‘Idolatry’: ‘American Idol’ has a new name…’America Hates Talent’
Last call for the Rage and Shame Express! Alexis Grace got booted from American Idol this week — missing a spot on this summer’s Idols Live! tour — while Scott MacIntyre and Michael Sarver keep chugging along, ready to commit acts of mediocrity against the Motown songbook come Wednesday night. It’s enough to make an Idoloonie consider hiding out in a Utah ski lodge from now until late May, ignoring the goings-on on our nation’s favorite talent competition and subsisting on CSI reruns and trashy Judge Alex episodes alone. But then, of course, I’d be missing out on the emotionally devastating fun of speed-dialing the super-talented Allison Iraheta all the way to her inevitable eighth-place season 8 run. And why wouldn’t I want to do that?
Simon Fuller Now A Quintuple Threat
I’m told that 19 Entertainment’s Simon Fuller, creator of the Idol franchise, is starting a film division. So that’s the latest foray by this worldwide manager/producer who’s already into TV, music, fashion, and sports.
More Idol Headlines after the JUMP…
I Like To Watch: Idol Worship and Adam Lambert
I hadnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t planned to bother with American Idol this year because, frankly, I never got through the first two-hour episode, much less the subsequent lengthy viewing spectacles. Boring, boring, boring.
Yet as of Tuesday night, I am, and ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s for one reason only: Adam Lambert.
Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m watching not because of Adamsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s odd yet skillful reinterpretation of Johnny Cashà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Ring of Fireà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ; his effort was inspirational but confusing, as I half expected him to break into Jefferson Starshipà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“White Rabbità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ at some point (à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“One pill makes you larger/And one pill makes you smallà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ). Simon Cowell may have been right: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“What the hell was that?!à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬
Why Idol Adam Lambert Is Brilliant
Think Freddie Mercury as lead singer of the Doors, but in the videos he’s a male Britney Spears. Have I nailed Adam Lambert?!
I’m going to claim some expertise upfront here and tell you I held the very first Idol auditions here in Milwaukee as promotion manager for fox 6 even before Idol was a show. We did them in a barn at state fair, ask Kiss-FM. Then, I went to work for the Fox Network in LA and attened many an Idol taping.
So, this week, Adam Lambert nailed it for many reasons:
Hodges: ‘Idol’ contestants’ faith an important part of their performances
In a recent article, MTV.com highlighted the Christian singers on this season of Fox Network’s “American Idol.” The piece pointed out that a number of the contestants are either worship leaders or have strong affiliations to their church. The story was ridiculed by some for its suggestion that the contestants’ faith will resonate with viewers and affect the final outcome of the show.
Janesville connection to Idol contender
The owners of a Janesville hair salon have good reason to tune into the American Idol television show: they style the hair of one of the remaining contestants, Danny Gokey.
On Wednesday night, Gokey, 28, Milwaukee, advanced to the top 10 on the popular program.
Simon Cowell didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t like what Gokey was wearing, but loved his voice.
Paula Abdul thought he was à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“brilliant.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬
And Kara Dioguardi said he had à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“hit his stride.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬
Chart Watch Extra: The American Idol Alumni Association
When Kelly Clarkson sold 255,000 copies of All I Ever Wanted in the week that ended Sunday night, she lengthened her lead as the American Idol alumnus who has sold the most albums. This brings her career total to 9,836,000 albums. Still, it’s probably just a matter of time until Carrie Underwood overtakes her. Underwood, the Season 4 champ, has already sold 9,408,000 albums. These two women are the only Idol alums who rank among the top 200 album sellers of the Nielsen/SoundScan era (which began in 1991). Clarkson is #187 on the list. Underwood ranks #198. In all, eight Idol contestants have sold 1 million or more albums so far in their careers. Fifteen have sold 500,000 or more.
Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition begins this week
The fair is introducing some new attractions this year to lure customers.
Saturday, local youngsters between the ages of 9 and 18 who fancy themselves the next Kelly Clarkson or Clay Aiken can put themselves at the mercy of judges for the new Tween Idol singing competition.
Participants must prove their vocal chops before a panel that includes Miami’s Syesha Mercado, a finalist on the seventh season of American Idol and Grammy-winning singer Albita.
Former ‘American Idol’ top finishers bring spring-break tour to Wings Stadium
KALAMAZOO — Since the reality-TV powerhouse “American Idol” took off eight years ago, the focus has been on finding a sole lucky winner.
However, past contestants like Melinda Doolittle and Chikezie Eze would rather talk about the voices that worked just as hard, didn’t make it as far, yet still benefited after the coveted “Idol” spot was filled.
“I think the perfect thing happened,” said Doolittle, the third runner-up to 2007 “Idol” winner Jordin Sparks. “‘American Idol’ is like music boot camp. You have to learn and perform these songs in less than a week and the show helps to remind you very often that there are 30 million people watching every night. I was just glad I made it as far as I did.
Former American Idol Kicks off First of Two E. Idaho Concerts
Friday, Utah native and former American Idol contestant, David Archuleta kicks off his first of two east Idaho concerts.
Throngs of screaming David Archuleta fans lined up at the Civic Auditorium, trying to get the best seats to see their favorite American Idol castoff. The very first people in line traveled half way across the world from Japan, to Idaho Falls.
Traveled From Japan: “Just for David’s concert.”
Those first in line waited close to 14 hours, but say it’s definitely worth it
Kelly Clarkson
If youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re a pop star, ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s fine to take big stylistic risks and make deeply personal statements in your music, as long as the gamble pays off. Following Kelly Clarksonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s hugely popular 2004 sophomore album Breakaway, she took a substantial chance with 2007à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s My December, writing mostly with her touring band, embracing a darker rock sound and penning angst-filled lyrics about doomed relationships.
Concert Review: David Cook mines new territory in A.C.
ATLANTIC CITY – Bathed in swirling, green light, David Cook might as well have been on the moon. A new place. A new atmosphere.
A new set of fans he’s never met – who all feel like they know him because they welcomed him into their living rooms last spring.
Cook, last season’s “American Idol” champion, rocked to a sold-out Borgata Music Box crowd for more than an hour Friday. While embracing his crown, Cook isn’t letting “Idol” define him, evident by a setlist that included covers and songs he wrote prior to becoming famous.
‘Grease’ returns to S.F. stage, with a cast member chosen ‘American Idol’-style
“Grease” is the word (again). If just reading it, you get chills, they’re multiplying and you’re losing control, it may well be because the reality-TV-spawned revival of “Grease” the musical is sliding its way into San Francisco. ‘Cause the kitsch power it’s supplyin’, it’s electrifyin’!
Since America has been hopelessly devoted to reality TV talent competitions in the tsunami-size wake of “American Idol,” wily producers wasted no time trotting out “Grease: You’re the One That I Want.”
This NBC TV series let viewers vote for their favorites, as legions of peppy hopefuls vied for the lead roles of Sandy Dumbrowski and Danny Zuko à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ roles made famous by Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta in the film à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ in the big-budget Broadway revival. It is directed and choreographed by Kathleen Marshall, a two-time Tony winner.
Obama draws fans
à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“I may not be his biggest supporter, but I do see some [Ronald] Reagan in him,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ said Lanae Brooks, who traveled from Birmingham, Ala., to see former à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“American Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ winner Taylor Hicks perform in concert in Los Angeles.
Brooks traveled to Burbank with friends from Memphis, Tenn., St. Louis and Jackson, Miss. The group, which calls itself die-hard members of the Soul Patrol (Hicksà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ fan club), arrived to the studio early with a few extra tickets to à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“The Tonight Show.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬
They gave one to a young woman from Pasadena, one to Randall Walker of Torrance and one to Los Angeles resident Norma King, who traveled to Washington D.C. for the inauguration but fell ill and was hospitalized.
Julianne Hough to DWTS Fans: Vote for Me and Chuck!
After getting criticized for performing a so-so salsa on Mondayà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s show, Julianne Hough is making an appeal to her fans: vote for her and partner/boyfriend Chuck Wicks this week!
The two-time Dancing champ took to her celebrity MySpace blog Thursday following her performance at Celebration in Disney World to support the Champions of Childrenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Miracle Network.
I agree!! & I think he has learned his lesson, and wont be making stupid song choices any more (atleast I hope so)
OMG! I’ve come late to the party. LOL. I didn’t read all of the comments here, but have gone back and how interesting…tinawina and noctem….back to read more. I am so rotflomao!!
I have to disagree on a couple of assertions here. First, all you have to do is listen to the music David Cook made for 10 years before Idol to know that his genre has been rock all along. He did not come to it recently.
Second, I think there is a stereotype of his fans due to the activities of a FEW prominent fans. A few have gone to multiple concerts, had signs, or bunny ears. These attract attention. Many are also on his boards posting a lot. But make no mistake these are the few very active ones. There are plenty of active fans who are not middle-aged housewives. Many are highly educated, with great jobs; many are very young. They are every type. Many are men. The media just picks up on the ones who seem more colorful. Some acts of young women have even been attributed to middle-aged women – many of those hitting every concert, panty-throwers, etc. have turned out to be 20-somethings. It’s hard to shake a sterotype once formed, and the cougar sign started it.
And FWIW, I am not a Gokey fan nor did I ever support anyone else on Idol before Cook.
I think generalizations about age groups and AI viewing are just that. I am an adult woman (some may call middle-aged, but I don’t like to think so.. heh). I have a lot of friends who think Idol is lame. In fact, I don’t have a single local friend who watches anymore. Nope. Not one. I used to think it was lame until may gay BFF invited me over to watch during season four and got me hooked. He moved to SF and left me alone seeking peeps to talk about it with on the net.
I still think it’s lame, but hey. I enjoy it.
I think maybe tinawina and noctem should get a room.
ETA: Oh, and I know EXACTLY the club where tinawina’s alter ego would find Adam in Chicago.
Awww, I find DC completely sexy in a “I don’t know it” kind of way. DC completely knows who he is on stage and connects with whatever he is singing. However, I have to say his vocals are simply amazing to me as well. So if he controls himself like he can on stage in his personal life…um enough said. I must add that I believe there is more to DC as an artist than his sexual persona.
I have to admit I find Adam’s sexuality is more contrived, but there is no denying his talent/art. I just am not finding, at this point, the connection. Having said that, he does seem like a huge sweety!
In closing, I just want to say that DC seems to know who he is both on and off stage. For me, EVERYTHING about Adam is a bit contrived. I’m okay with being wrong about that however.
Thank you all for this extremely entertaining thread…good night and sweet dreams.
I absolutely adore Cookie and love his music but this was just too freakin’ funny::
Treefrog: I am lovin’ Adam and find him dead sexy, but this cracked me up too:
I never found Michael Johns sexy. I thought he was awkward when performing and reeked of desperation. He was always so smarmy to me….and his vocals very dated.
Kris is cute but nothing special. What really killed it for me was the matching red aprons. Ewwwww. His vocals are weak and his performance style pretty bland.
Matt, he is the one to watch… wouldn’t be surprised if he came from behind and started overtaking a lot of the others who seem to be faves at the monment.
I often felt that way about Blake, although vocally he cannot be compared to Adam.
IMO, Taylor won because he was an entertainer with great stage presense. I don’t see Danny as an entertainer. With Adam, yes he is.
I want to see Anoop grow as a singer. He has that raw talent and charisma. A couple outstanding performances and he will prove he has that IT factor. At least that’s what I am hoping for!
Oh, tinawina that was sooooo funny!
Please describe Anoop. I see him as being spiritual not religious. And let me know if there is a yoga mat somewhere.
Oh, and in the DREAM FANTASY, which one gives the best back rubs? :wink_wp:
Tinawina you made my day!!!
I know I am so late to the party, but I just couldn’t resist…here’s one more.
Scott: He’s the one you see in the grocery store and rush madly to his side to warn him about the mashed banana behind his left foot. And he’s so sweet and kind, such a nice guy–HE holds the door open for YOU. The next thing you know, you’re being wined and dined in his small cozy apartment. He plays soft romantic ballads ….zzzzz…pinch yourself. He’s just so sweet and understanding, such a nice guy, but you are getting seriously freaked out by how many times you hear yourself saying things like, ” …isn’t the sunset beautiful..did you see where I put my purse… Eventually you scurry out of the apartment feeling like the most insensitive person on earth. Did I mention how nice he was….yep, he’s going to call again.
Love ya Scott!!!
Oh so true!… and I picture the reality to be more like this:
You awaken from a peaceful slumber. The air is redolent with the scent of baby powder, noxema and strawberry lip gloss. You turn to find Adam tucked cozily by your side, nuzzling a strange pair of fuzzy pink rabbit ears. You feel sort of confused, but happy?!..so who cares WTH happened here.
Easing out of bed, you tiptoe out the front door and head home–a trail of silver glitter dust wafting from your purple streaked hair.
Meanwhile, somewhere in Gokey land, there’s a python circling Danny’s bed for the 3rd time, wondering WTH happened to that gerbil dinner he was expecting…. :devil_tb:
I have been lurking here all week in my pj’s….had a miserable head cold…..just vegging…….not wanting to do a thing!!!
Well, my hubby just heard me laughing several times while reading here and he is so happy to think I am feeling better! I guess the gig is over for me….and I will have to get back to my life!
Not too sure whether I should thank you or be mad….:)
…..I will say we have some very creative people at MJ’s! The fantasies have been priceless! Pix
Dingo should be out of the bunny hutch soon when she reads all this *bunny stuff*here!
I want to hear a Taylor story from Tina.
ROFLMAO!!! Yes, this. OMG funny!
I am just now reading this thread…. I got so involved reading it (and laughing at it!) that I’m too late to get ready for church!!!
Tinawina and Noctem… the pressure is on. You’ve already had a request for a Taylor story. I foresee more requests coming in. Guess you better start writing!!! lol I’m kinda curious what a Connie story would be like.
David Cook’s intelligence makes him sexy to me, coupled with that voice, one of the best voices I’ve ever heard, deep and rich, and he’s so masterful at using it, okay I’ll stop now. But I have to add, the way he looks at the camera or the audience, those sweet smiles and sexy eyes, sorry ladies but he’s sexy through and through.
Every time Danny is on screen I picture devil’s horns, sharp teeth, forked tongue, and a long skinny tail. He’s already got the Goatee. He’s creepy as hell and his dancing proved that too.
Who/what is sexy brings SQUUEEES to one woman & LOL, cringe, Eeww, ick to another! So rather than revisiting past seasons, I’ll limit my comments to this season & just say Anoop Desai has got “It”, IMO.
I agree, there’s something very calm and reassuring about Anoop, not to mention his intelligence.