David Archuleta: Who the people want
THE top 12 ” American Idol” contestants arrived as a group at the post-show party in West Hollywood on Thursday night, but the scrum of paparazzi left little doubt who was the object of their obsession.
“David!” the photographers shouted. “David, over here!”
Their desired subject was, of course, David Archuleta, anointed by no less an authority than Simon Cowell last month as the front-runner in the singing contest, now in its seventh season and still far and away America’s No. 1 TV series. Archuleta was doing his best to oblige as the strobes kept popping. His chipmunk cheeks were illuminated with a perfect smile. He meandered alone toward one beckoning photographer until a handler ushered him away to rejoin the other “Idol” finalists.
‘Idol’s’ Season 7 is sheer heaven
Since Hollywood Week, I have been setting forth the notion to acquaintances that this may actually turn out to be the Archetypal “Idol” Season. This group, I have offered, contains a higher median level of singing than any before and a greater assortment of unique and compelling personalities likely to gather followings than previous seasons. What’s more, at the center of the drama is the epic showdown brewing between the Chosen One, David Archuleta, a child singer seemingly genetically engineered to fulfill the “Idol” prophecies of greatness, and the Duende From Down Under, Michael Johns, probably the male contestant with the most raw charisma ever to step foot on the “Idol” stage. And waiting alongside the battle to claim the female caucus’ rightful place at the table rages Carly Smithson, a dark and supernaturally gifted singer who still remains a bit of a wild card but has the potential to overturn all conventional wisdom about the race.
Aussie makes US Idol top 12
AUSSIE singer Michael Johns is one step closer to American Idol super-stardom after securing a place in the final 12
Johns has impressed judges and audiences alike week after week with his soaring voice and confident stage presence, earning him comparisons to INXS frontman Michael Hutchence.
On the 1980s themed episode this week, Johns sang the Simple Minds track Don’t You (Forget About Me).
USA TODAY Publishes Special Edition All About Hit Show ‘American Idol’
USA TODAY, the nation’s top-selling newspaper, announces the publication of a special edition totally devoted to the hit television show “American Idol.” The 48-page special edition costs $4.95 and is available in retail outlets March 10 through May 15.
Produced entirely by the LIFE section staff at USA TODAY, the special edition offers detailed bios on all 12 finalists from season seven and explains why everyone is hooked on this TV phenomenon. We look at this season’s fashion hits and misses, from Chikezie’s orange suit to Syesha’s sophisticated neck scarves, and get Simon’s most memorable put-downs from season seven. The issue also provides readers with a pullout weekly scorecard to track the final 12 contestants, list what they sang, the judges’ observations and to track who got voted out.
Earthtimes
Rosie Makes “Bold, Brave, Beautiful” Danny an Offer
In a video blog segment posted Friday, Rosie O’Donnell invited freshly ousted American Idol contestant Danny Noriega to sing on her cruise.
“I don’t know if you have to sit around the American Idol studio and, like, look sad for the next few weeks, ” says the comedienne, “but a week from tomorrow, an R Family Cruise is leaving from San Diego for Cabo San Luco.” (A voice behind her then said, it’s going to Puerto Vallarta. But whatever.) “So, Danny Noriega, ” Ro continued, “you’ve got a free cruise. You and a friend. I want you to sing ‘Tainted Love, ‘ and I think you’re fantastic. I think you’re a bold and brave and beautiful young man. I admire you, Danny Noriega, and you have an amazing voice…. So why don’t you come on the cruise?”
Simply too much
MAYBE he really was …too much to handle (or was it the purple streaks in his hair?). Whatever it was, Danny Noriega expulsion from American Idol last Friday was shocking and totally unexpected.
…Noooooooo! Not Danny Noriega, screamed a friend of mine when I delivered the bad news to him.
Eighteen-year-old Noriega strong vocals and even stronger personality were obviously not enough to win him enough votes, once again emphasising the harsh reality that it does not matter if you are a good singer or the most charismatic performer. What matters is how many Americans you appeal to. Like it or not, America decides.
Fox Web site rocks as “Idol” returns
The midseason return of “American Idol” helped double Fox Broadcasting’s online traffic in January compared with December.
Nielsen Online said Fox had 4.6 million unique visitors in January, up 101% from December, surpassing CBS (4.5 million, down 24%) for the month. But both network sites still are behind ABC.com and NBC.com, which had 8.1 million and 7.9 million visitors, respectively.
Although Fox does not stream episodes of “Idol” on its site, it still was the most-visited part of the property, with an estimated 1.1 million visitors.
Stripping Is Something Simon Doesn’t Judge
Some people think David Hernandez should be tossed off “Idol” for shaking his man parts at a gay strip club — but Simon Cowell is much more sympathetic to the plight of a man who wears tight clothing.
Star Paul Potts is calling it quits
BRITAINS Got Talent star Paul Potts has finally quit his job selling mobile phones ‘ NINE MONTHS after winning the show.
Opera singer Paul, 37, only handed in his notice to Carphone Warehouse last Thursday despite scooping £100, 000 on the talent show in June.
He was on extended leave as he toured the world performing to thousands, but was too scared to resign in case it had all been a DREAM. Paul told The Sun: …Part of me was scared in case I handed in my notice for real ‘ and then found out I was dreaming everything else.
Jordin Sparks Is Coming To Oz Next Week!
To celebrate the massive success of her debut single ‘Tattoo’ here in Australia, Jordin will be visiting Melbourne and Sydney from March 17th – 21st chatting to media about her new album which will be released in Australia on March 29th. Look out for her!
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Dawg and pony show
Randy Jackson is best-known as an …American Idol judge. But before he hooked up with Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell, he made his bones playing bass with everyone from Bruce Springsteen and Tracy Chapman to Journey and Mariah Carey. He also a producer, whose recent work includes soul man Sam Moore 2006 comeback and Travis Tritt latest effort.
Now Jackson is putting his name out front on …Randy Jackson Music Club, Vol. I, which arrives in stores tomorrow. It a showcase for his talents as a producer, bassist, songwriter and …Idol-schooled talent scout (and he wise enough not to try any singing himself).
‘Idol, ‘ Destiny’s Child stars tapped to keep ‘Color Purple’ profitable
For the touring version, which opens Tuesday in Tempe, the producers recruited LaToya London, another Idol-ite, and Michelle Williams from the recording group Destiny’s Child.
Jeannette Bayardelle is playing Celie, the role made famous by Whoopi Goldberg in Steven Spielberg’s 1985 film version. Bayardelle understands why it’s important to have recognizable names in the cast of a Broadway show.
“It’s a financial thing, ” she says. “You have to fill the seats. But our producers were smart and got very good people. It takes more than a name to sustain eight shows a week. Broadway is not easy.
