American Idol

Continue reading ‘Top 20 - Elimination’

Top 20 - Elimination

Published by mj February 28th, 2008 in American Idol, Season 7, S7 Show Recaps and S7 Semi-Finals. 103 Comments

Eliminated tonight (click the link for video)

Jason Yeager is eliminated
Alexandrea Lushington is eliminated
Alaina Whitiker is eliminated
Robbie Carrico is eliminated

thanks rockers94 for the video!

Click the jump for my recap…

Chris Daughtry Repeat

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Ratings and Other News

Simon Cowell on Live with Regis and Kelly

Published by mj February 28th, 2008 in American Idol, Video and Simon Cowell. 4 Comments

This is from yesterday’s show, but I haven’t had the chance to post them. Thanks to Rockers94 for the vids.

Check out Simon with Reese Witherspoon, and his two-part interview…

thanks rockers94 for the vids…

…after the jump…

Continue reading ‘Simon Cowell on Live with Regis and Kelly’

Jordin Sparks on Live With Regis and Kelly

Melinda Doolittle on Live with Regis and Kelly

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Brooke White on Ellen and Regis and Kelly - VIDEO

Email Issues have been fixed

Published by mj February 28th, 2008 in American Idol. 0 Comments

I just fixed an issue with the site mailer.

If you have experienced problems registering on the site, or sending me an email via the contact form, TRY AGAIN! The issues have been resolved.

Any questions, email me at mjsbigblog@gmail.com. Thanks.

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Idol Headlines for 2/28/08

Published by mj February 28th, 2008 in American Idol and Headlines. 64 Comments

Idol Gets Beatlemania

It’s been a hard day’s night for American Idol, but the show finally has a ticket to ride.

The music publisher that controls the Beatles’ John Lennon-Paul McCartney composed hits has given Idol the go-ahead to let its contestants have their way with the likes of “Yesterday,” “Let It Be” and, should someone be so brave, “I Am the Walrus.”

The scoop was served up Wednesday on Idol host Ryan Seacrest’s morning radio show in Los Angeles.

“It’s something we’ve waited for for seven seasons now,” Idol executive producer Nigel Lythgoe told Seacrest. “Sony has agreed to release the Lennon and McCartney songbook to us.”

Eonline

‘American Idol’ to feature Beatles songs when Top 12 finalists perform

“When the Top 12 sing for the first time this season, it will be the music of Lennon and McCartney,” he told Seacrest. “We’ve given them a list because it’s all of the early songs — from ‘I Want to Hold Your Hand’ to ‘Got to Get You Into My Life.’ These fantastic songs. It’s one of the few areas that everybody knows.”

Idol’s ability to secure the songbook’s usage apparently happened fairly quickly. During a December conference call with reporters, Lythgoe said Idol still didn’t have the rights to the songbook.

“If that Lennon/McCartney songbook were open to us, I would love that,” gushed Lythgoe. “At the same time, I would really like it when we have got our best singers. I would hate to ruin Beatles material. I really would.”

During his conversation with Seacrest, Lythgoe allegedly that the talent level of Idol’s seventh-season contestants is the reason why Sony/ATV made the songbook available.

Reality TV World

Continue reading ‘Idol Headlines for 2/28/08′

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Continue reading ‘Top 10 Girls - Performance’

Top 10 Girls - Performance

Published by mj February 27th, 2008 in American Idol, Season 7, S7 Show Recaps and S7 Semi-Finals. 92 Comments

“Let’s begin tonight with song selection,” says Ryan.

So, Ryan, Are you and the judges going to discuss how hard it is to get a song cleared? Or, the fact that the kids only have 50 songs to choose from, and, as rumor has it, they are more than likely not going to get their first choice, unless they are a favored-one?

No? Randy, Paula and Simon going to keep blaming the kids for their “poor song choices?” Well, alrighty then.

These songs TPTB picked for the kids? They suck. The horrible songs the kids have to choose from are really keeping the semis from being as entertaining and awe inspiring as they could be. And it’s NOT the kid’s fault.

The gang is calling Simon “Mr. Happy” now. How fitting.

Tonight, the girls’ performances of 70’s classics get mostly lukewarm responses from the judges. And, from Randy and Paula, we learn that the Glory Note is all that matters.

The video packages feature more fun facts to know and tell - Girl Power edition.

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Idol Sales News - Week Ending 02/24/08

Published by Kirsten February 27th, 2008 in American Idol and Charts. 1 Comment

Idol Related Sales Numbers after the jump (Billboard issue date 03/08/08)

Continue reading ‘Idol Sales News - Week Ending 02/24/08′

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Top 10 Girls Performance - Spoilers!

Published by mj February 27th, 2008 in American Idol, S7 Spoilers, Season 7 and S7 Semi-Finals. 80 Comments

THE most reliable spoiler out there right now, Joesplace, just posted song spoilers for the Top 10 Girls on her blog. The girls taped their performance show tonight. Check out what the girls sang and in what order…

After the jump…

Continue reading ‘Top 10 Girls Performance - Spoilers!’

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Idol Headlines for 2/27/08

Published by mj February 27th, 2008 in American Idol and Headlines. 29 Comments

Simon Predicts Idol Winner, Addresses Exit Rumors

Simon Cowell might bash contestants right and left, but he has high hopes for at least one them. On Tuesday’s Extra, he predicts this year’s winner: David Archuleta.

Describing why he think’s Archuleta’s winner material, Cowell said “He’s cute. He’s likeable. [He has] a big voice. He’s the one to beat.” But what about the dapper Chikezie? “He’s never going to win unless the other 18 resign.”

TV Guide

‘Idol’ director may be leaving show

Longtime “American Idol” director Bruce Gowers may be departing the hit Fox competish show.

Particulars behind Gowers’ departure — and whether it’s permanent or a temporary hiatus — were tough to come by over the weekend; when word of Gowers’ departure first surfaced Thursday night, “Idol” was in the middle of a special live broadcast from CBS Television City.

Insiders said an incident on the “Idol” set may have triggered talk of Gower’s departure. Producer FremantleMedia declined comment, noting that it doesn’t comment on personnel matters.

Variety

Continue reading ‘Idol Headlines for 2/27/08′

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Continue reading ‘Season 7 Top 10 Guys - Performance’

Season 7 Top 10 Guys - Performance

Published by mj February 26th, 2008 in American Idol, Season 7, S7 Show Recaps and S7 Semi-Finals. 238 Comments

Performance Videos! with very special thanks to rockers94…awesome ripping…

Michael Johns - “Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac
Jason Castro - “I Just Want to Be Your Everything” by Andy Gibb
Luke Menard - “Killer Queen” by Queen
Robbie Carrico - “Hot Blooded” by Foreigner
Danny Noriega - “Superstar” by Leon Russell - Danny’s video package.
David Hernandez - “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” by The Undisputed Truth
Jason Yeager - “Long Train Running” by the Doobie Brothers
Chickezie - “I Believe to My Soul” by Donny Hathaway
David Cook - “All Right Now” by Free
David Archuleta - “Imagine” by John Lennon

Tonight, the guys take on the 70’s with mixed results. A few of the contestants improved on their performance from last week, perhaps buying them another week (Chikezie, Luke Menard). Others disappointed (Michael Johns). Others brought it (David Cook, David Hernandez). There were also those who could have taken a giant dump on the stage and it would not have mattered (OK, only one–David Archuleta who apparently has already been crowned winner. Should I bother watching the rest of this shiz?)

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Ryan Seacrest on Regis and Kelly - Kelly goes backstage

Published by mj February 26th, 2008 in American Idol, Video and Ryan Seacrest. 2 Comments

Thanks Rowdy Yates!

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The Top 10 Guys - Spoilers!

Published by mj February 26th, 2008 in American Idol, Spoilers, S7 Spoilers, Season 7 and S7 Semi-Finals. 39 Comments

Like last week, this week’s performance shows will be taped ahead–the guys yesterday and the girls today. This week’s theme is the 70’s. And next week’s theme? You’ll never guess! Yeah, the 80’s.

Just for the record, I hate themes for the semis. It takes away the element of surprise. That first song choice can make or break a contestant, often in a really spectacular way. Narrowing their choices down to a specific genre (and a very small list of songs–50, I’m hearing) neither gives a contestant the opportunity to shine or bomb in way that makes for good TV, or a good introduction to that contestant.

There’s been lots of speculation about why TPTB decided to use themes during the semis. Here is my favorite. The deal with iTunes dictated that contestants pick songs that would be cheap and easy to clear…

But I digress. The guys performed last night, and there are some spoilers floating around the net. I’ll grab what the peeps have been posting in comments and post…

…After the jump!

Continue reading ‘The Top 10 Guys - Spoilers!’

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MJ’s Idol Pool - This Week’s leaders

Published by mj February 26th, 2008 in American Idol and AI Pool. 0 Comments

Hey, MJ’s Idol pool is going strong with 229 entrants! Congrats to last week’s winners:

1 magicode
2 jassmg2024
3 docdoom
3 dvls
3 erin1524
3 geekygirl
3 Kylee
3 monina79
3 sam
3 WSULeifJ
3 yummys girl

You can still sign up (although you’ll receive 0 points for last week) here, or check out the links on the sidebar. The 1st prize will be an iTunes gift certificate! There will be a 2nd and 3rd prize to be announced later.

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Idol Headlines for 2/26/08

Published by mj February 26th, 2008 in American Idol and Headlines. 76 Comments

Judge Lets Sierra Sidestep Bureaucracy, Stay In Rehab

TAMPA — A judge has allowed former “American Idol” finalist Jessica Sierra remain in a California drug treatment program, despite what her attorney described as ridiculous bureaucracy.

Florida officials allowed Sierra to go to California for a yearlong stint at an in-house drug treatment facility. She was supposed to transfer her Florida probation to California. West coast officials, however, don’t want her to apply for their probation program while living in California, said Sierra’s attorney, John Fitzgibbons. They want her to fly back to Florida, apply for California probation status, then return to California.

“It’s almost nonsense,” Fitzgibbons said. Fitzgibbons told the judge that every progress report and all indications show that Sierra is doing well in treatment at the Pasadena Recovery Center.

TBO.com

Would You Willingly Refer to Yourself as a Danny’s Fanny?

The more insane American Idol fans out there have a tendency to gather into groups online, with said groups marking their territory via cute avatars, picture-choked signature files, and semi-catchy names. The most nutty/devoted/well-named group is, of course, Taylor Hicks’ Soul Patrol, who make up for their hero’s low SoundScans with fervent comment-section support of their icon; there’s also the Con Con Girls (for Constantine Maroulis and, presumably, the blow-dryer that sets his chest hair just right); the Fanjayas (in support of Sanjaya Malakar and his ever-changing locks) and the Claymates (you can probably guess who they’re rallying behind). But this year, the fan club names over at IdolForums.com seem a bit… lacking.

Idolator

Continue reading ‘Idol Headlines for 2/26/08′

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Continue reading ‘Monday Morning Mediabase Update - 02/25/08′

Monday Morning Mediabase Update - 02/25/08

Published by Kirsten February 25th, 2008 in American Idol and Charts. 12 Comments

A snapshot of Idols’ singles radio play culled from Mediabase charts as of this morning. Find out where your favorite Idol stands on the radio after the jump.

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Idol Headlines for 2/25/08

Published by mj February 25th, 2008 in American Idol and Headlines. 35 Comments

Fox Looks at Changing American Idol Audition Shows

There are still 20 contestants remaining in this season’s cycle of American Idol, but Fox executives are already looking ahead to changes for next year.
American Idol

Preston Beckman, the network’s executive vice president of strategic program planning and research, said he wants to see adjustments to the audition shows that kick off the ratings behemoth every year.

“It won’t necessarily be anything radical; we just have to figure out how to start the show next year,” said Beckman, who’s looking for a way to stem a ratings drop the network saw last month. “The early part saw some erosion and then we got to Hollywood.”

Broadcasting and Cable

Oscar Red Carpet: Jennifer Garner Spices Up Basic Black, Miley Cyrus Gets Sophisticated

Bare shoulders were plentiful on one-shoulder Grecian gowns and sleeveless structured bust-lines. Katherine Heigl, who also wore red (especially on her cheeks), paired her gown with a Marilyn Monroe-inspired blond bob. Her one-shoulder, cinched-waist gown had a keyhole detail that added a nice avant-garde touch. Expectant mother Jessica Alba employed the oldest trick in J. Lo’s book, using a loose-hanging, deep-purple Marchesa gown to cover her bump, along with simple vintage Cartier jewelry. The dress also featured feather detailing across the bust to keep it modest, to the chagrin of men everywhere, we’re sure. Jennifer Hudson went Greek in her white gown with questionable animal-print-inspired rhinestone detailing — but it wasn’t nearly as questionable as the python bolero she wore last year. At least she’s learning!

MTV

Continue reading ‘Idol Headlines for 2/25/08′

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Continue reading ‘Jennifer Hudson at the 80th Annual Academy Awards’

Jennifer Hudson at the 80th Annual Academy Awards

Published by mj February 24th, 2008 in American Idol and Jennifer Hudson. 19 Comments

Here she is on the Red Carpet. She’ll be presenting the Best Supporting Actor Award tonight…

More Pictures After the Jump…

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Josiah Leming You Tube Update

Published by mj February 24th, 2008 in American Idol, Video and Josiah Leming. 28 Comments

Josiah Leming updates his fans (and I am one) via You Tube:

- Meeting with record labels next month
- Goal is to get an album out before summer and a summer tour.

Good luck Josiah! You can get Josiah’s music at his My Space.

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Idol Appearances for the Week 2/24/08 - 3/1/08

Published by mj February 24th, 2008 in American Idol and Appearances. 5 Comments

Don’t Miss…

Sunday 2/24 - Jennifer Hudson presents the Best Supporting Actor Award on the 80th Annual Academy Awards. Sanjaya Malakar hosts the TV Guide channel special, Idol Stars, Where are They Now? 8 pm ET.

Monday 2/25 - Chris Sligh appears on Good Day Tulsa. Jordin Sparks appears on MTV Total Request Live. Jordin Sparks appears on FUSE The Sauce.

Wednesday 2/27 - Simon Cowell appears on Live with Regis and Kelly.

Idols on Tour

Sunday 2/24 - Constantine Maroulis, Iota, in Arlington, VA. Anwar Robinson, Rent, Scranton Cultural Center, Scranton, PA. Carrie Underwood, Dunkin Donuts Center, Providence, RI. Mandisa w/ Winter Jam, Desoto Civic Center, Southaven, MI. Daughtry w/ Bon Jovi, United Center, Chicago, IL.

Monday 2/25 - Constantine Maroulis plays the Ram’s Head in Annapolis, MD. Kellie Pickler performs for ~~“Phoenix Rising”~~ ~~a benefit concert for the~~ ~~Station Family Fund. Dunkin Donuts Center, Providence, RI~~ kellie cancelled. Carrie Underwood, Arena At Harbor Yard, Bridgeport, CT.

Tuesday 2/26 - Daughtry w/ Bon Jovi United Center, Chicago, IL.

Wednesday 2/27 - Constantine Maroulis plays the Gravity Lounge in Charlottesville, VA. 7 pm.

Thursday 2/28 - Constantine Maroulis plays the Capital Ale House in Richmond, VA. Bucky Covington w/ Dierks Bentley, Morris Performing Arts Center, South Bend IN. Kellie Pickler w/ Rascal Flatts, New Orleans Arena, New Orleans, LA. Mandisa w/ Winter Jam, Ford Center, Oklahoma City, OK. Daughtry w/ Bon Jovi, Verizon Center, Washington, DC.

Friday 2/29 - Bucky Covington w/ Dierks Bentley, Farmington Civic Center, Farmington, MO. Carrie Underwood w/ Keith Urban, Tallahassee-leon County Civic Center, Tallahasse, FL. Kellie Pickler w/ Rascal Flatts, FedEx Forum, Memphis, TN. Mandisa w/ Winter Jam, Mabee Center, Tulsa, OK.

Saturday 3/1 - Kelly Clarkson’s Australia tour opens at the Challenge stadium in Perth. Elliott Yamin is honored at the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Gala in Richmond, VA. Bucky Covington w/ Dierks Bentley, Murat Theater, Indianapolis, IN. Carrie Underwood w/ Keith Urban, Mississipi Coast Coliseum, Biloxi, MS. Kellie Pickler, Alltel Arena, North Little Rock, AR. Mandisa w/ Winter Jam, Charles Koch Arena, Wichita, KS.

For More Information Check Out the Idol Appearances Page.

Picture: Jennifer Hudson arrives at the 80th Annual Academy Awards 2/24

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Idol Headlines for 2/24/08

Published by mj February 24th, 2008 in American Idol and Headlines. 30 Comments

Simon Cowell expresses misgivings over the early ejection of one of AI 2008’s lightning rods

“American Idol” host Simon Cowell said that Josiah Leming, the weepy young hopeful who quickly became a lightning rod for the media and AI fans should probably not have been kept out of the 12 final male contestants.

Hollywood Today caught up with Cowell and co-judge Randy Jackson at a Playboy Mansion party for Hotel Byblos, a St. Tropez resort and nightclub hotspot currently doing a promotional soiree tour for its 40th Anniversary. He didn’t want to do an interview at the social occasion but he did tell our reporter that he had misgivings about Josiah getting the boot after the audition phase. “We should have let him go through. It was not my decision and I don’t think we should have had him leave so early.”

Hollywoodtoday

Continue reading ‘Idol Headlines for 2/24/08′

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