‘Idol’ Meter: It’ll be a rocky road to the Top 3 for Final 4
Week 9 is a treacherous juncture in American Idol history: That’s when such seemingly bulletproof contenders as divas of destiny Tamyra Gray and LaToya London and rock god Chris Daughtry met their demises. The Idol Meter shows all four of this season’s survivors in good shape, so uncertainty reigns. USA TODAY looks at who’s ready to rock and who’s on a roll.
On top?
DANNY GOKEY
Score: 63
Rock? The closest Danny has come so far is a Get Ready that sounded pretty unready to rock. He’ll need to shake up his easygoing balladeering and soul histrionics in what looks like his toughest test yet.
‘American Idol’ Power List: Vote for your favorite from season 8’s Top 4!
1. Adam Lambert: (Last week: No. 2) While at first glance, the presumed front-runner’s appearance in the bottom two last week would indicate a bumpy road ahead, in actuality, it might be the best thing that ever happened to him. Indeed, that sound you hear is The Glambert Nation practicing its speed-dialing exercises in preparation for Tuesday night’s festivities. A “Mad World” level performance would probably carry him straight to the final two, but anything on par with his second-tier performances (say, “Born to Be Wild”) should be more than enough to survive the week. As for those who found “Feeling Good” a bit too showboaty, if you’ve got it, aren’t you supposed to flaunt it?
Jennifer Hudson Sidelined by Throat Condition
Jennifer Hudson is taking a break this week from her national tour with Robin Thicke. Doctors are said to be treating her for a throat condition related to her singing.
Last night’s stop in Oakland, Calif., was postponed until May 19. This week’s concerts in Dallas and Houston have also been rescheduled for later dates, according to Thicke’s rep.
Hudson last performed on Saturday at L.A.’s Nokia Theatre. I was there, and she proved to be a real superstar because she didn’t show any signs that something may have been wrong.
More Idol Headlines after the JUMP…
‘Idolatry’: Was my Adam-Allison-Kris final three prediction crazy? Or can Danny rock the howwwse?
What we’re gonna do is go back…way back…to the days immediately following Top 13/Michael Jackson week. It was a simpler time here on Idolatry, and full of hope and optimism and “artistry, ” I boldly predicted American Idol’s eighth season would end with an Adam-Allison-Kris final three. Does that make me crazy? Does that make me crazy? Does that make me crazy? Possibly. But on the latest installment of Idolatry, my cohost “Dancin” Dawnie Walton and I discuss the merits/likelihood of such a troika, as well as the admittedly awesome final-five performance of “Come Rain or Come Shine” by Danny Gokey. (Uh-huh, I said it!) Warning: The music of Twisted Sister plays a prominent role in this episode of Idolatry. Grab yourself some earplugs, or simply submit to the awesomeness of “I WANNA ROCK!” (And brace yourselves for some BONUS MATT GIRAUD!) Yes, yes, y’all! And leave those thoughts in the comments section below.
TVGuide.com Readers: Get Rid of Kara!
Nearly 60 percent of TVGuide.com voters want American Idol to dump Kara DioGaurdi from the judges’ table.
Though the newcomer has brought some credible music industry insight to the panel, 59 percent of TVGuide.com voters would rather the show not renew DioGuardi’s one-season contract, arguing that four judges are too many.
Among all the changes made to Idol this season, the one that has been the most hotly debated is DioGuardi’s addition. Earlier this season, the judges’ commentary forced Idol to run eight minutes long, interrupting Fringe and upsetting millions of DVR viewers. A week later, each contestant was only critiqued by two judges instead of the entire panel.
‘American Idol 8’ – Is this the best top 4 ever?
A month or so ago I told a friend who is also an Idol addict that this season was boring to me. He was really surprised and said he thought it was one of the best seasons ever. Hmmmm, I thought, continuing to hold on to my opinion.
Well, I have to say, I’ve changed my opinion. Maybe it was because I was so tired of watching Lil Rounds flounder around week after week? Or perhaps I never warmed up to Anoop. I know I wasn’t really all that thrilled about the “save.” But now, with only four left, I’m beginning to think my friend may be right!
Matt Giraud Not Singing the Blues after ‘American Idol’ Elimination
After his ‘Idol’ dreams came to an end on Wednesday night’s “American Idol, ” soulful singer Matt Giraud is opening up to ET about the experience — and how it felt to be the first contestant ever to receive the coveted judges’ save earlier in the competition!
Watch the video to also hear Matt talk about the most important thing he gained from the competition and to get an update on his future musical plans. He also gives ET the 411 on what kind of chemistry the contestants had off camera and talks about being mentored on the show by Jamie Foxx and Smokey Robinson.
Kris Allen Almost Missed His ‘American Idol’ Audition
Kris Allen’s pals will tell you they always thought he was destined to be on (and win) “American Idol.” But despite making it to the top four and gaining a head of steam after Simon Cowell initially told him his personality was too low-key to take home the season-eight crown, the truth is, Allen’s lucky he’s on the show at all.
See, back in June, Allen, 23, told his pal Cale Mills that he was planning to try out for the show. The first problem was that Allen couldn’t make the nearby audition in St. Louis because of his impending wedding, so he decided to aim for the Louisville, Kentucky, audition in July instead.
American Idol: Adam Lambert disses National Anthem
Making the rounds of the Internet for a few weeks is a video of American Idol contestant Adam Lambert singing The National Anthem.
At one point, Adam stops singing, begins bleating like sheep and then proceeds to flub the lyrics to the Anthem.
Considering how protective Americans are about the Anthem, it is surprising the video has not resulted in negative comments.
Is Adam Lambert too gay to win Idol, or is he too good?
Lambert is in the top four, and this week, we shall see if he passes through toward the final stretch. Last week, he was in the bottom three of five, leaving the media and fans shocked and dismayed. A typical bulletin board posting asks whether Lambert’s sexuality is at fault (he is gay or bisexual, as it goes). One online journalist, in the actionable manner of The Daily Mirror’s 1956 summation of the …luminous, quivering, giggling Liberace, wondered if the …flamboyant singer ruined his chances last week by …sashaying around, with so much …showmanship (all straight-code for: …He acted gay). Lambert wore a white suit and slicked back his hair. This modern, body-modified Elvis Presley sang, in his three-octave range and with palpable soul, Feeling Good. As one fan noted, bluntly, he was …soooooooo sexy. Seriously, every woman in the audience was having an orgasm.
The Danny Gokey tote bag, aka, “Idol’s” pledge drive
The next step in Danny Gokey-mania is the Gokey T-shirt.
CafePress is promoting a line of Idol shirts, including one that encourages fans of the “American Idol” contestant from Milwaukee to go “Ga Ga Over Gokey.”
The featured shirts are 21 bucks. There are some cheaper ones. There’s a tote bag for $15, which seems like a public television pledge drive move. Also available: an “I heart Danny Gokey” button for $3.49.
Were not sure whether buying a shirt will help Gokey or any of the other contestants. Gotta guess the “Idol” producers and CafePress will make money off of it.
There’s another option. Get an “I voted for Danny Gokey and all I got was this T-shirt” shirt.
UNC, Chapel Hill honor Anoop
Chapel Hill, N.C. ‘ “American Idol” finalist Anoop Desai was enjoying his trip back to Chapel Hill this week, even if it was a bit …surreal.
During a visit to Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen in Chapel Hill, the 22-year-old former University of Carolina at Chapel Hill graduate student said workers knew him by name.
Desai relayed the story to friends and family during a ceremony at the Carolina Club on the UNC campus Monday.
Anoop Desai gets keys to the city
11:50 P.M. MONDAY, MAY 4 — Donning his pink and teal kicks from his final American Idol appearance, Anoop Desai was all smiles Monday as he accepted a golden key to the city.
…This man knows how to handle a mic, Chapel Hill Mayor Kevin Foy said as he introduced the former Clef Hanger soloist.
At a Town Council meeting, Foy proclaimed May 4, 2009, as …Anoop Desai Day to honor the first contestant in American Idol history to turn the Top 12 into the Top 13. Desai finished sixth in the competition.
He said his new celebrity status is taking some getting used to.
…It has been really surreal coming back home, he said. …Places Ive been to all my life now have my picture in the window.
David Cook In Concert
Cook sang in front of a packed audience at the Georgia Theatre in Athens on Monday night, two days after the American Idol Season 7 champion’s eldest brother died after a decade-long battle with brain cancer.
Fans wore gray ribbons in honor of Adam Cook during the concert. David referenced his brother once, about 20 minutes in. The rocker said he was extremely appreciative of everyone’s support. And by support, he said, he didn’t mean buying albums and concert tickets. His opening act, Ryan Star, dedicated a song (Breathe) to David earlier in the night. (David released an official statement on his Web site here.)
The setlist and some thoughts:
Elliott Yamin continues to fight for love
Fight for Love, the soulful sophomore disc from American Idol finalist Elliott Yamin, was born out of a struggle most listeners will be able to relate to ‘ the lifelong battle for happiness.
…This past year was probably my roughest year ‘ losing my mom and just things going on with my personal relationships, Yamin says. …That kind of the theme of the record: fighting in and out of love, fighting for it.
…Im not just talking about my girlfriend. Im talking about my relationships with my family members or friends. That title perfectly suited the album. It kind of an emotional roller coaster.
COLOR PURPLE With Fantasia Barrino Gets Extended Thru 8/9 At Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center today announced a one week and final extension for the touring production of THE COLOR PURPLE. The musical will now run in the Opera House June 30 through August 9, 2009. Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker and the film by Steven Spielberg, Fantasia Barrino reprises her critically acclaimed role as Celie in the Kennedy Center performances of THE COLOR PURPLE. As on Broadway, the first North American Tour of THE COLOR PURPLE is directed by Gary Griffin. THE COLOR PURPLE features a libretto by Pulitzer Prize-winner Marsha Norman, music and lyrics by Grammy Award ®-winning composers/lyricists Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray, and choreography by Donald Byrd. The official press night will take place on Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at 7:30 p.m.
Aiken’s Son Makes His First Public Debut
Photographers snapped Clay Aiken’s son Parker out with his mom, Jaymes Foster, over the weekend.
Parker Foster Aiken was conceived through artificial insemination and born on Aug. 8, 2008.
50-year-old Jaymes Foster, a record producer, is the former ‘American Idol’ runner-up’s best friend. And the pair decided to have and raise a child together.
Idol Tonight: Meet Simon’s Brother!
Maybe now we’ll finally get some dirt on our favorite cranky American Idol judge.
Tony Cowell, the brother of Idol judge and producer Simon, will stop by TV Guide Network’s Idol Tonight Wednesday at 8 pm/ET to discuss his younger brother. (Perhaps he can give us some insight into Simon’s minimalist wardrobe choices.) Cowell will also chat with hosts Kimberly Caldwell and Justin Guarini about the remaining Season 8 finalists.
Also joining the party is Season 6 finalist Chris Richardson, who will discuss his post-Idol life and share his perspective on this season’s singers.
Susan Boyle’s Talent Revealed Early
Apparently, Susan Boyle has always had talent.
A 25-year-old video of the “Britain’s Got Talent” star performing onstage at a local Scottish club at the tender age of 22 recently surfaced on the Internet.
n a clip posted on the Web site of Scotland’s Daily Record newspaper, a slender and fresh-faced Boyle sings “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” from “Jesus Christ Superstar” and Barbra Streisand’s “The Way We Were” in the Fir Park Social Club singing contest.
Even then, she was turning heads.
‘Dancing With the Stars’ Recap: Waltzing the Night Away
Important announcement, DANCMSTRs! I officially have a new favorite Dancing With the Stars minor character for season 8. He’s the highly distracting snowman-like parking garage mascot that kept popping into frame during Derek and Lil’ Kim’s rehearsal footage this week. It’s quite possible his highness has been there all along, but I just noticed him tonight and it’s never too late to introduce yourself to a super hot guy. Check him out. He just wants to dance (with Derek)! He’s got some beautiful lines, to be sure, but needs to work on that ever-important performance quality. Right now: too flat.
