I’m back from Manchester, and I have so much to tell you guys! But first, I’ll start with something I know many of you have been waiting for…
During the final Idol show last night, Blake Lewis broke out his Kaoss pad and surprised the audience with an original song! Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think this is the first time an Idol has performed an original tune on the Idol tour. He performed “She Loves The Way” and I’ve got it on video! Check it out. The bass is a little overbearing (more to do with the limitations of my camera), but other than that, it’s pretty awesome. You can check out a version of the tune on Blakes MySpace as well. Enjoy!
Sarah (from Team Plaid) and I were at the meet and great backstage (Yay!) and I’ve got all kinds of good stuff to tell ya, but first a little Blake news.
Oh, Blake’s dad, Dallas Lewis sought out all the bloggers last night, just to say Hi and thanks for the support. Sarah and I really appreciated the gesture since he didn’t have to do that. It was really a pleasure meeting and talking to him–a totally cool guy. He’s obviously so proud of Blake–he told us that he’s heard 13 songs from Blake’s upcoming album, but isn’t sure which ones will make the cut for the album.
Dallas also mentioned that Blake was in New York over the weekend, where he got the cool new Ashton Michaels threads he was wearing during his mini-set.
We also met Blake’s Aunt Linda, and she was equally cool and really, really funny. She reads ALL the blogs, and tells her brother Dallas what he should and shouldn’t read. Heh.
Some deets on the upcoming album:
Chris Richardson co-wrote the single, “What You Got To Lose,” which is being released on October 31.
Chris Rich not only co-wrote the song, but sings background vocals on the record. Blake has got 16 songs almost completely finished. Seven of those are ready for radio NOW, with the rest only needing a few finishing touches. He’s worked on a total of 25 to 30 songs. He says that Clive, “loves them all.” Blake would like to get some DJs to guest on the album–to maybe add intros or interludes between songs.
I mentioned to Blake that he might be the first Idol to ever sing an original song on the Idol stage, and he intimated that the performance was a last-minute deal–unplanned, perhaps. He said on stage that he didn’t know if the song would make the album or not.
I’m not done. More posts to come!
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You never disappoint, MJ. That was absolutely amazing to see!! Everyone in Manchester was very lucky last night. I can’t wait to see more!! :)
I’m not sure if this counts, but wouldn’t Tamyra Grey have sung original tunes when she was on the Season 3 tour? She sang them on the television show, so I’m pretty sure that the people in the arenas would have faced the same torture. She wrote almost all the songs on her album.
I seem to recall that Taylor would sometimes tag his own songs during the tour (Soul Thing was one), but that wasn’t an entire original song.
Some of the earlier tours just had canned music, so it would have been tough to sing a new song during one of those concerts.
It might be the first time that an Idol has performed an entire original song during an AI tour for their year? If not, a few more caveats might suffice. ;-)
Yeah, although it wasn’t HER tour (Season 1), she’d be technically the first, I suppose.
Also, she didn’t last very long on the tour. I believe she only performed for a handful of dates.
Ah! Thanks MJ for the recap! it sounds like it was an awesome night! :D
Thanks for posting this right away MJ! I loved that he actually did an original on the tour! Wonder if the little squealing girls know what this song is actually about? Heh.
(sidenote: I apologize in advance to everyone for any screaming you *may* hear. But I was not squealing, and I made a point to cheer for all of them - just some a little more than others. Also! I was not fangirly when we actually got to talk to him, of which I am very proud.)
Lucky jerks! :) Well, it sounds like he washed out the sand last night. ;)
that “song” was absolutely horrible. where the hell was the lyric? a nice little ditty to sing along to, eh? and it takes him forever to set it up. well, at least with all the techo crap, he can hide his weak voice. all of which means it will be a smashing success cuz what the hell do i know? *shakes head*
LOL. It appears that he did. :)
As far at this song goes… it’s actually always struck me as being more of a club tune than a studio track. Which is fine with me, actually. Although, it would definitely be interesting to hear the song with full instrumentation and good production, because it does have a good hook.
Probably better that you couldn’t really hear the lyrics. :) I still can’t believe he sang that onstage at a “family show”. Heh.
This isn’t a song I would think would ever make it on the radio, but I would love to hear him do this live. Though I agree with Sarah that I would be interesting to hear this song full instrumentation and good production.
I also can’t believe that he sang those lyrics onstage at a “family show”:) Thanks MJ for posting this, I did enjoy it.
ETA By the way, what was the crowds reaction to this performance?
MJ - You little rebel you - almost getting tossed out of an idol show! You can take comfort in the fact that we all would have bailed you out!
Thanks for ALL of the great stuff from thie weekend’s shows. I’m very happy for Phil. Based on Tatoo, I know I wont need to spend any money on Jordin’s cd. I’ll have to wait and see on Blake. Sure would love to hear somethin from my little Melinda soon.
Well, I just watched that Blake video… I’m still keeping an open mind but that’s just not something I can imagine listening to… we’ll see.
Judging by that YouTube clip it sounds to me like he tried to cover up some, um, objectionable lines by just not singing them last night. Even some of the lyrics he did sing I’m shocked he was allowed to do.
Wow that’s not something I would have expected. Lucky boy.
I couldn’t even hear the lyrics…
Thanks for all the goodies mj! Loved the video and all the stuff about Blake.
I am so excited for his career to start!
By the way, Blake himself said that he wasn’t sure that song would be part of his album at all, it was just a last minute thing he did.
I agree with this song being much more like a performance club thing (very HOT )by the way but not a studio track. He was just showing how his pad worked.
His new single is brand new and I can’t wait to hear it. That’s good news that Clive seems to love all of his songs. I guess he sees potential for mainstream success.
Go Blake!
Yikes! I’ll have to agree. It sounded like someone goofing around rather than an actual song. But what do I know? A couple of years ago I would have been able to recognize a good dance tune immediately. Now, I’m desperately trying to “Crank That” despite arthritic knees.
Is this the type of music that will be on Blakes’s cd? sounds like a 80s club tune-just okay for me. hoping for a little more variety
EEEEEK!!!! I have to agree with bruno. That was awful!
YAY MJ!!!!!!! Thanks for getting that up so quickly. Twas fun to see. It doesn’t really sound like it will be on his album; that’s okay with me though. I’m ready to hear new stuff. :) And wow, Clive “loves them all”? I’m speechless.
You totally win at life for getting video in spite of pesky security, and for getting such excellent scoop on Blake’s album!
I’m glad you and Sarah were able to meet up with DadShorty too! What a sweet guy.
I am ready to hear new stuff too star.
This is so encouraging that Clive is loving all the songs. Didn’t that happen to Chris D last year? Sounds good to me.
It sounds like they’re going back and forth on whether or not to include it on the album. I think it would be great to hear a finished studio track of the album, because it’s pretty obvious to me that this song in this form will not be on the album, if it’s included. Know what I mean?
It’s true that he wanted to demonstrate how the kaos pad works but there was no definitive statement that that was the only reason he picked this song out of all his originals to do last night. As I said, it sounds like they’re still going back and forth as to whether or not to include it. We know it’s being considered. So, I imagine it will be a decision of how it stands up against the other songs in terms of strength and whether or not it will fit on the album. If I’d thought about it, I would have asked about it in more detail last night at the afterparty. Sawry.
I personally like the song. It’s not my fave of his originals, but I do like it.
The sound was so bad it’s kind of hard to judge. It sounded boring to me. However, beat boxing on the album makes no sense so he’ll be more a producer of sounds. Pro: Clive likes it or at least that’s what Blake is saying. Con: this really isn’t “idol” music, not vocally driven at all. After the idol fans at the start, he’ll be going after a new audience for an Idol CD. If it works, he’ll get the One Republic/Maroon 5 crowd.
Why would Clive have signed Blake if he didn’t a) see potential, b) like the music he heard?
That’s the key to success. Developing a fanbase beyond Idol. His AI fanbase can only take him so far.
I’ve always liked the song; I guess I’m just bored with it in this format. But, a slickly produced studio version could definitely give it a whole new vibe.
(hehe, if it’s included he’ll probably be the first ever Idol to get a parental advisory sticker slapped on his album!)
Works for me. I love both those bands.
Me too. I just have this great feeling about Blake’s album. I am counting the days to heat the single.
Popping in from Team Plaid…She Loves The Way has always struck me as more of a “concept” song, i.e. showcasing his vocal looping technique and overall hiphop/electronica style. Maybe if Blake had his druthers this is the type of stuff the album would be full of. He *was* talking about this song being his first single earlier, but I think he’s accepted the fact that survival in the industry means mainstreaming a little/a lot, at least at first…so like Sarah and others have said I highly doubt this song in this format would be on his album. (There was a rumor that there’d be a studio version done, but who knows what’s happened with that.)
I’m a fan of Blake’s but I’ll be the first to admit that a lot of his stuff is out there, and people need to get used to a different idea of music before they can start digging it. Anyway 19/Clive will be there to steer him in a more easy to digest direction for now. I’m really encouraged that Clive’s been positive about what he’s heard so far.
I enjoyed watching the video, but MJ was right about the bass. I’ve heard it before and like it, but I doubt I would be able to judge its merits from the video. Sarah said the sound was great live, so I trust her.
I’m excited about Blake’s new music, but I’m sure it’s not for everyone . Most music isn’t.
*waits patiently for halloween*
I believe this is indeed the first time an Idol has done an original song on the tour. It’s actually very rare for them to stray from the set list at all so his doing this was definitely a breakthrough. For as much criticism as this year’s group got, they had the most original show (the band especially) of all six seasons. They also seemed to mesh the best of any of the six groups. Great end to an outstanding tour. Thanks MJ for the video. Next year I think I’d better get my butt to Manchester!
First thought - why is Blake allowed to sing his new “unreleased” song and Jordin can’t sing Tattoo?
Anyway about the song - not impressed with what I heard. It sounds a little Sting-ish to me…and too much beatbox - Blake needs to get over it and just sing or be a musician.
I hope they smoothe it out before the release.
Maybe I’m missing something but damn, what a hot mess that was.
Banal at best.
Is he going to wear that little box when he’s on his own tour? Punch one for cardiac arrest, punch two for insulin, punch three for up, four for down, five when all is lost.
And fangirls, puleeze encourage him to get a styist — what’s with the K-Fed hat and the plaid trousers, too short and too much junk in the trunk - for a guy.
All in all - clearly Clive is in the mid-to-late stages of Alzheimers.
Rating: ouch.
It’s the last show. He’s on stage. I doubt he asked permission. Just a hunch.
It sounded like he isn’t even sure it will make the cut on the CD.
I listened to it again, I’m kind of on the fence. Definitely not single material but I thought it was ok at best. I actually respect the fact that he’s a musician so I don’t mind that he experiments with sounds..but I agree that outfit is a hot mess, especially that hat.
Saw another video of this shot at a different angle. I wondered if the projected backdrop of turtles and divers had anything to do with him sounding as though he was underwater???
Dashing quickly off…
Thanks for posting the video MJ! I don’t post here often, but wanted to express my thanks for all the videos, pics, etc. you provide throughout the season.
Now a word about She Loves the Way. I saw this on YouTube sometime back in Feb or March, and loved it. I liked that it was different and combined so many elements. I realize that not everyone else is going to LOVE it, but that’s what makes music so great and that’s also why there are so many varieties. I really don’t think Blake is going for an ‘Idol’ sound with this song (or probably his album), and this is the exact reason I find myself enjoying his music. He takes risks, never seems to perform a song the same way twice, and stays true to his style. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t, but I always appreciate the effort to create something new.
Regarding the use of the Kaoss pad on his own tour, yes I definately think he will use it. There are several musicians who have used it live before, and I personally love the element it adds.
First of all, after watching MJ’s vid of SLTW, I enjoyed this version much better than I did the version Blake did at his homecoming. In fact, all of her videos have been spectacular especially TOTS! I have to give her a blue ribbon for TOTS especially the way B looked right into that camera! It almost killed me! Thank you MJ! :D
Ok, back to sltw. lol I think there are a few fans who are really hankering to hear the new material and when I saw a few fans, I mean some of the really diehard fans, and I guess you could call me one of them.
I agree with what Chrissy said above about Blake not going for the idol sound because that is exactly the route he wants to take. I don’t think any of the fans where they are a fan of sltw or not, want Blake to be forced to churn out typical pop type ballads because there are millions of them out there and I’m proud of Blake for the fact that he doesn’t want to be put into that mold. Like Sarah and PJ have said, some will like the music and some will hate it.
I’m kind of glad that the album will not be full of only pre-idol material and that there will be mostly new songs, although, I can’t wait to hear the reworked Jealousy aka “What You Got To Lose” that he wrote with Chris Rich!
Is it Halloween yet? 
I actually love that outfit. I like geeky/prep. Always have. But at least the fedora is much, MUCH better than fugly hat. He’s making small steps up. Hee! Anyway, to each his/her own.
LOL you’re right. And he ain’t even worried about it.
Yeah, Lisa, the turtles as a backdrop were really weird. I managed to tear my eyes away from him for a second or two to peer at the screen and had a big “WTF” moment with that. LOL.
I’m personally waiting to hear the full album before I make a judgement on whether he includes “too much” beatboxing, especially since we’re not sure if this song is even going to be on the album.
A singer is a musician. You don’t have to play the violin to be considered a musician. I understand that some people just don’t “get Blake” and that’s fine. But to say “too much beatboxing” is like telling Alicia Keys that she plays the piano too much, that she should choose to either play the piano or sing and not do them both together. Blake doesn’t ONLY beatbox and to say that he does is erroneous at best. It’s a tool in his toolbox that allows him to make his own sounds, his own beats. It doesn’t work with his singing and overall performance style if he doesn’t have a loop machine, but since he does, I honestly don’t see the problem.
SLTW is NOT single material. I agree that there is no hook. In fact, I’d argue that he’s even missing a transition chord or two in his baseline. You won’t hear this on radio…don’t worry. It’s just him being a little indulgent and that’s fine.
Actually a singer is a singer and a musician is a musician. Occasionally those two talents overlap.
Occasionally they don’t.
Well, I’d say beatboxing or no beatboxing, Blake is a musician, as he also plays guitar, piano, and writes music.
But, points taken from you both. :)
Wow, I just read all the post that have been made about SLTW. I have been on other sites where all they are doing is raving. This is the first place I have seen anything negitive. You can tell by my name that I am very much a Blake Fan, have been from the very start. Quite honestly, if I heard this on the radio I would turn the station. If he reworks it, changes the beat, tempo, or something???
I just hope he doesn’t try to change from the idol type music to fast. He has plenty of time for that. Right now he has a ton of fans and alot of them are going to be depending on their parents to buy them his CD. I know that we made a cd with all of his songs on itunes from Idol. It is Great!! There are 10 songs and it plays for about 33 minutes. Anyway, I sure hope he didn’t get a pay cut for singing SLTW the other night because it wasn’t worth it…. Someone said on one of the other sites, “Blakes fans would scream and cheer if he stood on stage and read a phone book.” I am sure this is true, he is adorable but, he can’t do to many songs like SLTW or I believe he will fizzle out fast…. That is just my opinion. Love you Blake! Everyone in our family wishes you much success and happiness.
Cool! I was able to listen to part of this earlier. I liked Blake’s cascading vocals and almost ethereal tone…and he oozes confidence. I noticed him being a little off key at one point, but still, impressive in my book.
SLTW is indicative of who he was pre-Idol. IMO, he needs to incorporate some of that into who he is post-Idol.
LOL. Never mind. :) My reading comprehension is sometimes low… Carry on!
I agree that the song won’t fly as it is but enjoyed the video anyway. Thanks, MJ. I’m not going to stress at all about what Blake’s album will be like. I have faith in him and can’t imagine Clive letting Blake get too carried away.
I agree.
Also agree. But I am sure CLive is steering him in the right direction to be successful. If CLive is loving all his new songs there most be potential in there to have a couple of hits on the radio. I can’t wait to hear that single!
Loved Blake’s original SLTW. I must agree that this is not the best “radio friendly” song Blake has written. I think his new songs will be more radio friendly and will rock the house! I was at these concerts and Blake sounded fantastic, looked fantastic and is a truly talented musician, singer, entertainer! Can’t wait to hear A.D.D.