Today’s Idol headlines after the jump…
‘Idol’ winner to perform at Tag’s
Chemistry, energy drive shows. Yearning for modern soul grows, he says.
Taylor Hicks, the man with the Soul Patrol fan club, ended his first solo tour on May 12, performing a 1-hour, 45-minute set with a seven-piece combo at the Moore Theatre in Seattle. Tonight, the 2006 “American Idol” winner kicks off his summer concert tour at the Summer Stage at Tag’s in Big Flats. Star-Gazette “American Idol” blogger Dawn Adams of Corning interviewed Hicks by e-mail. A special thanks goes out to James “Tag” Rhodes, owner of Tag’s, and Mitch Cramer, Hicks’ road manager, for assistance and persistence in making this interview happen while Hicks was on vacation……
From ‘Idol’ to Hog Day
Heather Cox to sing in Hillsborough
It’s Hillsborough, not Hollywood, but Heather Cox is still a bit nervous about singing at Hog Day on Saturday.
“It’s actually harder to sing in front of a small crowd than it is to sing in front of 40 million people,” said the former “American Idol” contestant.
She’ll be performing at the 25th anniversary of Hillsborough’s Hog Day festival of all things porky.
Cox, from Jonesville in Yadkin County, made the top 24 on “Idol’s” season five. She was one of four North Carolinians to do so that year. The other three — Kellie Pickler, Chris Daughtry and Bucky Covington — advanced further in the TV contest and now have successful albums out.
Cox, 23, is recording a pop-country album of her own. Otherwise, she is hanging around the homefront, spending time with her family….
Tattle | End of the lam for Lou Pearlman
…’Idol’ to be idle
Just two days after dumping her manager, Kelly Clarkson has dumped her summer tour.
In a shockingly honest press release, LiveNation CEO Michael Rapino said that “ticket sales have not been what we anticipated and we came to the realization that we had bit off more than we could chew.”
On her Web site, Clarkson said: “I promise you that we’re going to get back out there as soon as is humanly possible to give you a show that will be even better.”
“The day when she will play in sold-out arenas is, no doubt, coming, but for now her fans should look forward to seeing her in a more intimate concert environment,” said Gregg Perloff, CEO of promoter Another Planet Entertainment, in a statement.
Clarkson’s third album, “My December,” hits stores June 26. If her label boss Clive Davis (who ain’t no dummy) is right that the album could use some catchier tunes, it might be a while before Kelly can sell out an arena. The way the music biz is, it may be awhile before any artist under 30 can sell out an arena.
(Tickets for Kelly’s Aug. 14 gig at the Wachovia Center will be refunded at point of purchase.)
Hoops vs. harmonica
Taylor Hicks put away his basketball a long time ago in favor of a harmonica. Hicks, last year’s “American Idol” winner, sang the national anthem before Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Thursday night at Quicken Loans Arena.
Hicks spent time before the game dribbling a basketball while players warmed up.
“I actually played a lot of basketball in high school,” the 29-year-old Birmingham, Ala., native said. “I was a better harmonica player. I was a little bit short for basketball and wasn’t too short for the harmonica.”
The move paid off about 10 years later. Hicks is a multi-millionaire recording artist……
Canton Rep.com
Kelly Clarkson Cancels Her Summer Tour
…In a statement released by her new representative, Paul Freundlich, it acknowledged the sales for the arena tour have been slow. The tour will be on hold and the size of it will be re-evaluated, the statement said.
“The day when she will play in sold-out arenas is, no doubt, coming, but for now her fans should look forward to seeing her in a more intimate concert environment,” Gregg Perloff, CEO of concert promoter Another Planet Entertainment, said in the statement. “Kelly deserves a tremendous amount of praise for her courage in not only being a part of, but in supporting, this difficult decision.”…
…Clarkson’s tour was expected to kick off with her performance at the Live Earth concert July 7 at East Rutherford, N.J. and end in Phoenix. Now, Clarkson’s only performance is slated to be at the Live Earth concert, part of a global series of performances to raise awareness about environmental issues…
Celeb-a-razzi: Don’t press Angelina Jolie; Trouble boils over in Kelly Clarkson’s camp
…Trouble boils over in Kelly Clarkson’s camp
As the fury about Kelly Clarkson’s upcoming “My December” continues — the American Idol publicly battled Clive Davis over its content, and earlier this week, she fired, er, parted ways with her manager — the latest casualty is her upcoming tour. On Wednesday, the entire run was sacked, including an Aug. 10 date at The Palace of Auburn Hills. A Live Nation rep tells People magazine soft ticket sales are to blame. A Palace rep says ticket refunds are available at the point of purchase.
Kelly Clarkson’s Summer Retreat
….The album is Clarkson’s third, but the first on which she wrote or cowrote all of the songs. It is decidedly darker in tone than either her debut album, Thankful, or its multiplatinum successor, Breakaway, which has been a sticking point with her label and others trying to guide her career.
Though their parting was deemed amicable, Clarkson’s split with her manager, Jeff Kwatinetz of The Firm, was said to be directly linked to a difference of opinion over the creative direction of the album.
As far as Clarkson’s concerned, the album may be less mainstream, but “it’s more intense, it’s more raw, it’s more emotional,” which is exactly the way she wanted it to be.
And though she doesn’t expect it to rack up the sales she enjoyed with Breakaway, she’s okay with that.
“Even if it does tank—who cares? It’s one album!” the singer told Entertainment Weekly.
GIVE ME THAT OLD-TIME RINGLING
Daredevils, acrobats are still the circus’ most exciting acts
…Jennifer Fuentes, 21, a second-season “American Idol” finalist, is a sort of seductive fairy godmother who narrates the story in song, backed by a live band providing a pop/hip-hop score. And everything is projected on a giant circular replay screen. The new touches seem to edge the old circus closer to the Cirque du Soleil and Disney mindsets of the 21st century…
Kelly cancels tour to, uh, ‘re-evaluate’
“American Idol” darling Kelly Clarkson yesterday canceled her summer tour, a day after whacking her manager.
“Plans for Kelly Clarkson’s summer tour have been shelved for now as the singer and her team re-evaluate her show’s size and scope, a decision made even more difficult by the impending release of her album ‘My December,’ ” her PR rep Paul Freundlich said in a prepared statement…
… The New York Post reported yesterday that Clarkson realized manager Jeff Kwatinetz wasn’t doing her any favors considering the lackluster interest in her summer tour.
“Kwatinetz, a co-producer of Kelly’s upcoming album, led her down the road of recording without the benefit of Clive Davis’ magic and collaboration with hit-making songwriters,” the Post spy said. “Clive was trying to stop her from jumping off a cliff.”
Think she’s seen the light Since (They’ve) Been Gone??
‘IDOL’ KELLY DUMPS MANAGER
…”Kelly has clearly seen the light,” laughed a Davis crony. Clarkson, who’s sold 11 million records, has insisted on writing all the songs on her third album and spurned the tunes by other composers which Davis, “the man with the golden ears,” was offering her. “Kwatinetz, a co-producer of Kelly’s upcoming album, led her down the road of recording without the benefit of Clive Davis’ magic and collaboration with hit-making songwriters,” our source said. “Clive was trying to stop her from jumping off a cliff.” Kwatinetz, who treated Clarkson like “a little sister,” was said by a pal to be “shocked.” “She’s not happy, and she can’t fire Clive, so she fired Jeff,” said the source…
Can rap regain its crown?
…In 2006, for the first time in five years, no rap albums were among the year’s 10 biggest sellers, a list led by the soundtrack to Disney’s High School Musical, which sold 3.7 million copies. Compare that with 2003, when 50 Cent’s Get Rich or Die Tryin’ ranked No. 1 with 6.5 million copies.
This year’s top-selling albums thus far are by American Idol rocker Chris Daughtry’s band and jazz chanteuse Norah Jones.
The rap industry is pinning hopes on 50 Cent’s Curtis, due Sept. 4, and Kanye West’s Graduation Day, expected in late August, as well as releases by Eminem and Dr. Dre that could arrive before the end of the year.
But those albums may not be enough to salvage the sales numbers for this year, and it’s unclear whether 50 Cent or Eminem can match their past sales…
‘Idols’ headline fundraiser for basketball courts
It’s a long way from Hollywood, but “American Idol” is coming to Scituate.
The Scituate Outdoor Community Basketball Courts at the High School Committee will host a benefit concert Saturday in the Scituate High School auditorium to raise funds for the three new basketball courts being constructed behind the high school. The concert will feature performances from former American Idol contestants Ayla Brown and Taunton native Nick Pedro, as well as the up-and-coming all-girl pop group Girl Authority. Doors will open at 6 p.m. for a 7 p.m. show time….
Up close with Avril
…Unlike Lavigne who doesn’t believe in modesty, new American Idol winner, Jordin Sparks, is nothing but humble. In Galaxie’s exclusive interview with the 17-year-old, Sparks revealed that although she wanted to win the title when she joined the competition, it’s the experience she cherishes most.
“If I didn’t (win), it was not going to be the end of the world for me. I would still be happy because I think it is really cool I got a chance to be a part of it,” Sparks said…
Pride celebrations set around Texas, region
…American Idol finalist Kimberly Caldwell will be the special guest performer during the final round next Saturday, before the Main Stage performance…
Cheerful nostalgia billows through ‘Smokey Joe’s Cafe’
…The “Smokey Joe’s” touring company comes from the Irving Street Repertory of New York. The Rep has already brought several productions of the Fats Waller revue “Ain’t Misbehavin’ ” to Jazz Alley.
Four male performers — Jonathan Celestin, Ron Lucas, Stanley Martin and Jace Rivera — are spunky and fresh. Latasha Jordan Spencer is the company’s female belter. She has gospel pipes. And Famecia Ward (a 2004 “American Idol” contender) is the perky femme fatale…
Sad Realities
‘On the Lot’ and ‘Pirate Master’ were shows created by the same man who gave us ‘Survivor’—so why do they seem so uninspired?
…The sad part of Burnett’s string of successes is that it suggests that it nails shut the coffin of reality television’s golden era. There has always been lots of talk about the negative effect of reality TV and how it has contributed to our fame-obsessed, look-at-me culture. But there hasn’t been nearly enough discussion about the fact that at its best, some of the freshest, most exciting television of the past decade has been reality-based. Who among us can forget where we were the first time we saw Richard Hatch flopping around nude during the first season of “Survivor”? How many office friendships were irreparably damaged by Jordin vs. Blake disagreements during “American Idol”? …
Truck competition to feature ‘Idol’ contestant
…The free, three-day event will be held at the Joplin Petro Shopping Center and will feature a NASCAR race simulator and a performance by former “American Idol” contestant Carmen Rasmusen…
Kelly Clarkson Loses Support At Ticket Counter
Oh, no.
Kelly Clarkson, former American Idol-turned-solo-renegade, is evidently losing fan support, as she will be delaying her big summer tour due to low ticket sales.
Just in case you like to skim Web articles and hardly glanced at the opening paragraph, Kelly Clarkson had to postpone her summer tour due to people having no interest in purchasing tickets for her planned shows. How could this happen? I thought this girl was as essential to summer as the iced coffee.
Seriously, her voice is hot, her music is hot (“Never Again” is off the hook) and her style is ever expanding. No, it seems way too early in her career for something like this to occur…
…In fact, we have to give her a lot. This girl has fought off exec sharks, bowing away from a 10 million dollars compliancy bonus in the process, all because she has the balls to be the artist she really is. What do you say we make My December No. 1 next week, subsequently flipping a middle finger to the fat cats who think they know better? At least that way I can pretend I had something to do with it.
Super-fans often blur line between love and virtual stalking
…What the numbers don’t reveal, however, is the increasingly blurred line between love and zealotry — something experts say has led to a new breed of “super-fan” whose identity is almost solely defined by the musical star or celebrity being adulated.
“Fans perceive a relationship that’s not there,” says Patricia Leavy, a professor of sociology and popular culture at Stonehill College in Massachusetts.
“They feel like they’re involved with the person’s career. I mean, some of these fans are posting on (celebrity) websites every day… and their identity forms partly in the context of this fan community.”
If paying tribute to a star is a full-time job, the collective fan name functions as a kind of organization title.
American Idol has inspired an international flock of “Fanjayas” (Sanjaya Malakar devotees), “Claymates” (Clay Aiken fans), “Care Bears” (Carrie Underwood enthusiasts) and “Blaker Girls” (Blake Lewis loyalists), among others…
Mims, ‘Blast’ to perform at Peach Jam Jubilee in 2 weeks
Two of the four musical acts lined up for this year’s Peach Jam Jubilee are representative of Chilton County High School’s “Blast from the Past.”
Ryan Mims, a singer/songwriter who lives and performs in Nashville, sang in “Blast” during his years attending CCHS from 1994 to 1998.
The Clanton native is more recently known for his appearance on the Fox television show “American Idol,” on which he made it to the Hollywood round of the 2007 season. He is currently backed up by a five-piece band and has recorded several original songs in the country/pop genre……..
Rewind: Reviews of recent concerts
…Unlike Todd, who brought his band, McPhee sang to canned music with help from two backup singers. Live she comes off as someone with a good voice and appealing personality (in a Goldie Hawn way) who needs some direction musically. I’m not sure whom she’s being peddled to, but not too many girls younger than 16 seem too interested…
…Daughtry closed the show. He wore one of those working-class, tank-top T-shirts to show off his guns and pecs. He looked like a hybrid of Glenn Danzig and Michael Stipe. He pretty much reprised the show he did at the VooDoo, but he seemed pretty awed by the difference of playing in front of this many screaming fans.
He gave the crowd the two songs it wanted most, “It’s Not Over” and “Home,” plus one it seemed really disinterested in, Pearl Jam’s “Black.” He didn’t sound as impressive out in the big arena as he did in the swanky club, but frankly the sound wasn’t all that great during his set. It was tinny and trebly. And it’s not like they didn’t have time for a long soundcheck.
Glass closets Gay
Aiken fans revolt, JFK Jr. bio says he’s bi and gay author speaks out
A battle broke out last week on pop music’s most contentious frontier: Claynation.
CLAY AIKEN, a former “American Idol” contestant, is known for his legions of fans, primarily young and female, who have given themselves the feminist-wary moniker of “Claymates.” The Claymates are infamous for deluding themselves about Gaykin’s seemingly obvious homosexual leanings…
…“Due to reports of extensive unrest and disrespect amongst members that has been carrying on for several weeks, the Official Fan Club Message Board will be shut down until further notice,” the site read. “Please note that should tensions continue on other areas of the fan club, severe consequences may occur.”
No word on what those consequences might be, but this seems like an awful lot of effort to silence unstoppable rumors.
Music Review: Paris Bennett- Princess P
…After listening to Princess P’s Intro “All Hail The Princess”, I almost turned it off immediately. The intro was absolutely cringe-worthy, but I persevered, hoping that the album would get better. Thankfully, “Ordinary Love” and “Dreamin’” highlight why Americans fell in love with the pint-sized Bennett in the first place. Both tracks showcase her extraordinary vocal range, and the maturity that belies her 18 years of age. Produced by Jon Jon Traxx, “Ordinary Love” is definitely one of the better songs on Princess P. It has a Beyonce-feel to the song, which is not surprising considering Traxx has worked extensively with the former Destiny Child’s star. Well-written, it’s a song that Bennett seems comfortable singing, and suits her vocal style as opposed to most of the other tracks on Princess P…
Kelly Clarkson Sacks Off Her Own Tour
In the world of the TV talent show there’s no greater star than Kelly Clarkson, which isn’t really saying a lot since hardly anyone can be arsed to go and watch her sing live any more….
…Here in Britain, TV talent shows are generally regarded as a bit of a joke. When the ’stars’ to emerge from shows like Pop Idol and X Factor number Gareth Gates, Shayne Ward and Leona Lewis - it’s OK, you’re right to not know who they are - it’s hard to take it seriously. But in America it’s a different thing entirely, and that’s mostly down to Kelly Clarkson.
Kelly Clarkson, remember, was the first-ever winner of American Idol. Fans were hooked on her downhome country charm, powerhouse voice and the fact that she didn’t look as much of a tit as that Sideshow Bob boy did. With the American Idol win - and that ropey movie - under her belt, the world was at Kelly Clarkson’s feet allowing her to sell 10 million records worldwide. But something’s changed…
Soul Patrol swings into Massachusetts
One year after winning American Idol, Taylor Hicks is still riding high
…It was just over a year ago when Hicks defeated Katherine McPhee in the American Idol season five finale, propelling him into his new superstar status. “Everyday I feel blessed,” Taylor tells Boston Music Spotlight from his bus in Ohio. “I feel very thankful for all those people that voted for me. Its amazing how the show really gives you a platform.”…
Related Posts
I just looked at the footage of Elliott doing the Oscar Mayer contest at the Kodak. I love the headline for on the website—IDOL WIENER. I know, there are TONS of jokes and snark opportunity there. LMAO
Boulder,
Everyone here has been raving about Paul Potts, but then again some of the young children have also won hearts of viewers, the Great British Public are a sucker for children.
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=592106
Britain’s Got Talent
http://talent.itv.com/
Britain’s Got Talent
Every night from June 9 to June 17, you can settle down on your sofa to enjoy the best of British entertainment, thanks to ITV1’s brilliant new talent show.
Britain’s Got Talent really is like no other talent show out there… and it has to be seen to be believed!
The quest is on to find the nation’s most remarkable performers – and it’s fair to say we’ve found them. From dance troupes to singers, to piano playing pigs and dancing horses there’s no telling what act might appear next.
In fact, all they need is a talent that will impress the judges – and ultimately, Her Majesty the Queen…..
http://talent.itv.com/page.asp?partid=271
Actually what Katharine is wearing is the leotard that goes under the dress, which infact is a part of all dance type of outfits.
I don’t see her doing that around people she knows (her manager Guy is the guy in the picture) is really such a big deal. But whatev, the video looks great so far.
She’s also going to be on Regis and Kelly on July 13th and has an inside feature in the magazine In Style’s July issue.
Alright, I think the media is solely responsible for this “chaos” surrounding Kelly. Ever since Clive’s disaproval was made public there have been nothing but negative stories on Kelly painting her as some ungrateful, indulgent, brat.
First of all, I find it quite shocking when people call Kelly’s album “self-indulgent”. OK, so what exactly is an artists goal? To altruistically give the people what they want while sacrificing your own virtues and principles? What does that accomplish for the individual’s self worth? That to me, is not an artist. That is a product. And yes, the AI kids are essentially products, we know this. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that they want to be products and accept it whole heartedly.
Someone who joins a big record label has a basic understanding that they will not always be able to control the path they take. This is a given. But then, wouldn’t their ultimate goal be to garner just enough respect to start branching off? With Kelly, this has been a slow process. Her first album was full of stuff that she probably just was ordered to sing. Her second album was a step up, she was able to co-write most of the material. Now, she’s taking another step up. She’s not drastically changing her style. She’s not making death metal. Her music is still pop, but it’s a new direction. And I think that there’s still room for her to grow with the next stuff. And, there will be next stuff.
My take on the whole situation… Kelly declined Clive’s offer of the songwriters. He had probably gone to some lengths to set it up and was quite offended. With that said, he probably still respects her decision. He may not trust her judgement, which is understandable, but I think letting her do her thing is his best bet. Kelly has paid her dues as an artist. Of course she’s not all there yet, but she’s getting there. We can’t be so fickle and turn our backs. Kelly has something very special and it would be stupid for Clive to drop her if that is even a consideration which I highly doubt.
As far as her firing her managers, and the tour… That is just a bump in the road and nobody should try to claim that they know the reasons why it happened. I just think that it’s bullshit that people are saying Kelly should obey Clive’s wishes and forget the fact that she gave that label a lot of fucking money. She deserves respect as well and if she wants to be her own artist, more power to her.
Wow that was long.
Long but a very good post AFan.
Another cool youtube!
Amazing …. paintjam
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIJtKxdRQzY
I heart AFan.
carolina! That was so cool!
Just wanted to say to Boulder, thanks for those links to Paul Potts. What an amazing diamond-in-the-rough! Even the change in his look from the first song to the second as astounding.
Say what one will about Cowell, sometimes what his programs do to expose amazing talent to the world clicks on all cylinders.
And good lord! The two crankiest judges in the world together???
Yikes!
What’s interesting about Kelly is how well she “played the game” and for how long. But early on, I remember reading that she wanted to do rock. She sang the ballads and the pop tunes on her first album, and had a chance to “breakaway” a bit on the second. The public was receptive to Kelly the rocker, so of course, she figured she could expand on that for the third one. It remains to be seen how well “My December” does.
I think if Kelly wrote a great album all by herself than Clive wouldn’t have raised a stink. In Clive’s eyes “My December” NO MATTER who wrote it isn’t that great. That really is the bottom line.
Ohmyheck, just watched Paul Potts and am weeping like a BABY. THANK you, Lisa B.!
Man, I’ll trade you “On the Lot” for Britain’s Got Talent!
Paul Potts is amazing. Thank you for those great videos. So emotional. Wow. And I just read that Chris R, Blake, Ace and Constantine all showed up at Elliott’s concert last night at the Roxy.
So any female fans who went to that concert hit the jackpot. (Oh and Brandon Rogers too.) I don’t think they were all there together though.
Paul Potts - I think my jaw literally dropped when he started singing… wow… goosebumps big time!
I saw that about the Roxy - some people have all the luck! Apparently there’s some chatter among Blake fans about a possible Blake/Elliott colab… interesting.
It’s not a matter of “great” or “not great”. Clive simply thought that she wrote an album that didn’t have enough hit singles on it (a.k.a music stupid people will like.) Whether he likes the songs or not is completely irrelevant. He wants to make a buck, she wants artistic integrity. Do what you will but I’m siding with the latter.
It’s nice that $Clive$ has at least two puppets at his beck and call - Chris and Carrie who know their place under him. Don’t make waves or else Uncle Clive will get nasty with you.
I’m gunna buy Kellie’s album just as a sign of support for her.
I truly think that if Kelly wrote a masterpiece in “My December”, Clive would have hailed it as the second coming, kind of like Alicia Keys was heralded. He would have taken credit as having “discovered” the songwriter Kelly.
Clive doesn’t have a problem if artists write their own material but it better be good in his eyes.
Case in point:
http://www.puretonemusic.com/song/stories
HOME
“When we had our first meeting with Chris Daughtry in early June ‘06, he asked if he could play us a song that he had written himself, shortly before he flew to LA to begin his stint on American Idol. He proceeded to take out his guitar and play us ‘Home’. Prior to that point, no one had any idea that he was a really strong songwriter. Shortly after he finished everyone looked at each other like we had all just been let in on a really great secret. Clive Davis looked at Chris and said,’Well, isn’t this a pleasant surprise.”
The problem is that Clive defines “good” as “top 40 friendly” in Kelly’s case. Those two are not the same to me.
I think Clive defines “good” as music that will sell. Whether it is in rock, pop, R&B, country, etc. Top 40 encompases a lot of different music that includes the genres posted.
If Kelly wrote a great song that would sell that that would be “good” in Clive’s eyes.
So any music that doesn’t sell 5 million albums is not good music? LOL! I surely hope that’s not what he really thinks. Clive is SO crass, it’s disgusting.
I guess the bottom line for me is I don’t like Kelly’s new music. If I did, I’d be on her side in the “battle” with Clive. But since I don’t like what I’ve heard so far, I miss the “pop” Kelly and agree with Clive that the album is a mistake. Clive is very crass but he has worked with a lot of great people who didn’t come to him via a reality TV show. He had to discover and nurture them.
Clive is the CEO of a company that is in the business of SELLING RECORDS. If he isn’t about the “units” than he should be FIRED.
Songs can be good and popular, there’s nothing to say that if it’s not top 40 material then it’s intrinsically better and vice versa. I have no idea why Clive wasn’t happy with some of Kelly’s songs. Maybe he felt they weren’t all that good or maybe he thought they sucked or maybe he just thought they wouldn’t sell. I can understand why Kelly wants to do her thing but couldn’t have this all been worked out a long time ago? I can see fault in a lot of places but think it’s probably not just the media or Clive or even the manager. Kelly does have a part to play and the interviews she gave didn’t help. Hopefully they can all make this work.
I saw a Paul Potts clip on GMA this morning. He was incredible.
Paul Potts’ singing brought tears to my eyes.
Heaven help Carrie and Chris if their 2nd albums doesn’t live up to or or exceed their previous album sales. Uncle $Clive$ will not be a happy camper. Case in point - Kelly Clarkson. I guess that’s the price you pay for being a part of the “pop world”.
I think if Clive was happy with “My December” and it only sold 2 million CDs, I don’t think he would have a problem with that. He would blame it on CDs in general not selling like they used to.
But since he thinks “My December” is crap (his opinion not mine) and if it only sold 2 million than he would blame it on it being a crappy album in his eyes.
Very important point: It is how Clive sees it.
“For any artist - especially someone as new as Kelly - to p— off Clive,… Well, that’s about the dumbest thing you can do in the music business,’ a top industry executive told me Thursday. ‘When I heard that, I thought, ‘This girls must have a death wish for her career.”
http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/zwecker/429032,CST-FTR-zp15.article
Yep, I guess he does. Don Imus’ program sold a lot of sponsors too, and was one of the top rated radio shows in the country for years. Suddenly, it isn’t a “good” program anymore. But hey, it’s alright, music with explicit lyrics in them are still “good”.
Little Boy Blue,
Did you read the USAToday article about the decline of Rap music sales. It appears that “music with explicit lyrics in them are still ‘good’” is not the case any more….
Isn’t “good” just a matter of individual opinion? I don’t say “Gee, so and so’s cd sales are declining therefore I won’t purchase that piece of shit.” I prefer to listen to samples or to the leaks on VH1 or AOL and base my opinion on what I am hearing. If “I” think it is good..I will go out and spend “MY” money on it. If “I” don’t like it, I won’t buy it. It’s that simple.
The discussion is what Clive Davis defines as “good” which I think is defined as “what sells” since he is Mr. Units.
Some things are so TRANSPARENT……and Pathetic in their own little way.
Gee, I wasn’t aware that you had full reign of the discussion here. I thought I was allowed to add my 2 cents.
The last time I checked the music BUSINESS is a business first and music second. I am sure Elliott’s record label, even though it’s an independent record company is quite happy that he is selling cds. And, I’m sure is doing everything they can to keep it that way. Than why shouldn’t Clive.
Honestly, if one was paying attention way back in the beginning of AI, you could have seen this Kelly trainwreck coming down the track. Even I predicted it..
Wow, all of a sudden Kelly wants to imancipate herself. And just like that, Clive should let her do it. Which plant does the AI world exist in. I’m sure the REAL musicians who have been fighting with their record labels over writer’s control should be happy to know that a young lady who stepped off a singing show and has had everything handed to her should, all of a sudden, get to write her whole cd without any imput what so ever from her record label execs. And regardless of whether is sound like crap or not, the record company should invest money to push it. Alicia Keys and those who have been writing their own materials for years, and have allowed Clive to give his imput, should be thrilled.
I’m all for singers having a chance to write some of their own material and getting it on their cd but when a young lady seems to have this I don’t give a damn, I want to do what I want to do attitude with everybody, she is not doing herself any favors. Regardless of how many millions cds she has sold.
LisaB:
LOL, I spent more time than I should have reading comments on the digitalspy.com link you posted. You are right, there is a soft spot for the young kids. Nonetheless, I hope Paul Potts walks away with the win.
Ladybug:
Other than I hope he wins the bloody contest, all I can say is he is brilliant. Glad you enjoyed.
Longsong:
You and me both…and I have watched both videos probably 20 times since last night!!!
This is probably a cultural stereotype but it’s my understanding that Welshmen (and women) take their vocal music very seriously. If true, what a wonderful legacy. Paul Potts has an amazing voice especially considering he hasn’t had any formal training for quite a while.
Me too. F*ck Clive and the sycophantic wannabes in the media. Clive isn’t fool-proof. He was a big supporter of Mario Vasquez who hasn’t actually been selling like hotcakes. He was the one who thought Bo would be better singing pop. He may be focused on the bottom line where Idol artists are concerned, but it doesn’t mean he’s always right.
How come he allowed a new comer like Alicia Key’s, a real artist, to write her entire cd her first time out. I wonder if he concerned himself with her cd selling millions when he gave her permission to do so. Maybe, just maybe, Clive not only like sales but he knows what he likes in music too..
Alrighty then.
Buying an album to “support” an artist unless it’s for charity or they’re very poor seems pointless. Buying Kelly’s album puts $ into Clive’s “pocket” so it doesn’t actually screw him too badly. Normally, I’d be hating on Clive but I think this story has no “good guys.”
Well, mission accomplished…LOL
I think the difference between Alicia Keys and Kelly is how they each were “discovered”. The former was discovered by Clive, writing and singing her own material from the get go. Kelly was “discovered” by winning a contest singing other people’s songs.
Thus Clive had the respect of Alicia Keys’ songwriting ability from the beginning. Kelly had to earn her respect in that department. One would think that winning a Grammy for “Because of You” which she co-wrote would help earn her respect by Clive in terms of songwriting and it may have to a certain point.
I still say if Kelly wrote songs on “My December” that Clive liked than there would be no feud. They could have been both artistically good and radio friendly to make both Kelly and Clive happy.
FOR CARO:
ETA:
Deleted because I did not want a fireant attack
LOL BS!
thx darlin’!
Kelly was not nominated for and did not win a Grammy for “Because of You.”
She won a BMI award, which is given solely for the number of SPINS a song receives on the radio:
“Because of You,” co-written by BMI songwriters Ben Moody and David Hodges, along with Kelly Clarkson, was named BMI Pop Song of the Year for scoring the most airplay of any song on the most-performed list during the award period.
Yep, you’re right. And, I’m sure that even Alicia Keys, his star pupil, cd has to pass the “Clive ear” test or it won’t make it unto the market.
Well it is, if you’ve ever watched SYTYCD, or actually..any professional dancing they outfits have that material under their clothes
Afan @ 4:31 - I heart you. :) I couldn’t have said that any better. GREAT post.
Kelly DID NOT win a Grammy for “Because of You”. She won an ASCAP award.