How I learned to love (and hate) “American Idol”
April 19, 2009 | Until this year, I have never watched “American Idol.” Not one episode, not one song, not one hemisemidemiquaver. How did I manage to miss the No. 1 rated show on TV for seven years? It was easy. Pretty much the only things I watch on TV are sports, old movies and the occasional episode of “SpongeBob Squarepants.” Moreover, I am ignorant of and have almost zero interest in most contemporary pop music, certainly pop music of the Britney Spears/Mariah Carey/Kelly Clarkson variety. And finally, I suspected that “American Idol” was the biggest, slickest, most-sold-out, most vulgar, most sentimental, most prepackaged chunk of American cheesiness in our great cultural Costco. And I tend to avoid that aisle.
More Idol Headlines after the JUMP…
‘American Idol’ judges spring to forefront
I would hate to think that the producers of American Idol are playing us like suckers again, trying to drum up some kind of judges’ controversy for better ratings. But you have to admit that the judges have been in the news a lot lately, particularly Simon Cowell – and this is the time of year when there is almost always a flap, fight or faux pas involving the judges that adds drama and controversy down the home stretch of the Idol season.
Two weeks ago, the “news” was that Cowell might be leaving the show after his contract ends next year. It was based on an interview in Britain’s Daily Mirror in which the 49-year-old reality TV producer and star said he felt overextended producing and appearing on three shows in the U.S. and the U.K., and that he thought one show “may have to go” – with Idol being the one “more likely to go because I have one year under contract.” The ambiguous quote seemed to be reprinted and chewed over everywhere in the Western Hemisphere.
‘Idol’ drummer Teddy Campbell: ‘I’m a walking iPod!’
Teddy Campbell, American Idol On Thursday night, it was standing room only at the Guitar Center in Hollywood as “American Idol” drummer Teddy Campbell took the stage to perform and share his personal experiences in the music world.
Campbell offered up some tidbits about his time on “Idol” as well as some of his tricks of the trade as part of a drum clinic for Guitar Center Sessions.
State senators show support for Arkansas’ ‘Idol’ contestant
As “American Idol” contestant Kris Allen eyes a spot in the show’s top five Tuesday, Arkansas stands behind its native son.
An official citation issued Friday by two Arkansas senators expresses support for Allen and states that he brings great pride to the Natural State.
Sen. Gilbert Baker, who represents Allen’s hometown of Conway, and Sen. Sue Madison of Fayetteville co-authored the citation to demonstrate statewide support for the singer. Both senators are encouraging Arkansans to vote for Allen each Tuesday.
David Archuleta used to hate listening to himself
SINGAPORE: He may have been runner-up in last season’s American Idol, but sales from David Archuleta’s debut album in its first week of release surpassed that of previous season’s winner, Jordin Sparks.
The teen heartthrob’s voice has been described by fans as “heavenly”, so it is hard to believe that Archuleta used to hate listening to himself.
“When I was a kid, I hated my voice. I hated hearing myself. I was always afraid of singing in front of people… sometimes I got panic attacks ‘cos I was afraid.
Theater Review (NYC): Rock of Ages
When I was first asked to attend Rock of Ages, I thought I couldn’t say no loud enough. First of all, it is a jukebox musical, a type of show that I have hated since that Beach Boys debacle a few years back. Second, I consider the eighties my lost decade. I was newly married, having and raising babies. I barely paid attention to popular music. Unless a song was a lullaby or from Raffi or the The Elephant Show, I wasn’t listening to it. And third, it has songs by Journey. Journey on Broadway, really? The theater snob in me would have none of that.
Watch Gilles and Cheryl Rehearse for ‘DWTS’!
Gilles Marini and Cheryl Burke held the highest score on “Dancing with the Stars” for the first five weeks of the competition. Last week, Lil’ Kim and Derek Hough stole the top spot with their “Jailhouse Rock” jive. Watch Gilles and Cheryl rehearse their Viennese Waltz for Monday night’s “Dancing.”
