawn. I really wanted to get into the show this year, like I did last year, but none of the contestants drew me in. I never connected with any of them. In fact, I stopped watching. I just check out the recaps the next day.

Poor Kimberly Locke. The AC format certainly doesn’t help drive CD sales. Kelly Sweet also has a song which is doing well on AC, but she has sold very few CD’s since her debut album came out. BTW – her CD is really good.

Taylor Hicks – The poor guy can’t seem to catch a break. I truly hope he doesn’t let any of the bad press get him down. I know he is a grown man, but still. Sheesh!

Speaking of another former Nashville Star contestant….I adore Miranda Lambert. I have been a fan of hers since the 1st Nashville Star. I bought her new CD the day it came out. I also own her debut CD. I :wub_tb: her. She totally rocks. I would love to see her in concert.

What would AI have to gain by trying to make sure Taylor was not successful? It would only reflect poorly on the show if the winner was a dud. I think that AI is promoting Chris on the show as if he were the winner because he has been the most successful. I always suspected that a lot of Chris’s fans watched but were not necessarily big voters.

As to Taylor’s poor concert reviews, it is cool to dump on AI and thus Taylor.

If Jordin goes last again (3 out of 4 weeks), I’ll be really ticked. She should go first, then Melinda, then Blake…we’ll see.

Now… ya see there ? Branson’s Welk Resort Theater :”Taylor Hicks is one of the hottest concert tickets across America”…. there are some that “get him”…. and some unfortunate souls who do not. I have said it before and I’ll say it again : I think (pure speculation) that the *ahem* journalists *ahem* who give Mr. Hicks a bad review have girlfriends/wives/significant others who adore Taylor and want to jump his bones.. therefore jealousy rears its ugly head !!! :mrgreen_wp:

Taylor Hicks – The poor guy canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t seem to catch a break. I truly hope he doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t let any of the bad press get him down. I know he is a grown man, but still. Sheesh!

Here’s a first, the Portland press is already dishing Taylor as a failure a few days before his concert in that city. Talk about reviewing a concert before it even started. It’s as if they are telling people not to even bother with attending his concert. It was writtten as if the writer really loved to see Taylor’s career fail and he’s anticipating it with glee.

As for taping a DVD of his concert — WARFIELD was the wrong venue. The hottest one that he should have taped should have been the concert at the Chicago House of Blues with ‘Keb ‘Mo.

BTW, was there ever a review of the Akon/Gwen Stefani concert ? Yes, I’m talking about the one with the 14 year old.

The vibe between him and Clive was awful. Clive looked horrified that he even had to be in the same room with him.

Yeah. Well, poor Clive, he just might find himself in the same room with Elliott again next Wednesday.

If that happens, maybe Elliott should ditch “Wait For You” and sing a mean “Movin’ On” (without forgetting any of his words, too). Heh.

What was obvious to me was Cliveà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s disdain and/or indifference to Elliott during their little sit down. And I foresee a similar, uncomfortable conversation for Blake, topped off with a ridiculous song choice. But I hope Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m wrong.

I hope you’re wrong, too. I can’t tell what TPTB are thinking, other that they want a Jordin win. That’s all that’s obvious to me at this point.

Did they put Blake in the bottom last night to excite his fanbase, or did they want it to appear that Melinda has always been safe to lull her fanbase into complacency? It’s possible they want Blake in the finale for diversity/ratings, but want Jordin to win.

Dave, I heard James Morrison on XRT today!

Remember that moment in Season 2 when Clay and Ruben were standing on stage together waiting for that final golden ticket? It really was a life or death moment. We really thought it was going to be the end of the world for the second place loser. As if a trap door was going to open up under Clay and send him into a poisonous snake pit with Guarini right then and there. It was so emotional on both ends.

Now it’s Season 6. And if you haven’t noticed through the corporate pandering and parade of “celebrity” performances, there are some contestants performing. Now when our favorite (if you actually have one this year) is called as 2nd or 3rd place, we say “sweet!”. I miss the life or death edge-of-the-seat results. There’s just no emotion anymore in this cheese fest.

Melinda rocks. But if she wins you know they are going to put her in a slinky diamond ho shirt and call her Beyonce. It will be Ruben part deux. Here’s to hoping she doesn’t win so I can add an awesome jazzy album to my collection.
:drunk_tb:

Bean, that Chris D interview where he picked Blake because he could tell he’s a true artist was great! I heard that the entire top 5 of last year have picked Blake as their fave.

Did they put Blake in the bottom last night to excite his fanbase, or did they want it to appear that Melinda has always been safe to lull her fanbase into complacency? Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s possible they want Blake in the finale for diversity/ratings, but want Jordin to win.

I think we’ll have a clearer picture after next week’s show. If Clive’s got that bus revved up, we’ll know.

I think they defintely wanted him to last longer than Phil, Chris and LaKisha. There is a something to be said about his place in the “phony” bottom 2 this week. It would have been easy to put Melinda there instead to rile up her fan base instead.

But, would casual viewers actually believe she was in danger? LaKisha and Blake had the “worst” (according to the judges, anyway) performances on Tuesday. Simon said they were in danger. It may have been the most suspenseful set-up in terms of creating good TV.

Hmmm…..
Unfortunately, I’ll be at the Elvis Costello concert tuesday and won’t be able to watch the show live with you guys. I have mixed feelings about that. But I do love me some Elvis, so I’ll just have to watch it when I get back after the concert…

If the show was being fair, Blake would go last. But at the moment, I’m not sure what they’re doing with Blake. Maybe he really did have the 2nd lowest votes last night. DI is just a sample; it’s not completely accurate. On the other hand, maybe he had the most votes or the 2nd most and this was meant to boost him.

Based on the mixed messages, I don’t know who will go first, but it’s most likely Blake anyway.Melinda just sang first and Jordin hasn’t done it in a while. But they wouldn’t set up the season like this to risk her succumbing to a curse in the last week before the finale. So there’s no choice really but to put Blake in the cursed spot.

I dont think AI wants Taylor to fail either – doesn’t look good for the show. I think they just hitch their wagon to who’s selling at the moment and that happens to be Chris. I doubt we would’ve seen Elliott on the show had his single not broken into top 40. And, Elliott has said in many interviews that he’d love to go back on the show if they invited him back.

I still think TPTB want a Blake/Jordin finale. They never said Blake was bottom two did they? I thought they just told the others they were safe. My head was a little foggy after dance recital rehearsal so maybe I missed it…

Hey, I’m from Boston! Curses can be broken. .

Blakes fan base is pretty strong, they could propell him to the final anyway, no matter what TPTB want.

Why does Clive get dragged into everything. Clive is responsible for signing these contestants on behalf of AI and 19. Check their cd liners. He does have a say in their cds but for the most part what these contestants initial cds sound like more come from the TPTB at AI than Clive. He does have the final say as to whether it is good enough to out on the market. I get the impression that we are just conditioned to hate Clive without knowing what is really doing on behind the scenes. The impression that I get from him is he gives those that he signs a lot of freedom if they bring something to the table and he trys to guide those who don’t. Wasn’t he the one who allowed Ruben to make a Christian cd because Ruben wanted to. Regardless of how the cd does, he was given the freedom to make something he wanted.

On the subject of Taylor. I don’t believe in conspiracy theories but sometimes one has to say to say to oneself, what the heck is going on here? It’s clear that Taylor is very stubborn and determined to succeed regardless of what those behind the scenes say. We can speculate as to what’s going on with Taylor but I hope in time Taylor will be able to drop hints as to what is really doing on.

I’ve come to the point where I don’t even waste my time reading those reviews if they sound like they’re borderline trashing. I don’t have a problem with constructive criticism. I have always said that I hope Taylor does take some of the constructive criticism about him and apply it. But, I will not waste my enery on childish trashing because some critics choose to tow the AI line..

All these contestants deserve to succeed. Everyone of them is not going to do it instantly. That does not make them failures or don’t deserve to be where they are at.

I think weà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll have a clearer picture after next weekà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s show. If Cliveà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s got that bus revved up, weà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll know.

True. Very true.

Unfortunately, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll be at the Elvis Costello concert tuesday and wonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t be able to watch the show live with you guys. I have mixed feelings about that. But I do love me some Elvis, so Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll just have to watch it when I get back after the concertà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

Aww, we’ll miss you, but that sounds like a ton of fun! Plus, you can fast forward through the commercials.

BTW, for interested parties, Mandisa’s single can be heard here:

http://hearItFirst.com

Bean, that Chris D interview where he picked Blake because he could tell heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a true artist was great! I heard that the entire top 5 of last year have picked Blake as their fave.

Taylor was recently interviewed and he picked Jordin to win.

AI6 hasn’t even hda their finale yet and already 7 of the top 10 from AI5 have released cds. Wow. Wonder if we’ll see that with this group- 7 cds before the end of AI7.

I dont think AI wants Taylor to fail either – doesn’t look good for the show. I think they just hitch their wagon to who’s selling at the moment and that happens to be Chris.

I agree. I don’t believe in the conspiracy theories at all. Taylor isn’t selling records, therefore they could care less about tooting his horn. That Ken and Nigel and co would actively try to wreck his career–I think they have much bigger fish to fry than Taylor Hicks, quite frankly.

BTW, Taylor’s management company, The Firm, is one of the most successful and powerful management companys in Hollywood. I’m sure they can more than hold their own against anybody.

Taylor was recently interviewed and he picked Jordin to win.

Hmm. I don’t know. Daughtry didn’t pick Blake to win. He said he was his favorite. He actually said he didn’t think Blake would win.

It will be interesting to see how the critics handle Elliott’s tour.

It’s different picking who you think will win and who your personal favorite is… definitely.

sexygirl:

He does have a say in their cds but for the most part what these contestants initial cds sound like more come from the TPTB at AI than Clive.

I’m not sure about that. Nigel and Ken aren’t in the record producing business. I think they hand them off, and the record company takes over. They manage Daughtry, but I’m not sure how much say they had on what went on his record.

I agree. I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t believe in the conspiracy theories at all. Taylor isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t selling records, therefore they could care less about tooting his horn. That Ken and Nigel and co would actively try to wreck his careerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’I think they have much bigger fish to fry than Taylor Hicks, quite frankly.

Completely agree. He’s simply of no use to them right now. If Taylor’s next album is, by some act of God, a blockbuster, they’ll be riding his coattails the way they were riding Daughtry’s and Jennifer Hudson’s at the beginning of the season.

Apparently this THUG donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t GET IT..What standard is he talking about, apparently NOT his.. Seems he doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have a standard or any morals.. It really ticks me off when someone will NOT accept responsibilty for their actionsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s doing nothing but scapegoating the CLUB..
Seems he also thinks this type of behavior is acceptable, as long as someone is NOT underageà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ What a JERK..

Well, first let me fully disclose here. I hate Akon. I think he can’t sing a lick, and I hate his whole “ex-jailbird just trying to go straight, but it’s SOO HARRDD” persona. Yuck.

That said, I was under the impression that the young lady in the video was not offended by the, ahem, “dance”. In fact, dancehall and R&B singers ahave been pulling girls up on the stage and climbing all over them for a long, looong time. What you saw may be personally offensive to you, but it is not at all unusual given his genre. He’s not exactly being a jerk as much as he is following the conventions of his genre. As much as it may be questionable to those of us not inclined to enjoy such shenangians.

Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s different picking who you think will win and who your personal favorite isà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ definitely.

Exactly Lu.

So we should know by tomorrow what the three muskateers pick for Mindy, Jordin, and Blake right? ODL’s choices will be very interesting I bet. I’m actually really loving this season.

Wednesday’s Idol: What You Didn’t See

…After a powerhouse rendition of “To Love Somebody,” Barry Gibb lingered in the spotlight, blowing kisses to an audience on their feet as the show went into commercial. But just as everyone was saying goodbye to the legend, Gibb tripped while making his way backstage and took a hard tumble, instantly silencing the room. As stagehands ran to his rescue, Gibb beat them to it, springing to his feet, throwing his arms in the air and shouting, “I’m all right!” …

http://www.people.com/people/package/americanidol2007/article/0,,20007868_20038466,00.html

I dont think AI wants Taylor to fail either – doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t look good for the show. I think they just hitch their wagon to whoà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s selling at the moment and that happens to be Chris.

What came first, the chicken or the egg? One artist has great pre-promotion, a single and a video released months before the CD is released with a push by the label for great airplay [See: Chris and KellyC] vs a CD release with a few TV appearances, a single released well after the promotional period, no video and no positive press talking up the artist/production by RCA/Arista [See: Taylor and Clay]. Is anyone surprised that one has more sales success than the other? The decisions of how much promotion, airplay and press are made by TPTB, and it is a reliable predictor of who will sell units vs who won’t. AI hitches their wagon to the one they decide will get the promo, they not only know who that will be, they are a large part of the selection process. If AI disagreed with the promotion/outcome, they would hype the artist they support anyway. [See: Tamyra Grey and Fantasia].

The only way I would agree that it was not predetermined would be if they all got the same treatment and we know that isn’t the case.

I think weà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll have a clearer picture after next weekà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s show. If Cliveà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s got that bus revved up, weà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll know.

We’ll start seeing early signs when we find out tomorrow what the judge’s picks are (usually announced by the Governor (or in Kat’s case, her school principal)).

I wonder if TPTB might be going for a “Clash of the Titans” this year. We’ve never had a final 2 where neither of the finalists have never hit the seal, have we? This could be the first year with Jordin/Melinda. “For the first time in Idol history, two finalists who have never been at risk for elimination. Who will emerge victorious??????” (bonus points if they use the Monster Mud Truck announcer….or they could use the Movie Preview dude “In a world where two powerhouses have emerged, things are not as they seem”).

Any thoughts on which judge will pick for who?

My predictions …

Simon – Melinda
Paula – Blake
Randy – Jordin

I’m pretty sure this is all that JJ could care about in that Contra Costa Times article:

His shirt was soaked with sweat midway through the 90-minute show…

Vegasdee, I never did hear what you chose last weekend: TH or PBF? Congrats on the win, by the way!

I just got my blake lewis kickshaw cd! (the group he was in before he was on AI) it’s acapella so it’ll be interesting to see what it sounds like.

Kirsten – :lol_tb: about the Movie Preview dude!

And I don’t think theres a conspiracy against Taylor, not from the reviewers, or the media, or from AI. Not everyone is going to feel the same way about him as you do. Not everyone is going to think he’s a revolutionary, and is the greatest performer that’s graced a stage in 50 years. You can talk all you want about Kat and how she just wants to be famous and grace all the magazine covers, but its those media relations that makes them write good stories about her as opposed to bad ones. Her PR guy, Roger (also does K-Clark.) took her around in NYC to a bunch of magazine places to talk to the editors and give them a good impression about Katharine. The average reader doesn’t care about Sam Cookes 1963 recording of so and so, they want to hear about Simon and how bad he is and how you feel about it.

That said, I was under the impression that the young lady in the video was not offended by the, ahem, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“danceà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ . In fact, dancehall and R&B singers ahave been pulling girls up on the stage and climbing all over them for a long, looong time. What you saw may be personally offensive to you, but it is not at all unusual given his genre. Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not exactly being a jerk as much as he is following the conventions of his genre. As much as it may be questionable to those of us not inclined to enjoy such shenangians.

I have to agree with this. I remember going to my first concert with no parents the summer of 93, I was 15, the concert was some summer jam with LL Cool J, Naughty By Nature, Silk, Jodeci, SWV, and H-Town. Anywawy, Jodeci performed I Wanna Freak You, and a similar “dance” thing happened same with H-Town when they performed Knockin’ Boots. I wasn’t supposed to even be at the concert since it was supposed to be over 18.

Hey, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m from Boston! Curses can be broken. .

Blakes fan base is pretty strong, they could propell him to the final anyway, no matter what TPTB want.

I hope so mj.. I just don’t trust those TPTB.. I really hate the politics of this show. Ughhh
I just hope Blake gets the chance to shine with a great song and if his run is indeed going to end that he at least end it up with a bang.
I really do belive that if Blake goes first they want him gone for sure.
But I still have hope, poor guy.Blake needs to end this show on a high note, that is all.

Vegasdee, I never did hear what you chose last weekend: TH or PBF? Congrats on the win, by the way!

Thanks Purp. I went to the fight, and had lots of fun. I hope I get a chance to see Taylor though.

That said, I was under the impression that the young lady in the video was not offended by the, ahem, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“danceà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ . In fact, dancehall and R&B singers ahave been pulling girls up on the stage and climbing all over them for a long, looong time. What you saw may be personally offensive to you, but it is not at all unusual given his genre. Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not exactly being a jerk as much as he is following the conventions of his genre. As much as it may be questionable to those of us not inclined to enjoy such shenangians.

I tend to agree, the only reason this is getting press at all is because the girl is underage and daughter of a pastor.

Yes the club is responsible for allowing her in in the first place.

AKONà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢S RAUNCHY DANCE WITH 14-YEAR-OLD IRKS DAD: But pastor refuses church demands to denounce the performance.

http://eurweb.com/story/eur33000.cfm

What came first, the chicken or the egg? One artist has great pre-promotion, a single and a video released months before the CD is released with a push by the label for great airplay {See: Chris and KellyC] vs a CD release with a few TV appearances, a single released well after the promotional period, no video and no positive press talking up the artist/production by RCA/Arista [See: Taylor and Clay].

Chris did not have a single or a video out before his CD was out. His TV promo I don’t think was as good as Taylor’s. His radio promo was much better since he went on a radio tour pretty much right off the bat but then again his music is much more friendly to the current music scene so that was probably a lot easier to set up.

Just for some laughs – Last years Top 3 Ford Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hx271008neE

Weà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll start seeing early signs when we find out tomorrow what the judgeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s picks are (usually announced by the Governor (or in Katà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s case, her school principal)).

LOL at the high school principal. Blake’s mayor is announcing his. It’s Blake Lewis day all over again in Bothell tomorrow.

Poor Sanjaya. He still hasn’t gotten his day and Blake has two.

Completely agree. Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s simply of no use to them right now. If Taylorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s next album is, by some act of God, a blockbuster, theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll be riding his coattails the way they were riding Daughtryà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s and Jennifer Hudsonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s at the beginning of the season.

The one fly in the ointment with this theory is the boot song. Everybody thought that the boot song would be a sure fire hit song since it is played weekly on AI and “Bad Day” was such a monster hit. By Nigel’s own words, the boot song was selected this year before a single Season 5 Album had been sold. The winner and co-winner had not even finished recording their albums when he listened to some early cuts from Daughtry’s album and selected this year’s boot song.

It may very well be that AI thought that Daughtry would be a hit and that Nigel loves him some Angst-Pop-Rock, but it doesn’t fit in with the theory that AI only promotes successes (heck, Fox was using one of Chris’s songs in Prison Break ads before the first week sale’s numbers were even in). They made a concious decision to promote Daughtry regardless of what the sales numbers eventually became.

And this is not a Daughtry battle. All power to Daughtry and their sales numbers. I’m just refuting the theory and using Daughtry as an example (Tamyra would also be a good example. She has been promoted every way from writing coronation songs to repeatedly singing on the show to hosting Finale parties and she can hardly be termed a success).

Chris had WAAAAAAAAAY less tv promo then Taylor when their cds came out, his single was released until December 5th

I also agree that the only reason it’s getting press is the girl is underage. (which is bad, don’t get me wrong). Two summers ago, I took my son to see Green Day at a sell out at Giants Stadium. Billy Joe Armstrong also did the simulated sex thing on stage. Only difference is that he didn’t bring an audience member up on stage for that portion of the show.

And I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think theres a conspiracy against Taylor, not from the reviewers, or the media, or from AI. Not everyone is going to feel the same way about him as you do. Not everyone is going to think heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a revolutionary, and is the greatest performer thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s graced a stage in 50 years.

It pains me but I have to agree with this. There is no conspiracy. Taylor goes against the grain of what’s “cool”, and this is what happens when the adbundance of tastemakers think you are corny. The only way to change their mind is to sell a ton of records, and Taylor didn’t do that. Hence all the bad press.

If anyone was aginst him it was his label, who didn’t release a single for 2 months and under-promoted him. And I still think that’s because they didn’t like the album, didn’t think it would sell, and decided to not make him a priority because of it. Also, the album was completed late and they didn’t have much time to get it out before Christmas.

AI has shunned him because they are trying to distance themselves from his “failure” and I think there are some bad feelings there from Taylor deciding to go with The Firm. Plus Simon never liked him anyway. I have serious issues with them trashing the winner and telling us we were stupid to have voted for him, but that’s another story.

The bad press, low sales and 19E’s reaction certainly feed off each other, but I don’t think they have the same root cause.

Allen May 10th, 2007 at 1:22 pm

Chris did not have a single or a video out before his single was out.

His song was featured on Prison Break before his CD was released, it was also played during WWE wrestling. The single was chosen and advertised well before his CD release. It was played on major top40 radio in advance of the official adds date, that can only happen if it is sent to radio in advance. There were also paid TV spots advertising his CD with his single playing behind the voice over. Taylor never had that. No TV show featured any of his music and the single wasn’t even decided till well after the CD was released.

Verizon Drops Pop Singer From Ads

Many music fans know that Pete Wentz, the bassist for the rock band Fall Out Boy, found himself overexposed last year when sexually explicit pictures of him surfaced on the Internet. Many also know that Keith Urban, the country superstar, recently endured a stint in rehab.

…And while Verizon may have distanced itself from Akon, it has not severed the connection completely: Ms. Stefanià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s tour, with Akon, is set to hit four Verizon Wireless-branded theaters during the rest of the American segment of her tour, which runs through June. The show is scheduled for the Verizon Wireless amphitheater in Charlotte, N.C., on Saturday.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/10/arts/music/10akon.html?_r=1&ref=arts&oref=slogin

I have to agree with this. I remember going to my first concert with no parents the summer of 93, I was 15, the concert was some summer jam with LL Cool J, Naughty By Nature, Silk, Jodeci, SWV, and H-Town. Anywawy, Jodeci performed I Wanna Freak You, and a similar à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“danceà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  thing happened same with H-Town when they performed Knockinà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ Boots. I wasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t supposed to even be at the concert since it was supposed to be over 18.

Oh my god Vegas, I think I saw the same concert tour! Anyway, Jodeci’s stage shows alone could make a softcore porn video. Not that I would know anything about that. :innocent1_tb:

Poor Sanjaya. He still hasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t gotten his day and Blake has two.

He has, the news link is on the first page.

http://mjsbigblog.com/?p=2275&cp=1#comment-70699

So what’s the deal on Taylor’s “TV Special” named in that review? That was the most interesting part of it for me. Could it be a pay-per-view thingie? A network special (that would be hard for me to believe)? Part of something else? This intrigues me!

A concert DVD would be a fantastic promotional tool for Taylor – a chance for people to catch him ‘live’. Anyone have a clue?

I agree, mj (you knew I was going to say that right?) – curses can be broken. I really just want Blake to have a good time out there; if he incidentally makes top 3, good but I won’t be too upset if he doesn’t. He and Melinda are both essentially fighting for one spot and I think they’re both deserving.

I read EW and they had a second behind the scenes for Tuesday (2 people were apparently on the scene that night) and it mentioned how Blake was really having a rough day on Tuesday. The sound was messed up in rehearsals for him, Melinda and Lakisha (but not Jordin).

http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2007/05/one_the_scene_i.html

I think the home visit will really help him get his confidence back. Who knows? He may have another breakout performance with his own choice even if Clive gives him his OPEN ARMS. It’s up in the air.

vegas, I am really enjoying this season as well.

He has, the news link is on the first page.

http://mjsbigblog.com/?p=2275&cp=1#comment-70699

OH, I know that he had a homecoming, but I was referring to the VFTW campaign to get an official “Sanjaya Malakar Day” in Federal Way. After Blake got his the first time, they were some peeps up in arms that Sanjaya didn’t get one.

The sound was messed up in rehearsals for him, Melinda and Lakisha (but not Jordin).

Uh-Oh! I smell some Diana Degarmo earpiece-gate type conspiracies coming!
:ponder_tb: :guns_tb: :laugh_tb:

lol tina

The average reader doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t care about Sam Cookes 1963 recording of so and so, they want to hear about Simon and how bad he is and how you feel about it.

Maybe that’s a problem with the average reader, then.

Her PR guy, Roger (also does K-Clark.) took her around in NYC to a bunch of magazine places to talk to the editors and give them a good impression about Katharine.

It’s mildly comforting to know that Katharine had to be shoved down magazine editor’s throats, too, in order to get good stories written about her.

You can talk all you want about Kat and how she just wants to be famous and grace all the magazine covers, but its those media relations that makes them write good stories about her as opposed to bad ones.

It’s also comforting to know that the reason for some of Taylor’s bad press is the simple fact that his management didn’t have him do enough dick-sucking. Thanks, radname.

lol tina – I was thinking that when I read the article. More likely, it’s because she went last and they cleared up the problem by them. But I am happy to indulge theories that corroborate Jordin pimpage.

Vegasdee: I went to the fight, and had lots of fun. I hope I get a chance to see Taylor though.
———————-

I’m sure you will. I really thought Oscar was winning that fight, but I didn’t realize he was up against a wall. That Floyd sure was tough! Not a Fight Of The Year, though.

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not sure about that. Nigel and Ken arenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t in the record producing business. I think they hand them off, and the record company takes over.

No, but Simon Fuller and Simon Cowell is.. I think we’re under the impression that all TPTB at AI does is pass off these contestants to the label but if one can look back to the feuding that was going on between AI and the record company for Diana and Fantasia, especially Fantasia because Clive wanted her, one can see that AI is more involved with these contestants than just passing them off to the record company..

Question Radname, with all the media attention Ms. Kat is getting, why isn’t she doing better with her cd sales. Even Kelly, who isn’t getting half her attention, is doing better in cd sales.. So, all this media attention is not generating any real interest in Kat’s cd. I guess she nor her fans care because it has always been about her looks and not her talent not some stupid cd sales..

Some additional sales stats (Top 200 albums stats and Top 50 downloads already reported):

Albums:
Kelly Clarkson: 7000 (album too old to chart, but would have been 113)
Taylor: 1,600 : 674,000
Ruben: 1,000 : 224,000
Clay: 500 : 510,000

Singles:
61 Carrie “Wasted” 17,000 : 248,000
96 Carrie “Jesus, Take the Wheel” 11,000 : 938,000
112 Bucky “A Different World” 8,200 : 34,000
135 Elliott “Wait for You” 7,100 : 72,000
168 Kelly “Since U Been Gone” 6,300 : 1.63 million

I remember that alot of the press last year during the show didn’t get Taylor. He was made fun of because of the way he danced & his facial expressions,etc. People thought he was goofy and that just stuck. Portraying him that way now may make the reviewers or DJs or whoever feel cool and like they are above the whole AI experience. I really do hope he will use the opportunity of this finale appearance to do something other than The Runaround or JTFTW. They have run their course and just didn’t work. This is the best shot he has at really making a good impression on alot of people who probably can’t wait to be able to say he shouldn’t have won. The naysayers can be silenced if he is able to pull off a “wow” moment of his own.

As for AI this year: Melinda deserves it. Who else has been so consistently good. Everyone else has had real clunkers. But the worst you can say about her is that she can’t outdo herself.

LOL at the high school principal. Blakeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s mayor is announcing his. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Blake Lewis day all over again in Bothell tomorrow.

Just to clarify, it was really the mayor of Los Angeles, not the high school principal that announced Simon’s song choice for Katharine.

Okay, done with this conversation.. I’m off to mom’s house. Have a great day guys.. ;O)

Chris had WAAAAAAAAAY less tv promo then Taylor when their cds came out, his single was released until December 5th

Oh goodie, the promo wars again.

VFTW is deciding between picking Blake and picking no one. Dave is leaning towards the first option…I cannot say I’m surprised. I know they make an insignificant amount of difference, but more voters is more voters. So yay.

Spenser J – When I first read your post, I thought it said “oh goodie, the porno wars again.” LOL Now THAT would be much more interesting!

HAHAHA!!!! I saw that too Carla D and Spenser J!

Breaking News: Press Conference with American Idol Eliminated Contestant Lakisha Jones

We at BuddyTV we’re privileged to listen in to the weekly American Idol press conference with the eliminated contestant. This week it is Lakisha Jones who, in a mildly surprising vote, was ousted from the competition last night. As we’ve been doing with these press conferences, here is the lowdown on what Lakisha said:

http://www.buddytv.com/articles/american-idol/breaking-news-press-conference-6343.aspx

VFTW is deciding between picking Blake and picking no one. Dave is leaning towards the first optionà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦I cannot say Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m surprised. I know they make an insignificant amount of difference, but more voters is more voters. So yay.

Thanks! I hope they pick him!!!!

Spenser J – When I first read your post, I thought it said à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“oh goodie, the porno wars again.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  LOL Now THAT would be much more interesting

LOL Carla – just trying to keep things interesting.

Her daughter is going to be able to go on tour with her, which is great news.

That is good news. I’m happy for her.

I wonder if they are going to have an Idol’s kid bus this time. LaKisha’s daughter, Phil’s two daughters, Sanjaya, Jordin….(whistles)

Perhaps she just means that her daughter will shadow the tour with perhaps her grandma. Great for them.

This week, she had a blouse that was destroyed at the Dry Cleaners, and that really had a negative impact on her week

Gasp! TPTB will stop at nothing to throw off a contestant. If the security dogs eat all of Blake’s plaid pants this week, we’ll know for sure they want him gone.

Has anybody heard if Kat is appearing on AI? I would expect that she would be. If she’s not, why?

sexygirl
I guess she nor her fans care because it has always been about her looks and not her talent not some stupid cd sales..

Completely and utterly false.

Gasp! TPTB will stop at nothing to throw off a contestant. If the security dogs eat all of Blakeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s plaid pants this week, weà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll know for sure they want him gone.

Would make a great picture spread if he was wearing them at the time.

:lol_tb:

One more thing. I just want to encourage anyone who always wanted to lose weight but just could not get motivated enough. Despite our back and forth over our favorites, I just want to put that to the side and say that I’ve finally reached my goal of shedding 100 pounds yesterday. That’s right, 100 pounds. I use to weigh 240 pounds. I reached my first goal of dropping 90 pounds last year March. Nine months after I decided enough was enough. I decided I wanted to lose another ten pounds to hit the 100 pound mark. I took me ten months to lose ten pounds. Man, those last ten pounds are a real killer..LOL But, I finally reached my goal. At 42, I’m the smallest I’ve ever been in my life. A size 3/4.. So all you folks out there who feel you can’t shed those pounds, let me be an inspiration that when you put your mind to it and let your weigth lose be about your health and not just losing to fit those great jeans, it can be done.. Good luck…

Okay, back to your regular scheduled program.

Congratulations, Sexy! That’s wonderful.

Has anybody heard if Kat is appearing on AI? I would expect that she would be. If sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not, why?

The “Daughtry Insider” (TM) has reported that she will be singing on the Finale night (but the “Daughtry Insider” (TM) has been wrong before). If she’s not singing this year, it’s because she didn’t move enough units to qualify for AI to remember her.

I know they make an insignificant amount of difference, but more voters is more voters.

Funny. If VFTW is insignificant, than surely one person voting (you) makes no difference whatsoever. Might as well not vote at all.

And BTW, VFTW averages about 1/2 million votes (as a modest estimate). Not a lot, yet not insignificant either. VFTW could help tip the scales in Blake’s favor as they did with Taylor in the top 3.

Well Leona Lewis is definitely appearing, maybe in leiu of Katharine??

As far as this Taylor Hicks conspiracy stuff goes, we’ve been down this road one too many times, It’s a subject that’s best left to the fan groups I think. So, let’s not carry it any further.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=NzlG28B-R8Y

LOL LisaB.

Sexygirl – Way to go! I’m just a bit teary eyed after reading your post. I’ve lost 25 pounds (started at 235) but now I’m stuck. I want to lose another 75 pounds but just can’t get motivated. How long did it take to lose the 100 pounds? How did you lose the weight? Any advice? I would like to lose at least another 50 before my 40th birthday in February 08. I’m tired of being tired and feeling bad all the time.

Again, congrats. I know how hard you worked to lose the weight. You’ve given me hope!

tinawina: That said, I was under the impression that the young lady in the video was not offended by the, ahem, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“danceà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ .

Then that isn’t a “young lady” — young ladies don’t willing agree to being molested on stage.

More likely a lost girl who needs some intensive counseling to help with low self esteem issues and how to set boundaries.

He is a pig.

Congratulations Sexygirl! Takes a lot of strength to do that!

:clap_tb:

MJ, I’m not going to talk conspiracy but I am going to comment about the Contra Costa Times’ comments about Taylor Hicks’s concert.

There have been several people who responded to the writer of the review… here’s one of them for Soul Patrolers to digest (I CUT AND PASTE):

———————————–
I have to take issue with Jim ( the writer of this review ).

Jim Harrington must have gone to a different parallel universe.

———————————-

Several people from The Official Soul Patrol forum ( who were at the concert ) have also commented about this lie about the so called “only” 600 attending the 2,200 venue Warfield concert.

Who am I to believe, Jim Harrington or the real fans ?

Top 10 signs that TPTB want you off the show:

1) Security dogs “accidently” eat your favourite plaid pants.

2) Craft table only features food to which you are deathly allergic.

3) Clive demands the room be fumigated after he tells you what song he wants you to sing.

4) Clive makes you sing “It’s a Small World”

5) Your “friends and family” are “accidently” given tickets to Dancing With the Stars instead of AI.

6) Posters featuring your name are confiscated along with the blackberries and the owners are given new posters reading “Jordin Sparks Up Our Lives!”

7) The only song that Nigel can clear for you is “My Humps” and you are a guy.

Your body mic has a short in it that keeps shocking you every time you start singing.

9) Lighting guys insist that they want to try something “really cool” that, in fact, just makes you look like somebody telling ghost stories.

10) Nigel won’t let the “guest coach” have his daily dose of botox until he says something negative about you.

I was browsing around wikipedia, and came across this information:

“Jordin has performed, as well as been a demonstrator, at many rallies that campaign to end abortion in the United States, including the Arizona Right to Life Conference 2005, and at a Democrats For Life event, linking to groups that campaign to amend both the Arizona state and federal Constitutions to ban same-sex marriage and was fond of Mandisa from season 5 of American Idol, for her conservative Christian values.”

I also found out that Jordin’s musical preferences seem to be contemporary Christian (Michael W. Smith’s website is encouraging everyone to vote for Jordin) or country. She’s also appeared in several plays (another broadway idol perhaps?). It will be interesting to see if TBTB can “mold” Jordin into a pop star that will fit in with today’s music.

I couldn’t find near as much info. on wikipedia about Melinda, but it appears almost all of her backup singing has been for gospel or contemporary Christian artists. Again, it will be interesting to see what type of album, if any, Melinda puts out there.

There’s not much out there on Blake either, but he does play the guitar, drums, and piano and did put out a beatbox compiliation CD under the name “B-Shorty”. Out of the three remaining finalists, I do think Blake would put out something marketable, but again, I would be interested to see where TBTB would go with him.

I’m pulling for a “Blalinda” final. However, I have a strong suspicion that Jordin will be there one way or the other.

Congrats sexy! What an amazing achievement.

I took me ten months to lose ten pounds. Man, those last ten pounds are a real killer..LOL But, I finally reached my goal. At 42, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m the smallest Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve ever been in my life. A size 3/4..

:clap_tb:

I can attest to the fact that Sexygirl is, indeed, Sexy and beautiful, inside and out! Congratulations! That’s fantastic!

I’m fighting those 10 lbs too… Hmmm. Maybe if I got more exercize – went for a walk or rode a bike or sumpthin’- and spent less time planted in front of a computer…
:ponder_tb:

sexygirl May 10th, 2007 at 2:23 pm

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve finally reached my goal of shedding 100 pounds yesterday. Thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s right, 100 pounds.

:clap_tb: :thumbup_tb: :clap_tb:
Good for you!! I also need to lose 100 lbs. I’m 51 and will have some serious health problems in the future if I don’t. Even with knowing that, I am having to work hard to stop eating emotionally. Thanks for a post that give me hope it can be done.

MaryS! Check your email again (sorry I keep doing this MJ, Mary doesn’t check her email nearly enough – I’m done, though, I promise).

Kirsten
May 10th, 2007 at 2:25 pm

“Has anybody heard if Kat is appearing on AI? I would expect that she would be. If sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not, why?”

The à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Daughtry Insiderà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  (TM) has reported that she will be singing on the Finale night (but the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Daughtry Insiderà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  (TM) has been wrong before). If sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not singing this year, ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s because she didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t move enough units to qualify for AI to remember her.

If that were true, then why are they having Elliott on? Or why did they have Fantasia on considering her sales aren’t too far ahead of Kat’s even with 6? extra weeks of sales (two of which were holiday weeks).

Hopefully Kat will be on the finale.

Congrats on that remarkable weight loss. I have to hate you now. I slowly creeped up from 140 to 235 over the course of a few years. Weight Watchers kept telling me that “every 10 lbs represents one dress size.” Total bull. The reason I gained so much so easily was because my clothes still fit! When my clothes started feeling tight, I had gained 40 lbs! At 140 I was a 14. At 235, I was an 18. I managed to get down to 200, and for the past 4 years I keep bouncing between 200 & 210, still staying a size 16 or 16W, but I sure would love to get back to just 180! Of course, at 180, I’m still a 16.

MaryS! Check your email again (sorry I keep doing this MJ, Mary doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t check her email nearly enough – Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m done, though, I promise).

Eek! Going now, jersey. (Sorry MJ).

MaryS-NJ May 10th, 2007 at 2:48 pm

Maybe if I got more exercize – went for a walk or rode a bike or sumpthinà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢- and spent less time planted in front of a computerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦
:ponder_tb:

Mary, are you sure you want to do something that extreme? It’s a lot more fun to be planted in front of a computer :smile2_ee:

Congrats sexy on the weight loss. Any tips on how to do it?? I need to lose some weight before August rolls around.

If I’m Taylor singing at the finale…well,then I’m singing my original music. Because Taylor’s original music is dope (yo Randy.)

I hope good things happen for Lakisha. IMO she was the best of the divas, but didn’t stand a chance at winning because of her lack of professional experience in comparison to the others.

If that were true, then why are they having Elliott on? Or why did they have Fantasia on considering her sales arenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t too far ahead of Katà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s even with 6? extra weeks of sales (two of which were holiday weeks).

I think Fantasia got asked to be on because of the big announcement that she was picked by Oprah to be in “The Colour Purple” (always helps to be nice to Oprah). Remember that she didn’t get to sing a song from her CD. She sang a song from the Broadway show. Plus, Fantasia has always been a favourite with the AI PTB.

I don’t know why they asked Elliott back, to be honest. They have spent the entire season ignoring the fact that he ever existed. I don’t recall a single mention of him and they had lots of opportunities to do it (maybe he was on one of those quiz things?). This is clearly a last minute thing because he’s had to cancel 3 (I think) concert dates. Perhaps it is because they can tout him as being the most successful Independent artist ever or because maybe Clive wants one more chance to try to sign him (they’ll both be in the same room together). Or maybe they want the E-fans to watch to help the sagging ratings. Elliott did put out a good CD, so maybe they are just giving him some props.

I don’t recall them ever having the AI runner-up come back for the next year’s finale show. It’s always been a passing of the torch kind of thing. I know that Clay, Diana and Bo didn’t show up on the Season 3, 4 and 5 shows respectively. But the finale might be an entirely new thing this year since they blew all their big guest appearances on IGB and the result shows. Plus, it would be odd for the AI runner-up not to show up all season. But, this has been an odd season.

Kirsten, thanks for the top ten. :lol_tb:

Congrats to Sexy!!!!!!

I couldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t find near as much info. on wikipedia about Melinda, but it appears almost all of her backup singing has been for gospel or contemporary Christian artists

Melinda sang backup to George Huff, who as we know today, is a gospel/contemporary Christian singer.

Because Taylorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s original music is dope (yo Randy.)

The irony is even those who are harsh when they review Taylor’s concerts actually prefered his own compositions to the covers he sang ( even the most recent Contra Costa Times review ).

This just in!

SANJAYA (just one name now, please!) is going to be performing at “Girl’s Night Out” — a Seattle radio station’s concert with Kat (and Hilary, Fergie, etc)! and he’s performing with — this is not a joke — a drag queen band!

http://kbks.itmftp.com/gno/index.html

I had my reservations, but I guess this tilts me to the opinion that he’s gay. I thought he was just effeminate.

I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t recall them ever having the AI runner-up come back for the next yearà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s finale show. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s always been a passing of the torch kind of thing.

Yep, that’s what Taylor Hicks said what he said ( to the dismay of a lot on the mainstream press ) — “American Idol is fizzling out for me.”

LB2..OT

Here are some tips.. Eat nothing but fruit until noon.. Remember though, if you eat a banana, don’t eat any more fruit for at least two hours.. It takes two hours to digest a banana..

Mid day. eat a salad and a carb..

Dinner time you can eat a potato and vegetables or meat and vegatable or a salad…
Do NOT mix proteins such as meat with carbs such as potato, rice, bread or pasta… If you want a steak, eat it with vegetables or a salad.

Here’s a list of Melinda’s backup appearances since 1998:

http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&searchlink=MELINDA|DOOLITTLE&sql=11:acfexqyjldde~T4

Pretty impressive list amoung the gospel/contemporary Christian community.

I had my reservations, but I guess this tilts me to the opinion that heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s gay. I thought he was just effeminate.

Or has a sense of humour about himself and about the filth people spew about him in the media (a la Clay).

Pretty impressive list amoung the gospel/contemporary Christian community.

I would say that Melinda has learned from the best.

Sandi Patty is one heck of a singer who could give Barbra Streisand a run for her vocals. And CeCe Winans and Aaron Neville are big time soloists.

And lookie here — Melinda did backup for Alabama !! How the heck does a band need another backup ? ( of course, the list said she did VOCALS not backup for Alabama in their Songs of Inspiration album ). I’m not sure how that happened… maybe Alabama needed a female voice ??

This is the album I’m refering to :

http://www.amazon.com/Songs-Inspiration-Alabama/dp/B000ICLTEQ/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-7156563-0024166?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1178825283&sr=8-1

The irony is even those who are harsh when they review Taylorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s concerts actually prefered his own compositions to the covers he sang ( even the most recent Contra Costa Times review ).

Taylor’s Under the Radar and In Your Time cd’s are fantastic!

In regards to losing weight. The first thing you need to do is something to feel good about yourself. That only takes about 15 minutes a day to start. Do anything good: clean a room of your house, exercise, wash the dog, jump your spouse – anything that you feel good about when your done (and is physical). You have to make some life style changes (which we all know what they are)but, doing a little at a time is easier and tends to be more long lasting. It’s also easier to correct when we slip up.

Plus, it would be odd for the AI runner-up not to show up all season. But, this has been an odd season.

Yeah.

I certainly don’t think it is the end of the world or anything if she doesn’t appear this year. But if she doesn’t and Taylor, Chris, Elliott and Kellie all do I will be moderately annoyed (especially given that they are padding their results shows with useless filler like those man on the street interviews).

emeralgem, those diet tips go against everything I’ve read and everything my sister’s nutritionist has advised her. (My one sister who sees the nutritionist is the only person in the family who’s managed to lose weight & keep it off). For me, as I am carb-sensitive/high blood sugar girl, I must pair a protein with a carb or the carb will cause my blood sugar to spike too high and make me crash. The protein lessens the spike, and fills me up. If I eat more fruit, I gain weight.

This is for Maracaibo:

http://www.tmz.com/2007/05/10/blake-dyed-after-idol-fans-complained/

Maybe he read your posts.

All this talk about Akon…. Well, you gotta deal with it. If you think he’s everywhere now, it’s gonna get worse:

“Akon Helping Steer Whitney’s Comeback Album”

http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003583780

(And Michael’s, and Elton’s…)

Congrats on the weight loss.

Unless I dreamt it, I thought Bo did come back Season 5.
They’re letting Sanjaya perform before the tour on a radio concert with a drag band??? He’s really “coming out” with a bang.
That is very weird. If anyone hasn’t picked up that Sanjaya and Clay are gay, well umh…By the way, I went to a high school talent night recently, and the dancing looked like simulated sex. Someone went up to the principal and complained saying “they’re screwing on stage” and he joked and said “that’s next year’s talent night.”

In regards to losing weight.

I have lost lots of weight on a “crash diet” program before, and it never ever stayed off. Right now I am at a weight I feel comfortable with, but I would like to tone up and get in better shape overall. (If I drop some poundage along the way, all the better.) One thing I’ve found is that you, or at least I, cannot simultaneously begin an exercise regimen and a diet plan. It’s very hard to stick to one as it is, and when you’re having trouble with both, the temptation is to give everything up. So I have started with running. I haven’t really changed my eating habits, because I didn’t want having an indulgent food day to be the catalyst for me saying “well, this isn’t working.” Now that I’m up to running 3 miles daily, I find it much easier and much more inspiring to make healthy food choices, because I’ve worked so hard to build up my mileage and I don’t want to ruin it for the 5 minutes of pleasure that eating a slice of cake will bring me. Just my two cents.

Unless I dreamt it, I thought Bo did come back Season 5.

Bo did come back and sing during the early part of the season (IIRC, it was during the semi-finals). He did not appear on the Finale.

Each year, the previous season’s runner-up and winner have been invited to come back and sing on the show at least once (with the winner, it has always been twice with the exception of Fantasia who was said to be ill during the Finale). Then, there have been a few other people invited back like Kimberley Locke and Tamyra.

OT: Thanks for the weight loss advice. I gained a lot of weight in the past month due to finals and general lethargy. I think I’ll start with walks and move my way up to runs. I’m also joined a few gym classes (boxing, dance, swimming – I don’t know how to so might as well learn now) that start in a few weeks and seem like fun (plus they were cheap).

griz,

So whatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s the deal on Taylorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“TV Specialà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  named in that review? That was the most interesting part of it for me. Could it be a pay-per-view thingie? A network special (that would be hard for me to believe)? Part of something else? This intrigues me!

I think, you were refering to this quote from the concert review :

And the cameras were rolling, documenting the show for use later as a TV special and, perhaps, a concert DVD.

IMHO, I don’t think it’s going to be a pay per view thing. People who have not actually seen Taylor Hicks aren’t going to pay to see his concert on TV.

It could be :

1) FOX taping it for a short footage when Taylor appears in the finals.

or

2) Taylor’s ( not so impressive ) CMT ™ taping it as a marketing and promo tool. Taylor after all says at the concert that it was for a DVD.

Diana never came back on Idol since S3 finale. Bo did sing The Real Thing on S4 semi-finals. I don’t think any runner-up has been at the finale.. though I have no doubt Katharine will show up this year.

EDIT: Oh yeah LBB. Forgot about that.. Clay Aiken. Maybe because I hardly think of him as a “runner-up”…

I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think any runner-up has been at the finale..

Don’t forget Clay surprising Michael Sandecki last year.

Justin Guarini appeared on night in Season 2 and sang UNCHAINED MELODY…. bad move — it caused people to compare his version with the version sang by Clay. Most concluded that Clay’s version was superior.

One thing Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve found is that you, or at least I, cannot simultaneously begin an exercise regimen and a diet plan. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s very hard to stick to one as it is, and when youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re having trouble with both, the temptation is to give everything up.

I used to work with a girl who kept trying to do everything at once. She would go on some fad-diet (e.g. only eating grapefruit), start exercising, stop smoking, quit drinking and stop swearing. Usually, by the third day, we would find her in her car digging through her ashtray trying to find a butt large enough to light while chowing down on two Big Macs and cursing up a storm. We kept suggesting she try one thing at a time (though, we all thought her weight was just fine).

Personally, I like to start dieting with exercising because you get faster results which I find encouraging.

Best way to lose weight that I’ve found – a good cardio workout, daily if possible; weights at least 2x’s per week. And a healthy diet. Hate to say it, but there is no shortcut. And I agree with Kat, start exercise or diet first, get used to it, add the other. Tackle one thing at a time. (disclaimer: I’m a personal trainer and group fitness instructor – so I say get into an exercise routine asap – best thing for your health) Also, don’t beat yourself up if you slip on the diet. Just start up again. And by the way, no one’s perfect. I could stand to lose 10 lbs myself. I love chocolate.

4) Clive makes you sing à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a Small Worldà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

Kirsten! :lol_tb:

I don’t think Taylor will get much of a choice as to what he will sing at the finale. He will likely duet with the two finalists. Maybe get a shot at a solo number, but I am not putting any money on that.

I am hoping and praying they don’t try to make a fool of him in some way, which would not be beyond them.

There is no chance in hell Ms. Cover Girl will not be on that finale.

I am wondering who their “special” guests will be. :dry_tb:

Bo did sing The Real Thing on S4 semi-finals.

How could anyone forget the pained look on Bo’s face as he forced out the words to “The Real Thing”. The hate was palpable and I am surprised that warts did not immediately start to grow on Clive Davis’ face …heh…

jpfan May 10th, 2007 at 3:38 pm

If anyone hasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t picked up that Sanjaya and Clay are gay, well umhà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

Both have said they are not gay. They would know who they are better than any gossip or random person on the internet. There is a lot of filth thrown at public figures that they can’t control. BTW, standing next to, working with or performing with gay people is not catching or proof of anything. If anyone hasn’t picked up on the disrespect, the cruelty and the smear campaigns against them, well umh….

I find that I either do very well at eating right, and loafing all day, OR very good at exercising, and eating everything in sight. I can’t balance the two. I know I eat much smaller portions that I did just a few years ago, and I do well exercising in the summer – it’s the winter that’s hard. So this year I bought an exercise bike & a workout video that has 5 10 minute videos. I do the bike and a video 4 days a week, so that’s about a 25 minute workout 4 days a week. Then, I have yoga every weekend, so that’s an hour which deals with flexibility, strength training and, if I do vinyasa, it can be very aerobic. Now that the weather is better, we started our 10 mile weekly bike ride on the bike trails, followed by a short hike, which is in addition to the other exercise. Results since January? Gained 10 lbs. Your results might vary, but mine don’t.

Saying someone might be gay is “not throwing filth” at them. However, I don’t know or really care if they are. Appearing on Girl’s Nite Out with a Drag Band though -Sanjaya seems to be sending out a signal but I can’t make it out.

Both have said they are not gay.

Folks, there are guys who are not gay but nevertheless seem to come out as such because of the mannerisms and the way they talk. Let’s face it — some men are on the more “effeminate” side when they talk even when they are personally attracted to women.

I am inclined to believe that Sanjaya and Clay are such guys.

Neil Sedaka is another one… but the man has been happily married to the same woman for years, has lovely chidlren by the same woman and talks about her with love even in his concerts.

There has also been talk about Barry Manilow ( because he’s not married ), but there has never been any proof of that.

On the other hand, there are also men who come out as really masculine but nevertheless are really gay.

Rock Hudson and John Amaechi ( the muscular 6’10″ NBA rebounder who recently came out ) comes to mind.

Okay, on the weight loss stuff: I have never lost the 25 extra lbs I put on during the baby years. I recently decided that enough was a freakin nough. I’m working with a personal trainer to kind of guide me along the way. Changing to a healthy lifestyle is a LOT to digest. So, I’ll give you a couple of highlights – the things that give you the most bang for your buck so to speak:

1. Eat Breakfast – as early as possible. And, your breakfast should always contain protein.
2. Work out in the morning to jump start your metabolism. If you cannot work out in the mornings, work out 10 minutes longer than you would have in the morning.
3. Cardio is essential for a healthy heart. Do 30 minutes at least 3 times a week. If you really want the weight to come off faster – do it five times a week.
4. Weight training is important too. The more muscle mass you have, the faster you burn calories. And, the more muscle mass you have, the lower your fat percentage will be – thereby you’ll be healthier.
5. Drink lots of water – and always drink water while you’re working out. Drink it at room temperature while working out – it takes your body less time to absorb the water.
6. Most trainers and nutrionists will give you a daily plan of what to eat when i.e.: carb, protein, fat at breakfast; carb & protein at snack, carb, protien, fat for lunch and so on. What makes up those meals is also important. I’m sure with some googling you can find this info for free.
7. Six small, healthy meals a day are better than 3 big ones.
8. Digesting food speeds up your metabolism. Starving slows it down.

You can start simply too. You do not need to do anything drastic. Cut your calories and do 40 minutes of cardio between 3 & 5 days a week and you will have a completely different body in 6 months – along with a stronger heart and a longer life expectancy.

Congratulations Sexygirl :clap_tb:

Spenser – your trainer taught you well! :clap_tb:

jpfan May 10th, 2007 at 4:06 pm

Saying someone might be gay is à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“not throwing filthà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  at them. However, I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t know or really care if they are. Appearing on Girlà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Nite Out with a Drag Band though -Sanjaya seems to be sending out a signal but I canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t make it out.

The filth I was referring to appears on gossip sites and in tabloids. Have you seen what they have done to Sanjaya this year? How about the gay fan who is a stalker that has been writing his filthy stories about Clay on his blog and panders to any media outlet that will let him for the past 18 months?

This year Chris Richardson and Blake are thrown together as a gay couple affectionately termed “Cake”. Ellen Degeneres even asked Chris yesterday on her show if they are an item. That’s how it starts.

Kim Locke appears almost exclusively at gay bars and festivals. Sometimes in her underwear. She seems to be sending some kind of message too. Maybe she’s really a gay man?

How about Kelly C. She’s been recently dubbed a baby d*ke. Is it true because the gossips say so? Why would anyone give them any credibility? Even Taylor had the gay stuff about him in the tabloids.

If you believe one story then you might as well believe them all.

Carrie has just been certified 6 x platinum (she’s a bit short at 5,377,779, but she shows no sign of slowing down).

On The Road Again
Bo Bice will be officially kicking off his accoustic tour with Gary Nichols tonight in Rochester, N.Y.
http://www.waterstreetmusic.com/calendar.htm
Good Luck Bo so good to see you back again! :thumbup_tb:

Blake loves the ladies, 100%. Tis a fact :biggrin_wp:

Spenser – your trainer taught you well!

She totally kicks ass Jersey and is a credit to your profession. Even though I haven’t seen the physical shrinkage as fast as I’ve wanted to, I just feel so much better and stronger. And knowing the improvements I’ve made BMI-wise and that more parts of my body are firmer and not so jiggly anymore goes a long way to keeping me motivated and not giving up because I aint quite a size six yet lol

The other way it’s changed my life is that I have lot more confidence in myself physically. I’ve always done things in life that required more brain power than physical prowess. And, I’ve always looked at something that requires any strength as just something I could not do. But I don’t feel that way anymore. I ripped out all of the carpeting and linoleum in Spense-friend’s fixer upper house myself. I didn’t even think twice about it – I just knew I could get it done. Granted, I cut it into small rolls so I could drag it outside, but a year ago – I would have never even considered that I could do it and i would have been dialing for help so fast.

Stories like Sexygirl’s are inspirtational to me. You can change your life at any time all it takes is the first step. I was the clumsiest, most non-athletic one out of all of my friends. So, if I can do it, anyone can.

There are also married people who are infact closet gays.

Each to their own if they’re not hurting anyone, it’s their own business and life.

This year Chris Richardson and Blake are thrown together as a gay couple affectionately termed à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Cakeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ . Ellen Degeneres even asked Chris yesterday on her show if they are an item. Thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s how it starts

At this point, is there anyone the press hasn’t alleged Chris to be dating? I’m sure he must be Cory Clarking Paula on the side too.

emeralgem, those diet tips go against everything Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve read and everything my sisterà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s nutritionist has advised her. (My one sister who sees the nutritionist is the only person in the family whoà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s managed to lose weight & keep it off). For me, as I am carb-sensitive/high blood sugar girl, I must pair a protein with a carb or the carb will cause my blood sugar to spike too high and make me crash. The protein lessens the spike, and fills me up. If I eat more fruit, I gain weight.
_________________________
Calimara, The suggestions in the Fit For Life book worked for me.. I also walked a mile four or five times a week.
I lost weight, and felt great…I was also able to maintain my weight on that plan…
I do agree that what works for some may not work for others..
And since I have been diagnosed with PBC ( primary biliary cirrhosis)
my system is no longer capable of properly digesting animal fats or protein.

Each to their own if theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re not hurting anyone, ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s their own business and life.

Amen to that. Just because I’m a fan of someone’s music doesn’t mean I want to know who they like to get naked with.

Lisa B May 10th, 2007 at 4:26 pm

There are also married people who are infact closet gays.

Good point. You can’t tell sexual orientation by looking at someone. You also can’t go by looks, voice, mannerisms, who their friends are or who they work with. The only thing that counts is who they are attracted to and only they know that for sure.

Country music news update

….
Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Bucky versus the competition, and Buckyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s winning!

That little tune broke into the Top Twenty on Billboardà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Hot Country Songs chart for the week of May 19. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a No. 19, and still on the rise. And youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve got to admit, heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s got the greatest hair in country music!

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/palmbeach/fontaine/entries/2007/05/10/indie_label_clo.html

I’ve been reading on other boards that the taping at the Warfield concert will be for a “Taylor Hicks Live at the Warfield 2007” DVD which will be for sale in about 6 months.

SpenserJ May 10th, 2007 at 4:31 pm

Amen to that. Just because Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m a fan of someoneà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s music doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t mean I want to know who they like to get naked with.

I’m with you Spenser. Sometimes you can get too much info about someone. And a mental picture of people naked can turn your stomach :sick_ee:

Having said that, I would want to know if Taylor wanted to get naked with me :devil_tb:

Little Boy Blue May 10th, 2007 at 4:38 pm

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve been reading on other boards that the taping at the Warfield concert will be for a à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Taylor Hicks Live at the Warfield 2007à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  DVD which will be for sale in about 6 months.

Yay! Just in time for Christmas. It should sell really well!

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve been reading on other boards that the taping at the Warfield concert will be for a à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Taylor Hicks Live at the Warfield 2007à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  DVD which will be for sale in about 6 months.

That would put it out in November, just in time for xmas! Good lordie, I can’t wait to see that. I heard the show on the cellcert last night and it was amazing – spectacular!! wooot wooot!

griz May 10th, 2007 at 4:40 pm

That would put it out in November, just in time for xmas sales!! Good lordie, I canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t wait to see that. I heard the show on the cellcert last night and it was amazing – spectacular!! wooot wooot!

I’ve been told that I am hard to buy gifts for – not this year!! And I don’t get it – any jewels, clothes, a car, etc., would be just wonderful :thumbup_tb:

What would have really been wonderful on DVD is his concerts in Birmingham. The electricity in the air and the emotion on Taylor’s face and in his voice was amazing.

My girl, my girl!

Two stories from Mlive.com, a Michigan website:

LaKisha talks to Ellen, Leno and more
Posted by Doug Pullen May 10, 2007 12:36PM
Categories: Breaking News

“She’s completely booked solid,” said a spokeswoman for the show.

and:

No Fox fanfare, but city to honor LaKisha
Posted by Doug Pullen and Sally York May 10, 2007 08:01AM
Categories: LaKisha Jones
The parade and rally honoring LaKisha Jones hasn’t been canceled — just postponed.

“I thank everybody who stood up for her and by her,” Morris said. “We thank them to the highest.”

I can think of worse things to be called than gay. It’s hardly bad, or gossip mongering. Who really cares.

Kirsten
May 10th, 2007 at 4:20 pm
Carrie has just been certified 6 x platinum (sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a bit short at 5,377,779, but she shows no sign of slowing down).

Incredible stats for Carrie! But the figure is probably not all that short if you consider that almost 20% of stores do not report to soundscan. Here is an interesting quote from 2002: According to Danny Goldberg, formerly a top executive at Atlantic Records and Warner Brothers, SoundScan provides “much better information than was previously available”; nevertheless, he concedes, “the smaller the total number of units sold, the less accurate it is likely to be,”and data on releases with low sales figures can be “deceptive or downright inaccurate.”

Soundscan tries to extrapolate sales for the small stores using the participating stores sales figures. But that is a huge leap in logic figuring that the sales trends at Walmart and Target is the same as the sales trends at the local indie record store. Plenty of non-mainstream music is falling through this huge crack in logic. Items shipped is a better measure of sales which is what the RIAA uses to certify gold or platinum.

True MJ.

If you’re in the ‘entertainment’ business the time to worry is when no one is talking about you.

undecided
May 10th, 2007 at 1:11 pm
I dont think AI wants Taylor to fail either – doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t look good for the show. I think they just hitch their wagon to whoà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s selling at the moment and that happens to be Chris.

The only way I would agree that it was not predetermined would be if they all got the same treatment and we know that isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t the case.

Amen UNDECIDED. Can someone–anyone–give me some examples of AI’s support for Taylor since he won????? Can you give me examples of support for Chris????

I can think of worse things to be called than gay.

Like, “Republican” perhaps. You know, at least in Hollywood.

Chris58

I just got an email that Kelly’s concert in Atlanta will be at the Gwinnett Arena. Prices are $50-70 and will go on sale this Sat. Just wanted to let you know and I don’t have your home email with me.

‘Idol’ dream finally fulfilled for Daily Facts writer

My hands hurt from clapping so hard, and my voice is a bit strained from all the screaming, but it’s worth it. After watching for six seasons, I finally made it to a taping of “American Idol.”
Three weeks ago, my friend and I were turned away from “Idol” due to too many people being in line ahead of us. It was all right though, because we were given priority tickets for the next available taping, which turned out to be May 9…..

http://www.redlandsdailyfacts.com/news/ci_5864229

New summer trolley coming downtown

…Macyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s plans to bring 2004 American Idol contestant Diana DeGarmo, a preview of fashions from the University of Cincinnatià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Design, Architecture, Art and Planning and several entertainers to Fountain Square on May 19.

The event, which also features singers Justin and Tasha Golden and the Hip Hop Kidz begins at 6 p.m. with DeGarmo and the Hip Hop Kidz to perform at 8 p.m.
DeGarmo can be heard on the song à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Reachinà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ for Heavenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  on the Disney soundtrack to à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“ice Princess.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ …

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070510/BIZ01/305100045/1076/BIZ

I think they just hitch their wagon to whoà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s selling at the moment and that happens to be Chris.

__________________
The number for Chris and his record sales are baffling to me.. None of it makes sense..Chris might be selling but he played at Newbys this week in Memphis. My daughter and her husband eat there occasionally..She said the room he played in holds about 50 people.

This is what Kiki had to say about the final 3.

Q: What do you like about the remaining contestants?

A: I like Jordin. One, she’s so doggone cute, and she just has a really wonderful spirit about her. She’s really genuine. Blake, oh my God, I love him. Blake keeps me going. I tell you, at times when I was like, “Oh my God,” Blake was like, “Nope, uh-uh, come here” [she mimics Blake's beatboxing], making up something to make me laugh and smile. He was really cool, and he has originality and personality. He’s great. [And] Melinda, oh my God, that girl has so much soul and power.

Here’s the rest of it:
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1559265/20070510/id_0.jhtml

sexygirl May 10th, 2007 at 2:23 pm

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve finally reached my goal of shedding 100 pounds yesterday. Thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s right, 100 pounds.

GOOD FOR YOU! I went on a low fat (NO FAT!) diet 2 years ago because my cholesterol was “borderline” high. I also started walking AND even ate oatmeal (gag, gag, gag!) Just had my wellness check–have lost 30 pounds (all of my clothes are huge and I am now in a size 10), blood pressure 90/65. My cholesterol? Did not go down even ONE POINT! Oh No! Mr. Billlll! I will NOT–absolutely REFUSE–to take statins! Am going to try something natural.

Stay with it Sexy–if nothing else you will feel great about yourself!

(And LisaATL–this is your conscience talking to you: Hit the diet/exercise! No emotional excuses accepted!!! You owe it to yourself and deserve it!)

emeralgem May 10th, 2007 at 4:59 pm

The number for Chris and his record sales are baffling to me.. None of it makes sense..Chris might be selling but he played at Newbys this week in Memphis. My daughter and her husband eat there occasionally..She said the room he played in holds about 50 people.

It is only baffling until you realize that his first tour can be touted as a hugely successful sold out tour. They will conveniently forget to mention that it was tiny venues and not arenas. It isn’t all that hard to sell out a bar in under an hour either, yet much was made of it at the time. The press didn’t bother to mention the bar part.

Congrats to Sexygirl on losing an amazing 100 pounds. That truly is inspirational. I would love to hear any other advice/tips you can offer.

Has anybody heard if Kat is appearing on AI? I would expect that she would be. If sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not, why?

*** won’t appear on the AI finale because…..

1) We just might be THAT lucky.

2) Her MAXIM cover photo shoot just happens to be scheduled the same day as the AI finale.

3) Her fake case of bronchitis and/or laryngitis returns.

4) Peesher demanded equal camera time.

5) Her father is STILL crying.

6) She can’t find a dress that is short enough to wear.

7) She will be too busy tending to three new fugly dogs while her BFF, Paris Hilton, is in lock down.
After more nose-picking photos surface, all the musical guests and the two finalists refuse to hold any microphone that *** might touch.

9) AI producers rebuffed her request to install a stripper pole for her performance.

10) There really is a God.

Just like the ‘good old days’ Boulder.

:lol_tb:

Federal Way fans sing the praises of Sanjaya

…
COMING UP
You have another chance to see Sanjaya Malakar at a meet-and-greet Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. at the Seattle Center Mural Amphitheater.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/315019_sanjaya10.html

Blake, oh my God, I love him. Blake keeps me going. I tell you, at times when I was like, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Oh my God,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  Blake was like, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Nope, uh-uh, come hereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  [she mimics Blakeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s beatboxing], making up something to make me laugh and smile.

That doesn’t surprise me at all. Blake is a sweetie This year’s contestants seem really close. I read in another behind the scenes article that they all stood in that group hug thoughout the entire commercial break.

I’m glad Kiki’s hometown is still planning to have a celebration for her even though she didn’t get top three.

I also read that Blake had a tough few days, so I hope his hometown visit rejuvenates him for next week.

Boulder – LMAO.

pj”

Where did you rad tha Blake had a tough few days?
Poor guy, I just want to hug him. I really hope this trip to Seattle helps him regroup and motivated him to make a comeback next week.

Please let me know where you read that.

IDOL BANTER: Goodbye, LaKisha

The Times pop music critics’ take on “American Idol”:

Which is it? Both, and that’s the problem…..

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/tv/la-et-idolbanter10may10,0,3655395.story

I don’t think AI wants Taylor to fail either – doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t look good for the show

This will be probably my last Taylor Hicks post for today, but if you go to Amazon, Taylor had bounced back to #185 as at this time ( he was out of the top 1000 just two weeks ago ) and is #6 on the Movers and Shakers list.

He jumped from the high 400′s to this number in a matter of half a day.

Dunno what’s happening.

Good job with the weight loss sexygirl!

Losing weight for me has been about walking. (7-10 miles a week)

Also I quit eating junk food.

Lost 90 pounds since July.

Love that Taylor is releasing that DVD. Can’t wait to buy it!

Boulder, your *** post is awesome! :laugh_tb:

Like, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Republicanà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  perhaps. …..

I love LoveRollerCoaster :wub_tb:

Little Boy Blue: I think it happened because Taylor Hicks is freakin’ awesome!!! I’m way to simple minded to question why.

Where did you rad tha Blake had a tough few days?
Poor guy, I just want to hug him. I really hope this trip to Seattle helps him regroup and motivated him to make a comeback next week.

Please let me know where you read that.

http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2007/05/one_the_scene_i.html

Actually, it said bad day, not days, so perhaps I misspoke. They did say mini-AI meltdown.

Hopefully, he’ll get the rawk star treatment tomorrow in Seattle.

PJ.. I’m NOT a BIG fan of Blake’s style of music, but if KiKi loves him, then he has got to be a great guy… She also mentioned she loved Melinda… The contestants this year do seem to be alot closer than they were last year..

Oh My Goodness Gracious…. I just heard JTFTW for the first time ever on 92.3 here in Choo Choo Town…When I turned on the radio, the song was playing..

Sanjaya gets hero’s welcome, Blake Lewis gets hometown parade

…Malakar, accompanied by bodyguards, police officers and his mom and sister, signed 200 autographs, and mall officials passed out another 200 pre-signed autographs for each donation of $1 or more to World Vision, a Federal Way-based humanitarian organization.

Lewis, 25, is scheduled to perform at 12:15 p.m. Friday in downtown Seattle’s Westlake Park and then head to his suburban hometown for a Main Street parade at 4 p.m. He’s also scheduled to sing the National Anthem at the Yankees-Mariners game at 7 p.m….

http://www.columbian.com/news/state/APStories/AP05102007news138249.cfm

Emeralgem, I’m really hoping for a Blake/Melinda finale, but it looks unlikely.

Wow, 600 showed up for Sanjy. Not too shabby!

What to TiVo: Thursday
by BuzzSugar

Clay Aiken and Alexa Ray Joel on “Jimmy Kimmel Live”

Yay! I love Clay on Kimmel! I wonder if Clay is just stopping by because he’s in town. It wouldn’t be the first time. He wasn’t promoting anything on Valentine’s Day either.

__________________

The number for Chris and his record sales are baffling to me.. None of it makes sense..Chris might be selling but he played at Newbys this week in Memphis. My daughter and her husband eat there occasionally..She said the room he played in holds about 50 people.

I had to check this but Chris played there in April and last week just did a rehearsal there for students, Emeralgem. http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/my_life/article/0,2846,MCA_25356_5517685,00.html They were also in Memphis to take part in the Beale Street Festival. He’s playing in a mix of different sized venues but right now seems to have more festivals and bigger concerts. I’m just happy things are going so well for him.

Oh My Goodness Graciousà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦. I just heard JTFTW for the first time ever on 92.3 here in Choo Choo Townà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦When I turned on the radio, the song was playing..

Where is choo choo town? What station was it?

So I just read that Leona Lewis the winner of X factor is premeiring her single on Idol next week. She and Elliott will both appear and sing.

I hate how this show has become about letting people who have nothing associated with AI pimp thier music and sell records- yet they ignore many of the past contestants from previous seasons that have albums out. The show is supposed to be about the contestants and their successes- not all these other stars that have other avenues to promote their music.

The à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Daughtry Insiderà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  (TM) has reported that she will be singing on the Finale night (but the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Daughtry Insiderà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  (TM) has been wrong before). If sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not singing this year, ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s because she didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t move enough units to qualify for AI to remember her.

I don’t believe that is true- if it were Elliott would not be appearing- he has sold much less than Katharine has and his first week and subsequent sales have been lower.

Fantasia has also appeared and she has sold a little more than Katharine WITH Christmas sales.

They did have Clay Aiken back on last year’s finale so it’s not outside the realm of possibility that they would invite Kat back for the finale.

I personally don’t believe she will be invited back- they have had many opportunities especially with her winning the voting for the “pick 5″ songs on the AI website. And they could have had her on next week with Elliott- since they are having Leona Lewis- there’s room for her. But they choose to pimp the X factor winner instead.

I hate how this show has become about letting people who have nothing associated with AI pimp thier music and sell records- yet they ignore many of the past contestants from previous seasons that have albums out.

WORD!

I heard last year that Nigel was miffed that Shakira didn’t want to coach the Idols and just sang. And there were arguments with Prince about coaching and that’s why they didn’t do a Prince theme week.

So, what do they do with their new found power? Do they use it to force the stars to interact with the Idols in order to have some of AI’s precious demographics? No, they do not. The entire show has been turned around so that AI is the new “The View”/”Regis and Kelly” where artists of the week come on and sing. In fact, it’s worse because half these things are pre-canned and the contestants don’t even get to breath the same air as these “stars” (okay, that’s hyperbole, but I’m sure that you catch my drift).

Let’s not even discuss all the movie previews. Last year it was just one DVD handed to them to watch on the flight home. This year already, we’ve had three (“Simpsons” during the semi-finals, “Shrek” last week and “Fab 4″ this week).

I for one would far rather have seen Bucky or Kim sing than Robin Thicke. And, if they are pre-canning these things, any Idol could have been there.

CMT just updated the videos for the week. Bucky’s video “A Different World” just hit #4. :clap_tb:

I personally donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t believe she will be invited back

Then what is your explanation for why you think they won’t have Kat appear? I was just tossing out some possible reasons.

They did have Clay Aiken back on last yearà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s finale so ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not outside the realm of possibility that they would invite Kat back for the finale.

Well, Clay was invited back for the humour of his doppleganger (Clay kind of turned the tables on that one). The way this year is going, they’ll only have Taylor do a duet with his two impersonators…creepy hair stylist dude and that chick whose mother didn’t support her (j/k….not a conspiracy theory). That will save more time for Beyonce to sing.

From the ew.com popwatch article that PJ was nice enough to link.

Little did I know Blake was having an Idol meltdown

So maybe we really do have three remaining Divas after all. :grin1_ee:

EMERALDGEM – I have to differ with you about the contestants being closer than last year. Those FIVE guys were solid last year. They remain great friends. Ace and Chris still claim the BFF thing and, don’t forget, Ace gets some royalties out of “It’s Not Over.” He also just stated that Chris is writing a song for his (Ace’s) CD. Did you read the liner notes on Elliot’s CD?? He thanks them all, except, Chris. They all live in LA and see each other. Ace remains close to Mandisa and Kellie, who went Chris’s show in LA with Ace, Ryan and their crew. Those guys hung out on that bus all summer and did jams with Taylor and LiMBO. I don’t think this crew will come anywhere near as the AI5 peeps. There was a chemistry there that’s hard to duplicate.

Idols included on VH1 Top 20 for 5/12/07:

#1 – “Home” – Daughtry
#5 – “Before He Cheats” – Carrie Underwood
#8 – “Never Again” – Kelly Clarkson
#9 – “Over It” – Katharine McPhee

Of interest:
#20- “Make a Memory” – Bon Jovi (debut)

And they could have had her on next week with Elliott- since they are having Leona Lewis- thereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s room for her. But they choose to pimp the X factor winner instead.

XO, for what it’s worth, I may not be Kat’s biggest fan, but I’d much rather see her perform on AI than Leona Lewis or any of the other canned Top 40 artists they’ve had this season.

Oh My Goodness Graciousà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦. I just heard JTFTW for the first time ever on 92.3 here in Choo Choo Townà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦When I turned on the radio, the song was playing..

Where is choo choo town? What station was it?

___________________________________

Griz, Choo Choo Town is Chattanooga.. I heard it on 92.3 an AC station..
Don’t know if its a HOT AC station… They do play John Mayer, Blount, Clarkson..Gnarles Barkley,

Taylor is getting airplay?? YAY!! It’s about time they pimp his CD!

AI may lose the contestant vibe altogether and evolve into a Variety Show….but I think their ratings will take a dive.

I had to check this but Chris played there in April and last week just did a rehearsal there for students, Emeralgem. http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/my_life/article/0,2846,MCA_25356_5517685,00.html They were also in Memphis to take part in the Beale Street Festival. Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s playing in a mix of different sized venues but right now seems to have more festivals and bigger concerts. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m just happy things are going so well for him.

_____________
Bean, I really don’t keep track of where Chris plays… I just know what my daughter told me. She said he was at Newbys.
Now, I do know that he will be playing here in Chattanooga at The Riverbend Festival on June 8th or 9th.. I know that because I live here..

Then what is your explanation for why you think they wonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have Kat appear? I was just tossing out some possible reasons.

I think Idol was most concerned about getting the ones in their stable on first: Pickler, Fantasia, Carrie. They knew Daughtry would be back for the finale.

Now it just becomes a matter of whose record company pays the most for the show spot IMO. Why else would Pink, Akon, Fergie, Thicke, etc be on the show? They didn’t win the VOTING that was supposed to determine who appeared on the show to perform their singles.

Leona’s appearing because Simon Cowell wants to pimp her. Elliott’s record company may have paid for it- or it may have just been that he was available and Katharine wasn’t. Or perhaps they planned on having them both and something didn’t work out.

It’s just a hunch i have that she won’t be asked to appear. I think we would have heard about it by now.

EMERALDGEM – I have to differ with you about the contestants being closer than last year. Those FIVE guys were solid last year.
________________

You are right to a certain extent… Don’t know if I agree that ALL five were solid though.

Griz, Choo Choo Town is Chattanooga.. I heard it on 92.3 an AC station..
Donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t know if its a HOT AC stationà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ They do play John Mayer, Blount, Clarkson..Gnarles Barkley,

Ah ok – that’s a new add – WDEF! Thanks!

Ah ok – thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a new add – WDEF! Thanks!

Thats it.. Sorry I didn’t give you the CALL letters.

XO, for what ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s worth, I may not be Katà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s biggest fan, but Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d much rather see her perform on AI than Leona Lewis or any of the other canned Top 40 artists theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve had this season.

________________

I agree..I haven’t enjoyed any of those performances by those random artists they have brought in that have nothing to do with the show..

From the ew.com popwatch article that PJ was nice enough to link.

Little did I know Blake was having an Idol meltdown

So maybe we really do have three remaining Divas after all. :grin1_ee:

It would be cool to know what REALLY goes on behind the scenes. TPTB sure seemed to have wanted Blake to do Jive Talking instead of This Is Where I Came In. Blake sure does seem supportive of his fellow contestants.

I don’t necessarily think “Idol Meltdown” equates with Diva. But go ahead and think that. With your track record this season, I’d hate for you to start liking Blake! :tongue3_tb:

I agree with Linny that the guys were tight last year. I’m not sure about the girls.

I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think this crew will come anywhere near as the AI5 peeps. There was a chemistry there thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s hard to duplicate.

From all accounts, some close to the source, this crew is an extremely tight knit group. And I’ll bet after a few months on the bus, they will be even closer.

Just because their friendships won’t be on display for the fans to see in a Limbo-like after tour doesn’t mean that these guys aren’t good, good buddies behind the scenes.

From everything I’ve witnessed, they are very supportive of each other.

You canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t tell sexual orientation by looking at someone. You also canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t go by looks, voice, mannerisms…..

What? WHAT!!! You can’t? Oh man, who knows how many people I’ve deeply offended.

Not that there’s anything wrong with that.

Is the BoogieBoard server down today? OSP too? What are the odds — the same day.

ZZZzzzzzzzzz. Really folks, just ZZZzzzzzzzz.

They didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t win the VOTING that was supposed to determine who appeared on the show to perform their singles.

Silly me. I never knew VOTING determined who was to appear on the show to perform their singles. :doh_tb: I always thought voting determined who THE American Idol winner was and nothing more.

You canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t tell sexual orientation by looking at someone. You also canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t go by looks, voice, mannerismsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦..

:doh_tb:

Little did I know Blake was having an Idol meltdown

So maybe we really do have three remaining Divas after all. :grin1_ee:

This calls for a new photo chop. LMAO

I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t necessarily think à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Idol Meltdownà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  equates with Diva. But go ahead and think that.

PJ-Thank you for giving me the go-ahead to think that. I feel whole now. :rolleyes_wp:

Silly me. I never knew VOTING determined who was to appear on the show to perform their singles. I always thought voting determined who THE American Idol winner was and nothing more.

They had a thing on their website where you could vote for who you wanted to see back on the show. Both Kat and Daughtry were in the top 5

My mom got a new car today and she’s so excited about it lol.

Sexygal, that is amazing! You must be so proud of yourself. 3 cheers to you and a big ole Taylor hug!

On Kats concert on Sunday, a special guest performer will be Sanjaya!

Just because their friendships wonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t be on display for the fans to see in a Limbo-like after tour doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t mean that these guys arenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t good, good buddies behind the scenes.

Disclaimer: I’m not picking on anybody. This was just a convenient quote to voice my opinion on this discussion.

I don’t really care how supportive or unsupportive these people are with each other. It’s nice if they find some new friends, but I just want to be entertained. This isn’t “Montessori School Idol”. These people are competing with each other.

I get on well with my co-workers and do things with them, but I’m not going to want to be BFF with all of them. I go sight-seeing with them when we are on a business trip together, but I’m not going to plan my vacation with most of them (with a few of them, I do).

I frankly don’t care which Season has more friendly Idols than mine. Apparently, half the Grey’s Anatomy cast wants to punch the other half in the nose. It is still an entertaining show. (Disclaimer: in the spirit of World Peace, I would like it if everybody just got along (and I wish I knew less about the tiffs behind the scenes at GA)).

PJ-Thank you for giving me the go-ahead to think that. I feel whole now.

Awww, Dave, I was just joshing ya. :rolleyes_wp:

I agree with everyone here about having these unassociated peeps on the show. I would much prefer to see ANY past idol contestants, even from seasons I didn’t watch, than other recording artist trying to pimp their latest project. Especially if that artist refuses to let AI use their songs (as I’ve heard Pink does, for example). I enjoy Pink, but come on.

Sexygirl- Wow! You should be so proud of yourself for losing all that weight! Good for you!!!!!

It sounds like we have enough people on this board trying to lose big amounts of weight that we could form our own little support group and trade tips and words of encouragement. I gained alot after the death of my husband and have gone up and down in weight ever since. I can’t lose unless I start exercising regularly first and then eat healthy besides. And the hardest part for is keeping it off – if I stop exercising I gain it back no matter how little I eat. If anyone is interested we could trade emails! Let me know.

We are doing a Start program at work which is the American Heart Association’s national campaign to get people to live healthier lives through walking. The goal is to try to get up to 10,000 steps a day. I have been wearing a pedometer for the last week and it is really interesting to me how much or little I walk each day depending on what I do. A trip to Costco really added alot of steps to my total! Some days I do better than others, but my goal is to increase my total each week.

Chat is lonely……

LOL! No puppies and rainbows for Kirsten!

I think the friendship element (or lack of) brings something to the entertainment value of the show. They aren’t actors. It’s a reality show. I would have liked to see more of their backstories this year. I think MJ said this before, but I don’t really use AI to discover new music. There’s plenty of good music to discover without this show.

ETA: TPTB understand this, too, otherwise they wouldn’t put Blake and Chris in the bottom together. It makes good teevee because people are interested in relationships.

I would have liked to see more of their backstories this year.

I would like that too. I want to know more about these people.

LOL! No puppies and rainbows for Kirsten!

I shall just have to settle for doggies and for it to stop RAINING!!!!

BTW Seattle is undergoing a virtual Idol flood this weekend. First Blake tomorrow. Then Taylor on Saturday. And Finally, Kat and Sanjaya on Sunday. Better stock up on the coffee and umbrellas.

LOL, Kirsten! Wish I were closer to Seattle to partake in the Idol flood!

Wish I lived closer to Seattle – sounds like lots of fun to be had this weekend!

MJ – I didn’t mean to say this year’s group aren’t close. I know nothing about their relationships with one another. I’m just still living in AI5 Land – I’ve never really recovered from last year and the tour. I felt those guys were a unique combination. As for this year’s crop, time in the sardine can will tell, won’t it? LOL!

There’s a lot of good movies coming out, Shrek, Pirates, Harry Potter. I guess I better start working.

I felt those guys were a unique combination. As for this yearà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s crop, time in the sardine can will tell, wonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t it? LOL!

Actually, some good old fashioned cat-fights between peeps in the cast would be damn awesome. Who knows, after a few months on the road, you never know.

So far though, it’s puppies and kittens with this bunch.

For JPL fans and interested parties:

I’m working on a bunch of stuff now–screen caps and junk. I just recorded Idol Extra and a segment featured JPL singing “Man Like Me”, Don’t tell TPTB, but I just uploaded it to Go Fish. Heh.

http://www.gofish.com/player.gfp?gfid=30-1110861

Just took a look at the Pulse board, and I see that Elliott re-entered the Hot 100 chart (@ #100).

I’m glad that he’ll be performing his single on the show next week. I haven’t watched a single episode since Sanjaya’s elimination….glad he’ll be there to pull this show out of the shitter.

In fact, I’d be happy if ANY of last year’s contestants came back to perform.

OK…well, not ANY of them. lol

On Kats concert on Sunday, a special guest performer will be Sanjaya!

Appropriate.

For JPL fans and interested parties:

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m working on a bunch of stuff nowà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’screen caps and junk. I just recorded Idol Extra and a segment featured JPL singing à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Man Like Meà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ , Donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t tell TPTB, but I just uploaded it to Go Fish. Heh.

squeee! teh curlz! Thanks mj!

I would go to a Kat concert to see Sanjaya, that’s how much I adore that boy. I would just make sure to leave before the kat crawled in.

MJ, thanks for the JPL link. I’m waiting until 9:30 to watch it. My cable was off earlier.

So far, JPL’s album is my favorite of the Idol CDs that I have and I didn’t even watch his season. And yes, I’ve bought most of season five’s releases so far. Not Princess P or Kat. LOL.

I would go to a Kat concert to see Sanjaya, thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s how much I adore that boy. I would just make sure to leave before the kat crawled in.

Ditto.

I for one would far rather have seen Bucky or Kim sing than Robin Thicke. And, if they are pre-canning these things, any Idol could have been there.
________________________________________

I, for one, would rather listen to a cat in heat than listen to Robin Thicke.

They didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t win the VOTING that was supposed to determine who appeared on the show to perform their singles.

Silly me. I never knew VOTING determined who was to appear on the show to perform their singles. I always thought voting determined who THE American Idol winner was and nothing more.

Boulder Soul: American Idol.com had a big list of current singles out that we were supposed to go and vote on. The top 5 winners were supposed to appear on the show to perform the singles.

Katharine, Daughtry, and Carrie Underwood were consistently in the top 5. Yet none of them appeared to sing Over It, It’s Not Over, or Wasted which were the songs that won.

So, yes they got people to vote but then they didn’t actually give the winners what they were supposed to. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised…….

Little did I know Blake was having an Idol meltdown

So maybe we really do have three remaining Divas after all. :grin1_ee:

This calls for a new photo chop. LMAO

THE THREE DIVAS

THE THREE DIVAS

Boulder, I love you. You are brilliant!!!!! :lol_tb: :lol_tb:

So, yes they got people to vote but then they didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t actually give the winners what they were supposed to. I guess I shouldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t be surprisedà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.

________________________________________

You’re right.. You shouldn’t be surprised…Especially since most everything about the show is based on manipulation and deception..

THE THREE DIVAS

_____________
That’s hilarious Boulder but you need to switch Melinda and Jordin…
You have Melinda’s face on a BIG body and Jordin’s on a little body.
Jordin is the Amazon woman…

MJ – THANKS for the JPL link!! Wow! That does it, I’m getting his cd. He was my first AI crush. The first is always special….

Is it just me, or is he looking mighty fine? I love his subtle voice. It reminds me of Blake, in a way….

Speaking of Blake, I LOVE his plaid strapless formal! Nice boobs!

Kim Locke appears almost exclusively at gay bars and festivals. Sometimes in her underwear. She seems to be sending some kind of message too. Maybe sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s really a gay man?

um…if she appears in her underwear, I think it probably wouldnt be hard to tell if she was really a gay man rofl. Not that I believe it but that was funny lol.

Thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s hilarious Boulder but you need to switch Melinda and Jordinà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

You are right, I do.

Speaking of Blake, I LOVE his plaid strapless formal!…

After all, he IS hip and contemporary and NOTHING says it better than a plaid strapless formal. LMAO

Re. the post about taylor and tv. Clay and Bo both had tv specials. Bo’s was a xmas special on oxygen. Maybe he will do something like that or on one of the country channels.

I also wish AI would have the idols on that have albums out instead of these canned singers who dont even appear live. It only makes sense. their sales would increase which in turn would add more prestige to Idol. Of course, making sense and AI dont always go hand in hand. Particularly this year when they fixed a wheel that wasn’t really broke and then the wheel didnt work anymore.

I never thought I would say this but:

LMAO Boulder soul- that is a classic!

I agree with whoever said Kat should have been scheduled for final three week with Elliott. I think Taylor should have the finale alone.I found it a little annoying last year when they had Kat appearing on TV with Taylor (Larry King & Today?). It appeared that they were co-idols. I think Kat deserves to be on the show just not with Taylor.

MJ, thanks for the JPL vid. I love it.

Haven’t read all the posts… please clarify for me. Will Kat be on the finale with Taylor? Please, I hope they don’t perform together.

Will Kat be on the finale with Taylor? Please, I hope they donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t perform together.

I hope not. I think the finale should be for Taylor alone. But since she’s not yet scheduled, it wouldn’t surprise me if they had her as a surprise guest.

Elliott, Chris, Katharine and Taylor. Can you say ratings and CD boosting?

Well, CD boosts for three of them.

Been away for a few days, way behind reading posts, still busy, let me catch up.

Did watch the two shows this week at work, and well, Blake kinda sucked. I think it may be because of the two songs instead of one. He has to put a lot of work into a song to get it into his zone.
At least he was humble in defeat.
But I fear for the future.
How many songs next week? .

About Jordin, ‘To Love Somebody’ really worked and she does have amazing control in the upper register. Sorry I ever mentioned anything about 17 being too young. Sorry I ever mentioned 17 at all.

And I’d been cool with Melinda winning. She’s been the most consistent.

I was reading the link PJ provided about Blake having a bad day and read this in the comments-
——————————————————————–

Susan Thu, May 10, 2007 at 09:17 AM EST

I only watched part of Barry Gibbs performance but I thought it was hilarious how spot on Jimmy Fallon’s impression of him his. SNL needs him back. Also, apparently Barry Gibb totally ate it as he was leaving the Idol stage. It wasn’t shown on tv but Seacrest was talking about on the radio this morning. How could you miss that! I read this blog just hear your thoughts on that! … I need a life… I’m going to back to work.
——————————————————————-

What is this implying by saying Barry Gibb totally ate it? Guess i’m slow but I don’t know what this person is trying to say. Did anyone listen to Ryan’s radio show this morning?

I am ready to beat the crap out of my tv. The Vermont Teddy Bear commercial is irking me again. Can’t they update that stupid commercial. This is at least 3 years in a row for the same stupid one. The Love Bandit……………ugh. Just.can’t.take.it.

Justsomeguy,
this week is the week that has 3 songs. One picked by the contestant, one by creepy Clive, and one by one of the judges.

What is this implying by saying Barry Gibb totally ate it?

Barry tripped and fell hard as he was leaving the stage. The assistants ran over to help him but he quickly jumped and said he was okay.

Weelassie – Barry apparently took a big fall when he was exiting the stage after his number. It wasn’t seen on camera but it was in full view of the audience. I heard about it on the L.A. FOX morning show, Good Day LA. He gave everyone a scare because it looked like a bad fall, then he stood up and declared he was OK.

After all, he IS hip and contemporary

http://www.votefortheworst.com/forum/topic3232.html

I would love to hear Melinda sing ” Since I Fell For You” . I think she could knock it out of the park. Another favorite I would love to hear her sing is ” At Last”. I bet she could do a fantastic job on ” Stormy Weather” also. The only problem is that these songs are all great standards and they might not attract the people who vote.
I prefer good songs and lyrics as apposed(sp?) to most of the junk on the market today. Just sayin…. would love to hear Melinda do some great songs and showcase that beautiful voice of hers.

Thanks for posting about Barry falling. That is really sad. He already looked to me like he was in pain. I hope he is ok. I know sometimes I fall or get scraped up in front of people and am embarassed and say I’m fine, when really I want to cry and know I’m going to be hurting. Hope Jordin helped him up with all the nice things he said about her He did a nice job with the contestants.

cricket,
I only started watching from the end of Season 4 but they usually do a song that they already sang. I would imagine it is because they already have to learn 2 new ones??? Bo and Carrie both sang one they did prior as did Kat and Taylor. But then again, my memory isn’t what it used to be. Taylor did Levon and I don’t remember what Kat did. Learning 3 new ones and the Ford commercial, shopping, rehearsing etc is probably a lot to do. and, of course, we can’t forget Jordin has to go to school cause I read somewhere that she is only 17

From the Seasons I have watched, my favorite guest mentor so far has been Barry Manilow. I’m not a big Barry fan but he seemed to go above and beyond the role and really seemed to care how the singers did. He did a great job. I think it seemed extra special is that he is also a musician and helped them with the arrangements as well as the singing parts.

weelassie… I was just hoping that whoever chooses a song for Melinda might choose one of the songs I mentioned.
Also… I too think that Barry Manilow was a good mentor but I think my fav was Rod Stewart but then he is one of my all time favs.
I do wish they would stop dragging all these people on the show to promote their new releases. I find them boring and most of the time not entertaining at all.Some of these hypocrites have made not so nice remarks about the show previously ( ala Bon jovi , Martina McBride etc) saying that they didn’t think that these singers on idol had paid enough dues but after seeing the audiences the show draws in they decide to jump on the bandwagon. TPTB should be promoting the contestants not all these sorry “arses” trying to ride the idol gravy train. Some of the shows this year have seemed to be so cluttered with way too much of this stuff. I would rather hear more about the idol wannabes.

By the way ..News Flash… Simon and Randy have just put up billboards coast to coast . These huge boards say ” She’s Only Seventeen !”
Who Knew ?? :devil_tb:

cricket
May 11th, 2007 at 1:43 am
weelassieà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ I was just hoping that whoever chooses a song for Melinda might choose one of the songs I mentioned.

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My brain never even considered that. Sometimes I am such a dope:)

I also enjoyed Rod Stewart. I just watched that show a few nights ago. I recorded almost all of the shows from Season 5. This year, not so much. Almost all of them were incredible Rob Stewart night. The only one that had a rough nite was Kellie with Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered (or whatever the name of it was) I think as a whole, the most successful night was with Rod Stewart but I liked that Barry really worked with them and then he flew back to check up on them and offer more help. They weren’t as successful that night (with Barry) but still pretty darn good. Something is missing this year. Some of them are very talented but I don’t have the emotional tie as I did last year. I voted a lot last year. This year, not so much. I did vote on the charity night and both nights since but not at all prior till then. There haven’t been the moments with Elliott’s mom who was adorable. Or the crying Mr. McPhee. Or Chris with his wife and kids. Kellie and her dad in jail. We knew Elliott was 90% deaf in one ear and a diabetic. Gideon had huge feet. I like knowing the little stuff and this year is sadly lacking in letting the viewer know the contestant. I liked Taylor from the first time I saw him. I loved Paris’ audition along with Kats. But sadly this year, they showed us mostly train wrecks. Hopefully, they will understand that we liked it better how it was before:)

I really don’t like Clive picking the songs. If he doesn’t like you, he can really sabotage you. The song he picked last year for Elliott was awful.

This is timely – a friend just sent me the link today. It’s Taylor doing “You Send Me” w/ guest mentor Rod Stewart. Rod was adorable, you’ll love his comments:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsOgJNINAa0

JulieR
thanks for that. It brought me back:) That was one of my favorite performances. Yes, he grabbed it by the balls