Today’s Idol headlines after the jump…
At the fair, ‘American Idols’ show saves the best for last
‘American Idol’ contestants bonding while they tour
If you find yourself chatting with “American Idol” winner Jordin Sparks these days, don’t be surprised if another “Idol” joins in the conversation.
A minute after starting a conversation with Inside TV & Radio before Sunday’s “American Idols” concert at the Bradley Center, No. 3 finalist Melinda Doolittle came out of nowhere, producing a squeal out of the 17-year-old Sparks.
“Jeez, you scared me,” Sparks told her, quickly regaining her composure.
Doolittle is usually right behind Sparks…..
Just don’t call me a celebrity
Grammy winner and former American Idol star Kelly Clarkson has hit out at the notion of being a celebrity, saying she is sick of fake stars.
Clarkson refuses to put on a public persona that is different to the way she behaves behind the scenes……..
FROM ‘IDOL’ TO HARD ROCK
Daughtry fans come from all over for show
Hotel room for two for a weekend: $640.
Daughtry concert tickets: $200.
Seeing “American Idol” phenom Chris Daughtry and his band perform live Saturday night at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino mere feet from you: priceless.
That’s the impression Charlotte and Kathy Belala of New Orleans had from their front-row position when the triple platinum-selling band played to a crowd of more than 1,400. Daughtry himself was relaxed and talkative throughout the concert, at one point having a short conversation with some of the more amorous fans near the front row….
…”We’ve been to over thirty Daughtry shows,” Lauren Reccio and Angel Smith said. “It’s very surreal, but they’re fun guys. We saw the very first show this band did, and we’ve got plans to see five or six more shows this year. We’ll be there till the end.”…
‘Idol’ hopefuls line up for a date with Simon
Deanna DeBellis was rejected in her first American Idol audition three years ago in Cleveland. Last year, the same fate occurred at a New York audition.
But two rejections and the cost of a plane ticket here from her hometown of Rochester, N.Y., were not enough to stop her from trying one more time.
“Third time is a charm, I guess,” said Ms. DeBellis, 19, who traveled with a friend.
More than 10,000 aspiring American Idol contestants, some from the North Texas area and others from as far away as Virginia, stood in line Saturday at Texas Stadium to get wristbands for auditions, which begin Monday morning…..
Central Texas American Idol wannabes head to Dallas competition
Hewitt singer, YouTube fixture Sha’Dana Jones back for 2nd year of ‘American Idol’ auditions
At last year’s “American Idol” auditions, Sha’Dana Jones wore high heels.
She made sure her hair and outfit were just right. She belted out her best Whitney Houston.
But not this time. No way. Not after what happened last year…..
‘Idol’ contestants ready for fame
After the cameras are off, the pressure is on to entice TV fans to buy records
Nikki McKibbin thought her dreams for stardom were about to come true when she won a spot on the 2002 inaugural season of American Idol.
Each week, millions of viewers watched as the 23-year-old Grand Prairie singer made her way to third place, right behind winner Kelly Clarkson of Burleson and runner-up Justin Guarini.
But for Ms. McKibbin and many other American Idol contestants, being successful on television and even signing a recording contract didn’t bring instant stardom in the real world….
Emmys: Putting It Together
Veteran Emmycast Producer Ehrlich Steps In After ‘Idol’s’ Lythgoe and Warwick Withdraw, and He’s Ready to Roll Out a Unique Show
…Back in February, Fox Entertainment President Peter Liguori announced that Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick, the producers behind the ratings-rich “American Idol,” would take on the Emmys broadcast. In May, the “American Idol” duo withdrew from the project, saying, “After we wrapped the enormous effort of ‘Idol Gives Back,’ we looked at our upcoming slate of projects … and realized that we could not devote the creative energy and time necessary to make the Emmys outstanding for the Television Academy and Fox.”
Ken Ehrlich Productions stepped in and is now overseeing preparations for the broadcast.
“I’m really pleased that the academy called us when the other guys bowed out,” Mr. Ehrlich said. “They told us they really liked what we did with the last two Emmy shows, but the network, Fox, had chosen those other guys. But we’re big boys, so we understood that was what it was. All this really did was put us back into a time period that we’re used to working with. I kind of turned my head away from working, so the one thing it did do was give me a little whiplash. But we were ready for it.”…
Text messaging moves beyond teenagers
…AT&T sponsored the cell phone voting for American Idol, which resulted in 64.5 million text messages sent in 2006…
Former “Idol” contestant living dream come “True”
The fifth season of “American Idol” has spawned a bumper crop of artists who have landed deals with country, rock and pop labels. Now, with the July 31 release of “True Beauty,” Mandisa is hoping to become the latest success story.
Her debut single, “Only the World,” spent five weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Singles Sales chart…..
‘American Idol’: Auditioning for the dream of a lifetime
…Lachney is one of three Mississippians who believe their third try may lead to a spot on the popular Fox show that will air in January.
Thanks to Season 7 auditions held throughout the summer in seven national locations, Dinah Lachney, Shad Green and Rob Mortimer have the same opportunity as Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard and Jordin Sparks to potentially become household names.
DINAH LACHNEY
Lachney was motivated to audition two previous times by the prospect of being a small-town girl plucked from obscurity who makes it big sharing her talent with the world.
Her first try was in Greensboro, N.C., for the Season 5 show that concluded with Taylor Hicks’ win. Lachney didn’t make it past the first round, but momentarily befriended Kellie Pickler, who became an American Idol finalist and launched her country music career on the show.
Last year, Lachney traveled to Birmingham and advanced to the second round, where she met American Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe and host Ryan Seacrest. She sang Christina Aguilera’s Reflection and was told her song wasn’t memorable, so this year, she’ll sing Queen’s The Show Must Go On, hoping the selection is deemed unique….
Before you belt it out …
TV: With tryouts looming Monday, we offer helpful hints for ‘Idol’ wannabes
Oh, American Idol hopefuls.
Now that the show is in its seventh season, you’ll have to do more to impress the judges (and viewers) than ever before. It’s like ice skating: In olden times, a sweet little single axel could take home gold. Now, you’re going to need to quadruple that.
For those getting ready to line up at Texas Stadium for the big auditions (which officially begin at 8 a.m. Monday), it’s not just your vocals that need to impress.History teaches us that many other variables go into a successful Idol audition. So if you want to be one of the lucky ones busting out of that room and hollering about going to Hollywood, do your homework first……..
Daughtry rides Idol wave to Robinson
Someday, decades from now, we’ll be shopping in some gigantic supermarket and one of Chris Daughtry’s songs will play over the loudspeakers, broadcasting into the aisles.
It could be “Home,” it could be “It’s Not Over.” It won’t really matter. Our ears will perk up at the drifting guitar loops and imploring vocals. Is it Creed ? Nickelback ?
“This is so early 2000 s,” we’ll say to ourselves….
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Very intesting Dallas News article. I didn’t know that Nikki was signed to RCA Nashville either. Kudos to Nikki for not doing music that she wasn’t comfortable doing. It is really hard to say “No” to an A&R guy pitching music to you from one of the biggest labels around.
I went to see Borne Ultimatum yesterday. While waiting for the movie to start, I heard “Wait for You”. I love hearing that song every time. I am very proud of Elliott. I also heard Linkin Park and Daughtry’s “Home”.
Out of everyone, I could see Blake and maybe Melinda going the Elliot route. Both have industry experience and connections, and neither are the type of artist a large label would know what to do with. Well, Blake might be OK being marketed by a major label but only if they leave him alone to make his kind of music, and I don’t know if they’ll be able to do that. Blake’s fanbase would definitely stick with him until a January release if he went indie, IMO. Melinda should sign with Starbucks and work with, like, Amy Winehouse’s producers and do a mix of soul standards and originals. I’d buy that in a heartbeat. Then she could do a jazz flavored xmas cd next. Just because I would want one, and as we know, it’s all about me.
Where will our idols be down the road? Same answer for all of them: who the hell knows! The commerical world–like everything else–is fast and furious and fickle! Don’t think anyone can really predict anything about current singers. The only thing I can think of that would/could have an impact would be an artist’s management team. But then you look at what Kelly just did and even great management doesn’t spell consistentency! (And I still love her new CD, damnit!)
I DO think so many of them are really doing well and for that, I am pleased! Watching this show for 6 years, you really become invested in these folks. The non-AI folk in the business cannot stand AI or its contestants so it’s nice to see them prevail. I know that I am much richer for many of these contestants’ music.
KAT–HUGE CONGRATS on your accomplishment! You should be REALLY proud of yourself! Best of luck in the future…C.
Chrissey, thanks :-) It does mean I can relax a bit this last year of school. I’ll still work hard of course, but it’s nice to know that I’ve got that security.
Jeez, this means I get to go HOUSE SHOPPING next year! That’s kind of a daunting thought!
I’m proud of Elliott, too. He really is a success story. I do kind of wrinkle my nose at the fact that IMO the worst song on his CD became the hit, but that’s pop music for you — the blander and least offensive, the better. It’s no knock on Elliott, who I’m sure will have a long and productive future in music. :-)
Re: Jordin turning 18. I think she was genetically engineered to remain 17 forever. Either that or she’ll turn into a pumpkin. She will still put out a CD. It will contain a #1 hit.
I’ve seen Elton about 11x. Great show. Enjoy!
Holy crap! Now that’s dedication right there. I always wonder about people who go to 20 or more shows of some band or singer - what do they do for a living? How can they get away so much? At what life stage do you have this much free time and disposable income (other than retirement)?
I couldn’t have done it in college, because I couldn’t have afforded it. I suppose I could have done it in my early twenties, but I had far too active a social life to be going every other weekend. All of my friends would have abandoned me, and I would have missed being with them too much to be gone so often. Plus, I couldn’t have taken much time off of work. And, I never would have gotten married, since Mr. Spense would have broken up with me after about the 10th weekend I went out of town. Obviously, once you have kids this kind of lifestyle is out of the question.
I can totally see going to 6 or 7 shows for someone you really like. But, once you get far up into the double digits, I just can’t imagine how you can have any kind of life and be gone 30 times in a twelve-month year. Am I missing something? Do you all know anyone who actually does this?
Little Boy Blue
Aug 6th, 2007 at 10:01 am
For fans of the Little Memphis Blues Orchestra ( AKA LiMBO), Elliott Yamin and Taylor Hicks, here’s a treat for you …
I “think” I already have this. It is GREAT!!!! Cannot believe how awesome B. Less is!!!!
is the limbo thing a cd or dvd??? i want a dvd! :)
have to admit I spent a very strange and glorious summer in College following the Grateful dead for six wks, probably saw between 10-12 shows, the tix were much cheaper than, and we camped so that saved mucho bucks. Mostly we did it to be with our friends, and meeting new people on the road (who ended up usually at the next show so they became our friends, along with Jerry and the crew) And the music, the music was out of this world, all jam, never the same set. at the end of the summer, I had no money, lots of new friends, and I had work my butt off all semester as a waitress to make tuition. and would I do it again, in a heartbeat..
Lu - I believe only the double CD is being widely released to stores tomorrow. There was a DVD available, at one point, but I don’t see that listed at amazon. I have mine on order! :)
Kat, Congratulations. I forgot to do it before.
Back when I was a Clay fan there would people who go to like 10-12 shows per tour. Some would go to as many as 5 shows in a row. In a ROW. Some used sick days, some lied to their husbands about what they were doing and one I remember actually got fired from her job.
Congratulations Kat!
See Daisy, the deadhead thing I totally get. It’s summertime, you’re camping out and traveling by car, plus they were a legendary band. And, they had a TON of people doing that, so it was like a little community of new friends. I know a couple of parrotheads who go see Jimmy Buffet about 8 - 10 times when he’s on tour too. But, they’re in their 50’s with the kids grown and lots of extra money. And, there’s a big difference between 10 shows and 30.
But, where I’m surprised is the people who do this for new bands, who only have a whole 12 songs in their repertoire. And, it’s not like there are hundreds of people doing it, so it hasn’t reached that community status yet. For people who have gone to see either Chris or Taylor twenty or thirty times - they’ve had to do that between February and now. That’s twenty or thirty shows in six months. It astonishes me.
1. I would love see LIMBO, Elliott and Taylor in a club.
2. Wait for You hit #1 on Z100, wowey
Mandisa’s album showed up on HDD. It’s gotten some very good reviews. I could see Daughtry and Mandisa with some possible Grammy nominations. I see Melinda going the Christian music route also.
ALL those wondering about a DVD of LiMBO, Taylor & Elliott @ WORKPLAY .. word is a DVD is ‘pending future release!’ :)
If they were smart (the PTB), they’d release the WorkPlay DVD at the same time as Taylor’s “Live at the Warfield” DVD in the fall - ya know, kill two bird with… well you get the idea ;)
Sounds like groupies to me. LOL.
I’m not sure whether to laugh or cry:
http://www.tmz.com/2007/08/06/fired-by-clarkson-hired-by-britney/
Fired by Clarkson, Hired by Britney!
So is Carrie, and besides me, not a single one of my friends owns her CD. They all have very diverse musical tastes also. They know “Before He Cheats” but that one song didn’t make them buy the cd.
Remember the person at the Clay board the Clackhouse who has a contact at Bookscan? She posted that Taylor sold 1,248 books last week (week ending 7/29) for a three week total of 5,732. Since he never cracked the NY Times list these must be accurate.
The Daughtry fans I mentioned earlier most definitely seemed like groupies to me. One was talking like she believed Joey Barnes was in love with her. It was all really weird.
Holy crap. I opened up my Billboard Magazine today, and who do I see with a pretty sizable article? None other than Mandisa. I’ll scan it if anyone wants it.
Tony, I would like to see it!
None of my friends watch AI or own any of their albums, from Kelly to the Season 5 crew. I don’t expect that to change. I also have friends who like a lot of different stuff, but they do steer towards indie stuff. Still, you’ll see some mainstream stuff in their collections, just no Idol.
I gave a friend a lot of CD jewel cases when I downsized to books (I own far too many CDs to keep the plastic). He called me up to say he had a Bo Bice CD for me. He chuckled. Sigh.
pj, lol
I don’t tell people in the “real” world that I follow AI.
Ask and ye shall receive:
http://img471.imageshack.us/img471/384/mandisabillboardmagazindi5.jpg
I always thought Mandisa had the best female voice of the AI5 season, by far, and eliminated far too early. Good for her about the album!
Mandisa has arrived!
that’s not a bad idea. Because Starbucks is picking up the more experienced singers who can sing - on key! and they also write their songs.
Blue Note is also another label to consider.
I think Mandisa was one of those 782 auditions for Effie in the DG movie; honest :)
What killed Mandisa was her weight, and I remember the exact moment she lost the vote: the camera zommed in on her backside, she was wearing jeans, and the minute I saw that shot, I said, she’s a goner.
Let’s admit it, even though Simon has lightened up, he d o e s NOT
l i k e “weight”. And he does not like gospel.
That’s why she left early.
“None of my friends watch AI or own any of their albums, from Kelly to the Season 5 crew.” I bought two AI compilation CDs, I have downloaded Jennifer Hudson and bought the DG CD, that’s about all I’ve done with Idol.
Yeah for Mandisa, thanks for the scan.
On Mindy Doo, I would totally buy a soul-flavored CD, and think this route is a very distinct possibility, especially given her friendship and prior work with Nashville-based soul musician Jason Eskridge. Whatever the case, hope she gets a deal soon.
And…Congrats, Kat!
All this time I thought Starbucks was the place where I go get my favorite coffee treat… who knew?
Congrats Kat!
YAY for the coming soon WorkPlay DVD!
“When I see pics of the Alabama concert in which thousands flocked there, it still amazes me. I would never have predicted this.”
Squishy, Montgomery is not a happening place. At all. Ever.
It’s where you stop to get gas on the way to the beach.
Surrounded by small towns, pretty far apart.
That makes up the crowd — people with nothing to do.
And that’s the truth.
Reminds me of a town in CA that one stops at when going from LA or San Diego to Las Vegas on route 15 - Baker, CA. It’s known for 3 things - pit stop, gas stop and Denny’s - and somewhere to buy peanuts til you reach Vegas.
oh, brother
What’s the definition of insanity again? Because..never mind.
*Sigh*
(((((MJ)))))))
dante - elton puts on a great show, i’ve seen him 3 times over the years and the best concert i’ve ever seen was the elton/billy joel ‘face to face’ concert. two grand piano’s facing each other on stage with both of them playing for hours, i’ll never forget it.
back to idol - thanks for all the articles daily, don’t hear much about what’s happening when it’s summertime, so nice to catch up on the news here.