American Idol boring? Verne Gay doesn’t think so
I witness these anti-“Idol” outbursts every season (and quite often, I’m the one performing the outburst). They loom on the horizon just as the Hollywood rounds are getting under way. They steam closer to shore when we’ve got the top 24 in place. And by the time we’re well into the top 12, the anti-“Idol” forces storm the beaches, with mouths foaming, sabers rattling and looking to slay the nearest hard-core “Idol” fan who still thinks the show is good.
Their complaints go this way: “‘American Idol’s’ become dull. … The contestants are boring. … The routine is predictable. … Simon always says the same stuff. … Paula’s an idiot … The songs are terrible. … The performances are robotic. … Who cares?”
AMERICAN IDOL SEASON 7 TOP 11 VOCAL MASTERCLASS: THE LENNON McCARTNEY SONGBOOK PART DEUX
This week, some of my all time favourite Lennon-McCartney songs were highlighted and, generally, the Top 11 singers were in excellent form.
I wasnt on the same page as the judges were in terms of evaluating the Top 11 showcase. I thought that the singers chose some really complex songs and, in doing so, revealed even greater potential in their performing ability.
Also, just a quick note: I will be vacationing in sunny Florida next week, so there will be no Vocal Masterclass article available for the Top 10.
American Idol: Are Jason Castro’s odds getting better?
Not to jinx Jason Castro, but he’s gaining momentum as we go into Week Six of American Idol.
Earlier, Simon Cowell told Oprah that Jason is in his Final Four. A few days ago, Simon also told The Los Angeles Times that Jason is in his top four, along with David Archuleta, Brooke White and Ramiele Malubay. This time, Simon subbed out Ramiele for David Cook.
Jason Castro from American Idol
Jason Castro from American Idol was in church this morning! One of the high school staff guys knew him from back in a day, so we all got together and connected for the service and a meal. Jason is a super down to earth guy, a solid Christian, and is really genuine. Im excited to have predicted him to be the winner for a few reasons: 1) he humble and if/when fame lands on him, hell carry it right, and 2) he a legitimate unknown talent who is on quite a ride with this whole thing.
Paula Abdul: I couldn’t speak for 2 years
Paula Abdul has revealed the full extent of a terrible accident that kept her out of the public eye for 6 years.
In 1992, the American Idol judge was a passenger in a plane that made an emergency landing. Three discs in her back ruptured, leaving her with no feeling down her right side.
‘I needed 14 lots of spinal surgery on my neck, ‘ she explains. ‘I was paralysed and during the 12th operation my vocal chords were accidentally cut.
“Back to the Bottle” premiere set for April 17 at Keith-Albee
The program at the Keith-Albee will begin at 7:45 p.m. Tim White of the Cabell County Youth Empowerment Program will lead off the evening followed by local and national recording artists whose songs are featured in the film.
The theme song for the film, which Karle wrote, will be performed by Rick Ruggles of the Saturday Night Jamboree. Local artists Eddie Riffe and Tony Maynard of ETA will sing a featured songm and national recording artist George Huff of American Idol fame also will perform live.
Winter Jam 2008 Tour Spectacular Finishes Out In Nashville With A Bang
The Winter Jam Tour Spectacular concluded its 34-city run with a bang and a near sold out crowd this past weekend at the Sommet Center in Nashville. The Winter Jam tour is Christian music’s largest annual musical extravaganza and for this year 2008 tour they brought in more fans than ever before. Winter Jam had an impressive 16% increase in attendance from last year equaling out to a total of 311, 836 screaming music fanatics coming to see MercyMe, Skillet, BarlowGirl, NewSong, American Idol’s Mandisa and Connersvine.
Nora Aunor presents Dolphy a special award
For most observers, the first FilAm Visionary Awards at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood last March 7 was a big success. It was a visual feast of stars’ local and Hollywood’ who walked the red carpet watched by fellow Pinoys and photographed by dozens of legit and joined by bogus representatives.
There was star power all over the place! An impressive celebrity force made the event an instant source of Pinoy pride. Who would have thought that Nora Aunor, Lorna Tolentino, Pinky de Leon with mom Lilia Dizon, Eric Quizon, Dingdong Avanzado with wife Jessa Zaragosa, Ciara Sotto, Jasmine Trias, Isabella Ledesma, Movin 93.9 radio DJ Icy Ice and Giselle Toengi would be enjoying the glamour of Hollywood with WWE 3-Time World Champion David Batista, Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Brian McKnight, actor Michael Copon (One Tree Hill and upcoming feature film The Scorpion King: Rise of the Azzadian), Reggie Lee (Pirates of the Caribbean: At World End), singer Jennifer Paz (Miss Saigon, Evita, Songs for a New World), youtube.com star Christine Gambito (happyslip.com)?
Pizarro: The stars will be coming out for Silicon Valley causes
“American Idol” contestant Diana DeGarmo – who appeared as Maria in AMTSJ’s “West Side Story” and has appeared on Broadway in “Hairspray” – leads the list that includes Broadway vet Christiane Noll and AMTSJ favorite Aaron Ramey. They’ll also be honoring some behind-the-scenes stars who have been key supporters: John Michael and Abby Sobrato, Star One Credit Union and the city of San Jose. Get details on the gala at www.amtsj.org.
American Idol Performer Sings at Autism Benefit Concert
Autism nonprofit organization, The Friendship Network for Children, Inc., announces a benefit concert with guest performer 2006 American Idol contestant Ayla Brown. The concert features Alexis Ohanian, experienced vocalist and Massachusetts native, and other New England musicians.
The concert is on May 3, 2008 from 7:00pm-8:30pm at the Medway High School theater in Medway, Massachusetts. It is made possible with the support of the Medway Public School’s Special Education Parent Advisory Council. Tickets cost $15.00 and can be purchased online.
Ex-‘American Idol’-ist Josiah Leming nails major record deal
He’s gone from living in his car to having a record deal in the span of six months. Morristown teenager Josiah Leming — forever known as the kid living out of his car on “American Idol” season 7 — has signed with Warner Bros. records. He’s also gotten an agent and an entertainment lawyer. According to one source, the kid bought his dad a new truck recently to celebrate this upward turn of events. Earlier this season, Josiah made it to the early rounds in Hollywood, but failed to make the top 24 cut. He’s still living in M-Town, but he’s going to be going Hollywood soon enough.
