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Author Archive for mj

New Whitney Houston: Know My Own Strength

Published by mj July 3rd, 2009 in American Idol. 32 Comments

Whitney Houston’s long-awaited new single, “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength” is streaming HERE.  It was written by Diane Warren and produced by David Foster.

She sounds clear and strong on this simple R&B ballad–no vocal gymastics or huge power notes here. But I can’t imagine this old-fashioned AC power ballad getting any pop radio play these days.  I also wonder if, after years away from performing mired in drug abuse, she can carry off her big songs live…

What do you think?

  • Listen to “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength” HERE.

Michael Jackson News Roundup: Memorial Service Ticket Details

Published by mj July 3rd, 2009 in American Idol. 46 Comments

International peeps who are wondering why it’s so quiet around here today: A major US holiday, July 4th is tomorrow.  So, besides the big Idol concert on Sunday, there won’t be much going on this weekend…

Thought I’d do another Micheal Jackson news roundup for those of you still following the circus –> that would be me….

  • Official details about the Michael Jackson memorial scheduled for Tuesday at the Staples center have been released. “…17,500 tickets free tickets will be provided. There also will be a free worldwide video feed…11,000 tickets will be for seats inside Staples Center and 6,500 will be for seats in the adjacent Nokia Theater, where fans will watch a simulcast. People who want tickets must register on the web at Staplescenter.com. After 6 p.m. Saturday, 8,750 names will be randomly selected to receive two tickets each. Notifications will go out on Sunday. Those selected will obtain their tickets via Ticketmaster on Monday.
  • Jackson was working on two albums at the time of his death. One was in the pop vein that made him famous and another consisted of an instrumental classical composition.  Claude Kelly and Akon were working on his pop album.
  • Also, according to US, Jackson planned to duet with his oldest son, Prince, 12, during his London concert run.
  • US is reporting that Jackson recently had a cancerous lesion removed from his nose that precipitated many more painkiller scrips.
  • Debbie Rowe’s attorney says despite what she told NBC, she has “not reached a final decision about custody”. He says the Rowe camp will keep silent on pending custody matters from here on out. In other words, “I told Debbie to SFTU”
  • A bunch of music related stories from Billboard:  Randy Phillips, The CEO of AEG Live, the concert promoters behind Jackson’s London concerts, speaks on the fallout from Jackson’s death.  Insurance will cover much of the costs, but not if Jackson’s death is due to a pre-existing condition or drug/alcohol related. AEG will also earn revenue from the audio and video footage of the concert rehearsals. Also there could be an MJ tribute show to take place on the dates of Jackson’s concerts using his elaborate stage production.
  • How Thriller changed the music business.  Pepsi and Michael Jackson made marketing history. Jackson on track for more Billboard Charts records, and Jackson music sales could last for months.

ETA:

  •  The AP is reporting that law enforcement officials found the powerful sedative, Diprivan, in Jackson’s home. “Diprivan is an anesthetic widely used in operating rooms to induce unconsciousness. Also known as Propofol, it’s given intravenously and is very unusual to have in a private home.”

Danny Gokey and Allison Iraheta: More Billboard Interviews

Published by mj July 3rd, 2009 in American Idol, Video, Danny Gokey and Allison Iraheta. 49 Comments

More Billboard interviews: Danny Gokey talks about the frustration of picking songs and “The Scream”.

Allison Iraheta says watching American Idol growing up helped her prepare for the competition. Plus, she met songwriter, Diane Warren, who loved her rendition of “Don’t Want to Miss a Thing.” And, her reaction when she found out Jive wanted to sign her? She cried like a baby.

Videos after the JUMP…

Continue reading ‘Danny Gokey and Allison Iraheta: More Billboard Interviews’

FOX LA SYTYCD Recap: Chelsie Hightower Was One of Michael Jackson’s Backup Dancers

Published by mj July 3rd, 2009 in So You Think You Can Dance. 6 Comments

Interesting So You Think You Can Dance post-show wrap up from FOX 11 LA. It turns out, Season 4’s Chelsie Hightower was chosen to be one of Michael Jackson’s backup dancers for his London concerts. Mia Michaels tells FOX that reports she heard from Jackson’s rehearsals were all glowing.

Also, Nigel Lythgoe talks about his brand-new Dizzyfeet Foundation, set up to help provide dance programs for underprivileged kids. And yes, it’s official, a Katie Holmes/Tyce DiOrio Broadway routine will air on the 100th episode of SYTYCD on July 23. Plus, there are short interviews with bootees Vitolio Jeune and Karla Garcia.

Video after the JUMP

Continue reading ‘FOX LA SYTYCD Recap: Chelsie Hightower Was One of Michael Jackson’s Backup Dancers’

Adam Lambert - Billboard Interview - VIDEO

Published by mj July 3rd, 2009 in American Idol, Video and Adam Lambert. 171 Comments

The Idols did a series of video interviews with Billboard nagazine, watch Adam Lambert’s interview after the jump.

There’s no discussion of the upcoming tour, but he does describe how he got “Whole Lotta Love” cleared for the show, despite Led Zepplin tunes never having been cleared before. It turns out the publishers’ kids were Adam fans.

Also, when he considered doing Cher for Hollywood Week, he thought for a second that it might be too “gay” but then decided it didn’t matter–that he’d just treat the song like a piece of music and not worry about what the audience might think.

Also, from ONTD: Adam will be Kathy Griffin’s guest when she sub-hosts Larry King Live next Friday.

Video after the JUMP…

Continue reading ‘Adam Lambert - Billboard Interview - VIDEO’

Danny Gokey - Yahoo Interview - VIDEO

Published by mj July 3rd, 2009 in American Idol, Video, Danny Gokey and AI Tour 2009. 35 Comments

Last but not least, it’s the Danny Gokey interview with Lindsey Parker of Yahoo Music.

Danny reveals 2 of the 4 songs he’s singing on the Idol tour–”P.Y.T” and “My Wish.” He also mentions talks he had with 19R and his upcoming meetings with record labels (already happened). He hopes to sign a record deal soon.

As far as his sound, he’d like to do a soul/R&B/Latin fusion, but is also considering taking on a modern soul/country sound. Danny admits, “I don’t have much of a twang, but I have that soul.”

Also, he’s OK with not making the Top 2 as predicted–Idol was a launching pad that has put him closer to his dreams.

Danny addresses the cultural aspects of this year’s competition. While he’s a man of faith, he says his is a message of love. He name checks Martin Luther King as an example, and says he’d like to start a movement with his music. Lindsey says she saw no strain or discomfort between any of the Idols, including between Danny and Adam.

Peeps, is there anybody on the country charts representing this modern/soul country thing? Darius Rucker of Hootie and the Blowfish maybe?

Video after the JUMP…

Continue reading ‘Danny Gokey - Yahoo Interview - VIDEO’

Idol Headlines for 07/03/09

Published by mj July 3rd, 2009 in American Idol and Headlines. 114 Comments

‘Crying Girl’ Ashley Ferl Auditions For ‘American Idol’

Ashley Ferl, the little blonde girl who gained national fame by breaking down in hysterics after watching Sanjaya Malakar perform on season six of “American Idol,” made her own play for singing stardom yesterday.

Ferl, dubbed ‘Crying Girl’ for her uncontrollable tears over Sanjaya, turned 16 this year, making her eligible to try out for the competition. She and 11,000 other hopefuls hit the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California for round one of the season nine auditions. She was among the first in line outside of the Rose Bowl gates.

Access Hollywood

American Idol Record Deals: What’s Up With the Others?

So far, American Idol winner Kris Allen, runner-up Adam Lambert and fourth-place finisher Allison Iraheta have all inked recording contracts. But what about the others?

We caught up with the top 10 at their tour rehearsals recently to hear the status of their post-Idol plans. And here’s what they have to report…

Danny Gokey: “I’m sitting down with record labels next week. I hope to sort it out before tour. But I don’t want to wait too long, the quicker the better.” In the meantime, he continues to grow his Sophia’s Heart Foundation, which he created in honor of his late wife. “We’re planning a food and clothing drive in Milwaukee. And we’re looking for a facility there or here in L.A. for the foundation’s events. We might have the L.A. facility running first before Milwaukee. It’s a turnkey operation, so I can start running programs right away.”

EOnline

Cowell: SuBo’s music is fantastic

Simon Cowell has revealed he is delighted with the results of Susan Boyle’s first day in the recording studio.

The 48-year-old Scottish church worker - who became an overnight global internet sensation on YouTube after auditioning for ITV show Britain’s Got Talent - has recorded her first track.

Simon told The Sun: “I’ve cut one track with her and she sounds fantastic on record - she’s so good, the album is not just going to be show tunes, we’re going to take our time with this.”

Press Association

More Idol Headlines after the JUMP…

Continue reading ‘Idol Headlines for 07/03/09′

More Idol Pics from Portland - The Idols Prepare to Tour

Published by mj July 3rd, 2009 in American Idol and AI Tour 2009. 86 Comments

The Top 10 are in Portland, Oregon preparing for their very first American Idols Live concert on Sunday July 5.

Check out the photos twittered via Danny Gokey and Allison Iraheta.

Allison met the Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl (in LA before she flew to Portland yesterday): Thought I’d share MAaaa idoolll.. Ladies and dudes!! David Grohl!!

She twittered a pic of the Top 4: With Los tres hermanos!! First tweet pic …whoo at the stadiumm.rehearsingg homies.This show is gana be the shizzz

Danny twittered the Top 4 too.

So excited the big cheesy Idol tour is about to start…

Adam Lambert’s Killer Tour Jacket

Published by mj July 2nd, 2009 in American Idol and AI Tour 2009. 119 Comments

Adam Lambert twittered a preview of his “be-spangled be-studded and be-leathered” jacket designed for him by Skin Graft…

Kris Allen - Tour Rehearsal - Behind the Scenes

Published by mj July 2nd, 2009 in American Idol and Kris Allen. 32 Comments

Those who bought Kris Allen’s iTunes site pass get exclusive access to tour videos, including this one I’m posting right here. OK, so it’s not so exclusive if people are uploading it to You Tube! Heh.

Kris talks about the win, the tour, and he rehearses a bit of “Ain’t No Sunshine” with the band.

Here’s a little tidbit for you. You’ll notice the shot of the “Bright Lights” sheet music in one of the shots? That’s a Matchbox 20 song. So, Rob Thomas got a text message informing him that Kris might be singing his song. He texted back, “Very nice.” Hee.

Check out Kris Allen talking about the tour, after the JUMP..

Continue reading ‘Kris Allen - Tour Rehearsal - Behind the Scenes’

So You Think You Can Dance - Season 5 - Top 14 Results - VIDEO

Published by mj July 2nd, 2009 in So You Think You Can Dance. 79 Comments

Karla is eliminated.
Vitolio is eliminated - VIDEO

WOW.  So Caitlin and Jason were safe! If not, I think the judges would have eliminated them.  Did America rally behind them after the judges dissed their routine?  If I had voted last night, I would have thrown them a few, for sure, because I did not hate that routine the way the judges did, and I have a feeling America felt the same.

At least Karla and Vitolio were eliminated on a high note–their quickstep was one on my favorites of the night.  I also loved Karla’s solo. And I agree with the judges, Jeanine’s solo was beautiful, powerful–Kayla’s not so much. Vitolio was visibly moved speaking about the folks whose lives he touched. Aw–his partner Asuka in the audience looking sad.

Happy to see and hear the fantabulous most awesomeous Idol evah, Kelly Clarkson sing her latest single, “I Do Not Hook Up.” Yay Kelly.

Music:

  • “Brand New Day” from the Wiz - Original Soundtrack (Group Number)
  • “Caprice in e Minor, Op. 1 No. 3″ by Midori (Patricia and Desmond) - iTunes
  • “Blackbird” by Dionne Farris (Karla)
  • “Here Comes Goodbye” by Rascal Flatts (Vitolio) - iTunes
  • “Stupid” by Sarah McLachlan (Kayla) - iTunes
  • “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole (Kupono) iTunes
  • “Moonlight Sonato” Smart Sleep with Classical (Jeanine) - iTunes
  • “You’ll Find a Way” (Switch & Sinden Remix) by Santigold - iTunes
  • “I Do Not Hook Up” by Kelly Clarkson - iTunes
  • “Already Gone” by Kelly Clarkson (Girls’ Goodbye) - iTunes
  • “On Your Own” by Green River Ordinance (Guys’ Goodbye) - iTunes

Live blog and Videos after the JUMP…

Continue reading ‘So You Think You Can Dance - Season 5 - Top 14 Results - VIDEO’

So You Think You Can Dance 100th Episode Spoilers, Plus Who Is Going Home?

Published by mj July 2nd, 2009 in So You Think You Can Dance. 10 Comments

This was a week full of great dance performances on So You Think You Can Dance. If you ask me, nobody deserves to be in the Bottom 3, but of course, 2 dancers must go home. Who will it be?

After thinking about it, I picked Caitlin and Jason in the SYTYCD pool this week.  They’ve been on the cusp for awhile, and I believe that other couple in trouble, Karla and Vitolio, both did enough to convince the judges to let them stick around for another week. I’ll be surprised if couples are split this week.

In other news, the SYTYCDism blog posted spoilers for the big  July 23 100th episode show. Many old favs are coming back…hooray!

Travis Wall just tweeted that he is heading to CBS to film the Emmy-winning Bench piece with Heidi Groskreutz and Wade’s Ramalama group dance!

Jaimie Goodwin is also expected to be taping the Hummingbird Wade piece with Hok Konishi!

Also performing with Katie Holmes on the special episode will be Mark Kanemura and Joshua Allen.

I’ve also gotten word that Ivan Koumaev and Allison Holker will be appearing on the show, most likely performing in Ramalama.

Kris Allen, Adam Lambert and Allison Iraheta Arrive in Portland

Published by mj July 2nd, 2009 in American Idol and AI Tour 2009. 143 Comments


Photo of tour stage construction in Portland twittered by tour drummer Aaron Spears…

Kris Allen, Adam Lambert and Allison Iraheta arrived in Portland Oregon today.

Kris Allen twittered: @adamlambert @Allison4Realzzz and I just conquered the skies…now time to take of America with the rest of the idols

They join the rest of the Top 10, in Portland since Tuesday, to get ready for their first American Idols Live Tour concert on July 5.

Bonus: Check out yet another video interview from last week’s Idol tour press day after the JUMP…

Video After the Jump…

Continue reading ‘Kris Allen, Adam Lambert and Allison Iraheta Arrive in Portland’

Allison Iraheta - Yahoo Interview - VIDEO

Published by mj July 2nd, 2009 in American Idol, Video and Allison Iraheta. 31 Comments

The Allison Iraheta interview with Lindsey Parker of Yahoo Music.

What’s most awesome about Allison is that she always stays true to herself: Watch her gab in this extremely enjoyable interview about being the anti-Miley, standing up for herself on American Idol, and her role as the baby of the AI 8 cast. This clip is evidence that her mom certainly raised her right.

Allison’s fake pageant wave is awesome. Also, newly-signed to 19R/Jive, she hopes to have her debut album released before the end of the year.

*I’ll have the Danny Gokey video up in a bit.

Video after the JUMP…

Continue reading ‘Allison Iraheta - Yahoo Interview - VIDEO’

Michael Jackson News Roundup: AEG Releases Rehearsal Footage

Published by mj July 2nd, 2009 in American Idol. 95 Comments

Update: And here it is…

AEG just released a snip of tape from Michael Jackson’s last rehearsal on Tuesday. I just watched it on CNN. He looked his typical freaky self, but he certainly doesn’t look close to death. I’ll post a link as soon as I have it, which will be soon, I’m sure.

In other MJ news:

  • According to Roger Friedman of the Hollywood Reporter (yes, he found another job), the Michael Jackson funeral is scheduled for 10 am on Tuesday July 7 at Los Angeles’ Staples Center. AEG, who owns the arena (they were mounting Jackson’s concerts in London) will put gigantic screens outside the facilities for the thousands of people who will gather outside. (via THR)
  • The US Drug Enforcement Agency has now joined the investigation into Jackson’s death due to possible drug use (via Billboard)
  • Jackson’s brother, Jermaine speaks. He says he’d be hurt if it turns out Michael’s death is due to drug abuse. (via US) Jermain would like to see Michael buried at Neverland Ranch (via FOX)
  • The Jackson family has not yet spoken to Michael’s ex-wife, and mother to Paris and Prince, Debbie Rowe. (via US)
  • Debbie Rowe tells NBC LA that she will seek custody of her children. I wonder if this has something to do with being cut out of the will? (via MSNBC)