‘Idol’ ratings dip exposes feet of clay
It had to happen sometime: American Idol is showing signs of mortality in its seventh season.
Ratings for TV’s top show are down 7% to an average 29 million viewers for regular episodes and down 10% among adults ages 18 to 49, the main currency on Madison Avenue.
That marks Idol’s first significant year-to-year decline, and it echoes similar falloffs for some other long-running reality series: CBS’ Survivor is down 10%.
Fox isn’t panicking. For the season to date, Idol still towers over the competition and remains bigger than it was in 2005. Because of it, the network will win its first season among total viewers, and its fourth among young adults.
But the show has been on a steady ratings slide in recent weeks. It lost 6 million viewers from the first top-12 episode March 11 to last week’s low 23.7 million, which marked its weakest Tuesday since 2004.
On the Scene: America Loses Its Mind And Votes Carly Off ‘Idol’
I’ve been stalling, PopWatchers. This is not a blog post I want to write. You already know the results, of course: On tonight’s episode of America’s Embarrassing Lapses In Judgment American Idol, Carly Smithson was sent packing, despite a rendition of “Jesus Christ Superstar” that Jesus himself would have been hard-pressed to top. And if you’ve followed my occasional recaps of the in-person Idol experience, you know that Carly was head-and-tattooed-shoulders my favorite contestant this year, if not ever. So it was not a good day for me. And what I’d really like to do is slap down 5000 or so words explaining what I perceive as a buttery national malaise involving fear of anything passionate or unique and expanding on my now-confirmed suspicion that the reason the music business is dying has less to do with the Internet and more to do with a lack of intellectual curiosity combined with an generational sound palate deadened by an endless stream of mediocrity masquerading as the “next big thing.” But instead, I think I’ll just write up the notes I took from my seat in Section D of CBS Television City tonight, watch The Daily Show, and go to bed. After all, tomorrow I head to Coachella, and there will be real music there.
American Idol: I haven’t been having fun
What can we conclude from Carly and Syesha placement in the Bottom Two this week, along with Carly surprise elimination? Quite possibly that American Idol ‘ either the viewing audience, the producers, or both ‘ has grown tired of the big-voiced diva that has been the show stock in trade since the beginning, the kind of singer who patterns herself after Whitney, Celine, and Mariah. Ironically enough, Simon X Factor discovery Leona Lewis ‘ as clear an early Mariah clone as there ever was ‘ was given her inevitable showcase spot on this week results show but Lewis reserved ease only points out just how twitchily desperate Carly has been throughout the show. That was her Achilles Heel, as she could always sing ‘ maybe her mainstream taste was at odds with her tattooed image, but she could always sing ‘ but she seemed so determined to seize her second chance at the big time that she never let us forget it, even interpreting …Blackbird as an ode to artists rights. When Carly didnt try so hard she was far more likable, and even after her rejection materialized at the end of the show, a cloud seemed to lift and she seemed at ease, making it hard not to wonder whether the season would have turned out differently if she had been that relaxed throughout the season. But that all …might have been conjecture ‘ maybe now shell get another crack at another record and finally live up to all this potential that she been showing for so many years now.
Smithson’s exit proves ‘American Idol’ isn’t just about talent By Carmen Rasmusen
I think by now we’ve established that “American Idol” is NOT just a singing competition. It’s also a popularity contest.
It’s rather like running for student-body officer in high school. You have to have a lot of friends vote for you. In this case, it’s a lot of fans.
This week, I think it’s safe to say a lot of “American Idol” viewers were shocked to see a talented singer like Carly Smithson leave the top six ‘ especially after she brought down the house on Tuesday singing Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Jesus Christ Superstar.”
“It was one of my favorite performances of the night, ” judge Simon Cowell said. But, shockingly, the viewing audience didn’t agree ‘ or simply didn’t express their enthusiasm in votes. Cowell even apologized for giving Smithson the “kiss of death” by complimenting her.
Perhaps that’s why he’s been so cold the past few weeks?
American Idol: Irish eyes aren’t smiling
Erin: Color me shocked. The talented Carly leaves us and I’m sad, but not devastated like when Michael left. All and all, she took the news like a champ and I’m looking forward to her Apple.com release of power ballads due out in about two years.
Kathy: I can normally gauge the outrage level of America by the number of emails I get from friends and family at 10:01 p.m. on Wednesday night. (Unfortunately I sometimes don’t watch til later so some of those loved ones are ruining the show for me but, oh well.) Anyway, last night several in my circle were quite upset so I’m predicting Amercia at large isn’t going to be happy with this decision. My mom says she’s never watching again. Oh Mom, I’ve said that before. But just when you think you’re out, they pull you back in.
Paula’s ‘Idol’ Commentary
Were riding along with PAULA ABDUL to find out what she thinks of Irish lass CARLY SMITHSON’s early departure from “American Idol” tonight. And what did she make of the fact that that both of this week’s bottom two, Carly and SYESHA MERCADO, got rave reviews last night, while BROOKE WHITE and JASON CASTRO made it unto the top four vote-getters despite being panned by the judges. Find out by watching our brand-new vid!
The girl who called Cowell a ‹butt
Kristy Lee Cook goes down in …American Idol history as the only finalist to have called Simon Cowell …a butt on national television.
…He has certain remarks that are not very nice [and] over time, these build up, said last week …Idol casualty during an exclusive phone interview hosted by Star World.
Her choice of words, explained Cook, …was, like, telling him [that] he can be a little butt sometimes, a goofy little brat ¦ I figured Id just say ‹butt.ƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬
What Would You Do If I Sang Out of Tune?
“Stop! In the Name of Love” is a golden oldie, a classic song by the Supremes that skyrocketed to the charts in 1965 and is still adored by fans today, whether they can carry a tune or not. Idol Wannabe
Would you be embarrassed if you were singing the song badly in public? Not if you were an an actress hired by ABC News to purposely sing poorly for a hidden camera experiment.
If our actress, Ambre, was a contestant on “American Idol, ” Simon Cowell wouldn’t mince words. But will ordinary people be equally honest? We decided to find out.
Clay Aiken Defends His Busy Schedule
Work is keeping Clay Aiken busy ‘ as he pointed out to a reporter in Washington, D.C., who asked him if he was doing enough as a member of the Presidential Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities.
The second-season American Idol runner-up and current Broadway headliner, 29, blamed his busy schedule when a reporter from The Washington Post confronted him. “The last time I had two days off in a row was October, ” said the crooner. “I was on tour throughout the country through Christmas, then I went straight to Mexico for UNICEF. [Then] I went straight to New York for Spamalot.”
Carrie Underwood says she been cheated on
LOS ANGELES – …American Idol champ, and singer of infidelity anthem …Before He Cheats, Carrie Underwood opened up to InStyle about her own experiences with a cheating man.
…Ive been cheated on a time or two. It tough, Underwood said in the May issue of the magazine. …I wouldnt recommend doing any property damage, though, she adds, referencing her Grammy-winning song about a woman who seeks revenge on a cheating boyfriend by trashing his truck.
Carrie Underwood’s Opry Induction Broadcast in LIVE National Telecast
As country music’s reigning ACM and CMA Female Vocalist of the Year and recipient of numerous other awards, multi-platinum selling artist Carrie Underwood will receive one of the highest honors in the country music genre with a LIVE national telecast of her induction into the legendary Grand Ole Opry on May 10 (8 pm ET) when Great American Country (GAC), the exclusive television home of the Grand Ole Opry, broadcasts the “Opry Live” celebration to its audience of more than 52 million.
Africa: Congressman Payne, First Lady Laura Bush Raise Awareness Global Malaria Epidemic
Today, Congressman Donald M. Payne, was joined by First Lady Laura Bush, at the official launch of the Congressional Malaria Caucus, which he will co-chair. Other participants in the event with Representative Payne, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health, included caucus co-chair Congressman John Boozman (AR-3), Admiral Ziemer, Coordinator of the President Malaria Initiative, Ray Chambers, United Nations Special Envoy on Malaria, and American Idol finalist Melinda Doolittle.
‘American Idol’s’ Anwar Robinson coming to VBC
But the dreadlocked soul singer from New Jersey, who bowed out as the seventh finalist during season four of “American Idol, ” hasn’t stopped entertaining crowds.
For the past six months, somewhere in America Robinson has been on stage singing about the struggles of living with AIDS in New York’s Lower East Side. Robinson is in the musical “Rent.”
He plays Tom Collins, a philosophy professor and anarchist with AIDS.
DAUGHTRY MOVED TO MELBOURNE
Tuesday Daughtry concert, originally scheduled for Capt. Hiram Resort in Sebastian, has been moved to Melbourne King Center because of the high demand for tickets.
An additional 1, 000 tickets went on sale Thursday morning and were gobbled up in no time. That brings the total for the 8 p.m. show to 1, 998.
The Capt. Hiram date was an immediate sellout, says resort manager Timothy Michaud. Lots of folks werent able to get tickets.
…So we took it directly to Chris Daughtry himself, Michaud says. …His big issue is his fans, and were very aware of that. He knew he was disappointing thousands of fans, so we started trying to work out a way to get more people in.
“American Idol” slips further in ratings
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) – “American Idol” posted its lowest rating among adults 18-49 in five years Wednesday, continuing its seasonlong slide as it edges towards its grand finale next month.
The Fox talent show drew 22.6 million total viewers, and an 8.2 rating, 21 share among adults 18-49, a demographic coveted by advertisers. Last Wednesday’s results show drew 23.3 million viewers.
Nevertheless, Fox easily won the night, also helped by the comedies “‘Til Death” and “Back to You, ” which rebounded after taking a hit last week from ABC’s Democratic presidential debate. Overall, Fox averaged 14.7 million viewers
A guide to this summer’s most anticipated film (with trailers)
“The House Bunny” ‘ When a Playboy Bunny (Anna Faris) is kicked out of the Playboy mansion, she moves in with a local sorority and teaches the sisters what guys really want. Though the film is co-produced by Adam Sandler and features Katharine McPhee (“American Idol”), don’t expect too much.
Webmaster’s advice for ‘Idol’: Let the bad in
Something’s wrong with “American Idol” this season, but that’s all right with Dave Della Terza.
The DuPage County resident and webmaster of votefortheworst.com — a site that encourages people to vote for the TV talent show’s least talented contestant — is somewhat pleased by the program’s lack of hoopla this year.
It’s too late this year, but Della Terza has some advice for the producers to salvage future seasons: Bring back the bad.
“People like the train wrecks, ” he said. “They like awful performers, the scandal and other assorted drama. They went out of their way this year to try and legitimize the show, and in the end they kind of shot themselves in the foot with these boring people.”
‹Idol finalist coming to Indiana Theatre
TERRE HAUTE ‘ …American Idol season 5 finalist and Nashville recording artist Bucky Covington will be joined by special guests Emily West and Katie Armiger at a June 20 concert in the Indiana Theatre at 683 Ohio St., according to a release Monday from country radio station WTHI HI-99.
After …American Idol, Covington signed with Lyric Street Records and in January 2007, he released his debut single …A Different World. His self-titled debut album came out on April 17, 2007, and it debuted at No. 1 on the Top Country Albums chart, the release states. Covington had the best opening week for a male debut album since Billy Ray Cyrus back in 1992. His latest single, …It Good To Be Us, is still climbing the charts and can be heard on HI-99, the release adds.
American Idol Season Six Finalist Phil Stacey’s Debut CD in Stores Next Tuesday, April 29th
American Idol Season 6 finalist Phil Stacey will release his self-titled debut CD on April 29th, 2008 on Lyric Street Records. Phil will kick off his CD release week with a live appearance on NBC-TV’s Today Show on Monday, April 28th. The Today Show is broadcast live on NBC-TV from 7-10 a.m. (ET) and on NBC affiliates nationwide from 7-10 a.m. in all other time zones.
On Tuesday, April 29th, the day his album releases, he will spend the day in the Big Apple doing numerous television and radio appearances via satellite interview tours. Later in the week, Phil will appear on Fox Business, and Good Day New York, and will do interviews with AOL Music and other entertainment outlets before flying to Florida on Thursday night for a weekend of tour dates.
Feet of Clay? Not for Aiken, who’s proved to be a malleable singer, Broadway actor
The conversation starts with a subject that might be considered trivial, but is of great interest to Clay Aiken’s fans.
His hair.
You can see it on the cover of Aiken’s next CD, “On My Way Here, ” and in his most recent publicity photos. The color catches the light and shimmers with golden highlights.
And why not? The singer’s geek-to-chic transformation was part of the reason he did so well on the 2003 season of “American Idol, ” coming in a close second to Birmingham’s Ruben Studdard.
David Cook’s Pre-Idol Music Still for Sale
Despite being pulled from Amazon.com, American Idol contestant David Cook’s pre-Idol music is still for sale online.
After topping the Amazon.com mp3 charts, Cook’s CD, “Analog Heart, ” was pulled from the website on Tuesday.
But, you can still find the Blue Springs, Missouri native’s CD on Fuzz.com. The site is selling individual songs from Cook’s album “Analog Heart” for $.99 or you can buy the whole album for $9.99. You can also buy CD’s from David Cook’s old band, Axium, for $9.99 and $5.99.
‹Idol Song Choice Courts Controversy and Finds It; Singer Is Voted Off
Carly Smithson might be the first …American Idol contestant to be voted off the show for blasphemy.
Online chat boards devoted to …American Idol have been abuzz since Ms. Smithson performed the title song from …Jesus Christ Superstar ‘ the 1970 rock opera, which many Christians consider offensive ‘ on Tuesday episode. Ms. Smithson received the fewest votes of the six remaining contestants following her Tuesday performance. Her elimination was announced on Wednesday night episode. The week performances were drawn from the works of Andrew Lloyd Webber, who wrote …Jesus Christ Superstar with Tim Rice.
Since its debut, and particularly following the release of the 1973 film version, …Jesus Christ Superstar has been railed against by some Christians for its portrayal of Jesus as confused and at times unwilling to accept his role, and because it hints that he had a sexual relationship with Mary Magdalene.
Last Words: Fallen “American Idol” Carly Smithson bids Chipper Farewell
…Hiya! exclaimed recently axed …American Idol contestant Carly Smithson in a conference call with the media this morning. During her exit call, Carly was more chipper than any Idol who fell before her, and one sensed more than a little relief on her part to be out of the competition. …No more theme songs, Carly noted gleefully, adding that she looking forward to focusing on her own material.
Carly’s Most Memorable Idol Songs
Relive performances by the tattooed Irish singer
