VAidolFan09: How did Cook prove himself to be the ‘rightful’  winner?

By winning. The rightful winner wins every year, because the rightful winner is whoever gets the most votes (assuming there’s no vote fraud/irregularity). It’s the outcome that the people casting the majority of the votes wanted.

I realize that’s not what the original poster meant, but it’s the answer.

Furthermore, I don’t think you can fairly say that David A was the ‘chosen one’  by the time the season ended. TPTB had completely shifted their focus to Cook and clearly wanted him to win.

Not at all. I don’t think it’s worth the time to cite chapter and verse why Cook was not the chosen one by the end — others can jump in and do that if they’re still reading and so inclined — but the chapter and verse is there for the citing.

I’m with you CathyMK. Seems like this happens when the ‘chosen one’  doesn’t win. David Cook proved he was the rightful winner. Hope Kris can to.

How did Cook prove himself to be the “rightful” winner? By selling more records? That doesn’t prove much, I don’t see why people still insist on all that “rightful” winner stuff. If anything David A’s fans can still make a case as to why he should have been the winner. After a year I would have thought that all the “rightful” winner stuff would be over. Let them have their careers.

saga: Would it be right to say that the big acoustic bands on top 40 are mraz, john major, king of leon, the fray and paramore?

No, because Kings of Leon, Paramore, and for the most part John Mayer are not acoustic bands. Not so sure about Jason Mraz and the Fray because I don’t know their music so well — they might be primarily or wholly acoustic (allowing for electric bass, though, given that it’s very often used in otherwise acoustic bands).

And I don’t think Danny signed with Sony because 19 told him to; there were 2 labels bidding for him (Mark Bright’s label presumably one) in August.
Kudos to Danny for landing the big contract with RCA Nashville and getting Mark Bright as his producer like he wanted. Quite the feat, IMO.
Taking your time to make a business decision is sometimes the smart thing to do.

I’m not sure if we’ll ever get the whole picture but I tend to think there were two different mainstream country labels negotiating for Danny, as Danny said he was not inclined to sign with Mark’s company, Word, because he wanted a mainstream platform and Word is known for CCM/gospel. He said that he and Mark had discussed finding an “alternate” arrangement to work together, as in fact has become the case. Danny also spoke about meeting with multiple “big labels,” which (no offense meant to them) may not describe Word.

It’s not too clear what two companies were negotiating in August. Depending on how things work across the four country labels under Sony Nashville, it may be that Danny met with more than one and contract discussions were opened with two–possibly Arista (Carrie’s label) and RCA Nashville, for example. Or it could have been someone totally outside Sony Nashville, such as Warner which is the parent company over Word but has separate arms for mainstream country.

Whatever the case, it all seems to be coming together really well for Danny thus far. He’s getting both the major mainstream label support and the top producer he wanted.

Lurking; but just had to comment on this; not true.
Mark Bright approached Danny early on -he wanted him for his own record label. Danny was actually talking to 3 labels at one time.
Danny expressed interest in an interview about working with Mark Bright a good month before even signing. He loves Rascall Flatts and Carrie Underwood, so I’m sure he knew who Mark Bright (produced them) was even before Mark approached him.
And I don’t think Danny signed with Sony because 19 told him to; there were 2 labels bidding for him (Mark Bright’s label presumably one) in August.
Kudos to Danny for landing the big contract with RCA Nashville and getting Mark Bright as his producer like he wanted. Quite the feat, IMO.
Taking your time to make a business decision is sometimes the smart thing to do.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPm-nlZuJfU

Gorgeous! But quite a jolt when it cuts off. Hope there’s a full version coming soon. Here’s acoustic Living on a Prayer from tonite. Also gorgeous.

This is a much better video of Cook doing a full version of Livin’ on the Prayer acoustically. From his homecoming in 2008.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzFiNyr7xb4

Oops, I didn’t realize someone had already posted this. Sorry for the repetition.

http://www.youtube.com/ItzMeRenee#play/uploads/10/Oa1ii61_h4w

http://www.youtube.com/ItzMeRenee

I don’t get involved in fan wars much, but I agree Adam and Kris have yet to prove themselves. I am sure they will be there by this time next year. I would love to see Jason and Anthony also appear on the list.

Interesting perspective, as I would not have put Jennifer Hudson at #1.

Looks like Z100 is giving it good support. But I don’t think it will do as well as Tattoo. That song was more suited to Top 40 radio and I think LLYD will do better on HAC.

I think Kris is in a difficult genre to begin with, imo Alison will have it much easier with her (electronic) rock/pop. Would it be right to say that the big acoustic bands on top 40 are mraz, john major, king of leon, the fray and paramore?

KOL, the fray and paramore all have a much rawer sound than Kris has ever had, more alt rock and edgy. Infusing a more alt rock sound seem to be impossible for an AI alum that needs to debute fast (see Cook and Daughtry). John Mayer and Mraz are incredible talented musicians, in a league where I don’t think Kris is yet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZIN6ccxWf8

The first week’s sales always indicate the size of the devoted Idol fanbase. iTunes sales this week show Kris not putting up the big numbers.

I don’t think anyone was predicting a flop for Cook. The problem with LO was that it never became a big Top 40 hit. To become a multi plat artist you need big radio hits that cross genres.

However Cook always had a big supportive Idol fan base. Kris obviously doesn’t have that so he REALLY needs his single to be a big hit.

Our teen volunteers at our local hospital but they sent her home yesterday. New rule – all volunteers must be vaccinated with the new swine flu vaccine.

another Simon Cowell birthday story
http://newsblaze.com/story/2009100403300500001.ba/topstory.html

What kind of a person throws a party like this for themselves?

Ummmmm, the word “jackass” springs to mind, but strangely, the attendees, except for the work-related-forced-to attend-ones, strike
me as bigger idgets than the birthday boy. A Dorothy Parker quote I read this morning sums it up:

If you want to know what God thinks of money, just look at the people he gave it to.

The comments were mighty fine, too! Oh, Simon, King of Philistines!

Q3
October 4, 2009 at 3:19 am

What kind of a person throws a party like this for themselves?

While I have no experience either throwing or attending one of these pretentious extravaganzas, I don’t think it’s all that uncommon when you have shitloads of money.

And now I can sleep…after 5:00 here. Thanks for the delectable Cook videos. Comparing that acoustic Living on a Prayer with the one in Blue Springs during his homecoming last year, he does sound a bit hoarse. I went back and listened to the Blue Springs (because I missed the 80’s…wasn’t listening to mainstream music at all so know Bon Jovi from Bon Ami), and I could never get sick of David singing this.

springboard: Anyone interested in Simon Cowell’s birthday bash? Amongst the guests: Ryan Seacrest, Paula Abdul, Kara Dioguardi, Randy Jackson, Simon Fuller and Nigel Lythgoe
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1217977/What-swellegant-Cowell-egant-party-Simon-celebrates-50th-birthday-1m-bash.html

What kind of a person throws a party like this for themselves?

Cowell had spared no expense on ‘the party of the decade’ for 400 guests at Wrotham Park, a stately manor in Barnet, Hertfordshire.
The imposing building was bathed in blue light for the occasion ‘“ with a giant image of Cowell projected on to its historic facade.

Inside, pre-recorded birthday wishes from the likes of the Beckhams and Jennifer Aniston were displayed on giant screens ‘“ even in the toilets.

Which, incidentally, also contained a giant tank full of mini-sharks.
The venue, a palladian mansion set in 2,500 acres, is a 30-minute drive from Central London and was lit with hundreds of scented candles.

And yes, there are a few discussions filled with Adam fangroup members’ comments, too. But that isn’t everyone who is commenting on Amazon.

AimeeMayo
@jazzy_chey It sounds like A Huge hit. Our kids LOVE it!!! They are always are most harsh critics. It is both rock & pop.about 3 hours ago from Twitterena

@jazzy_chey It is upbeat and it is incredible. I can’t even believe how much I love it!!! Adam sounds so sexy on it- I’m n love w/ his vocalabout 3 hours ago from Twitterena

cookcricket: Q3, I appreciate your faith in Kris! Thank you! This is especially nice coming from an Adam fan.

Yes, I am an OTT Adam fan, but I am also a fan of the whole top 5 this year. And I want them all to succeed. And, I really think that Kris will be successful. I don’t see any busses — I just think Jive made a mistake — and that is a very different thing.

Plus, I sure hope someone signs Matt soon!!

And, yes, Kris’ album is at #106 on Amazon’s music chart. For comparison, David Cook album Amazon presale mosted was between #30 and #45 music this time last year, then he went up to the teens after Cook’s November SNL performance. When the album was released, Cook hit #1 again. (Cook was #1 on Amazon at the end of May-early June for I believe 3-1/2 days (?). Someone who follows Cook closely would know for sure.)

The most unusual stat about Kris’ Amazon album presale is what people who view Kris Allen New Release CD page are buying:

What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item?
56% buy Adam Lambert “New Release 2009″$9.99

35% buy the item featured on this page:
Kris Allen “New Release 2009″ $13.98

4% buy David Archuleta “Christmas From The Heart” $9.99
3% buy Susan Boyle “I Dreamed A Dream” $9.99

For comparison, here are the stats for Adam’s Amazon presale:

What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item?
96% buy the item featured on this page:
Adam Lambert New Release 2009 $9.99

1% buy David Archuleta “Christmas From The Heart” $9.99
1% buy Barbra Streisand “Love is the Answer” $9.99
1% buy Michael Bubl “Crazy Love” $9.99

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZaXrUATJAs&feature=player_embedded

So there’s your AI-model-TWIK buried in there… and here’s one from Friday night… he looks purty in a black t-shirt.

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=140755323334&oid=18915068178

If all else fails, use Kris to bring attention to an obscure band. That must be a big compliment to Kris. But whatever, Kris is used to being thrown under the bus but somehow has emerged as a winner. Don’t count Kris out just yet.

Why is Kris used to being thrown under the bus, have I missed something?

I think it is way too soon to be worrying about Kris. In retrospect he really hasn’t done that much promotion for his single. Wait till he makes the rounds of all the talk shows, then if his sales don’t pick up, start worrying.

Q3, I appreciate your faith in Kris! Thank you! This is especially nice coming from an Adam fan.

I do have to say I don’t think we can count LLYD out yet. The song, to me, is strong! It’s one of the best AI singles that has come out. YMMV. However, I believe truly this. I believe it can grow, I really do!

TBH, this is not my type of music, but the lyrics are good, imo, and I like the music. Kris sounds really good on this song. After my fav came out with LO as his first single last yr., this song rocks in comparison. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I truly loved it!

If Jive’s, (or better yet 19’s), intentions were to throw Kris under the bus, they have failed. That’s all.

CathyMK: Careers are not made or broken in the first week that a single is out. It was the same last year- the Davids did very little promo until a few weeks before their albums came out. Give them a chance to finish the album before declaring it a failure, for heaven’s sake!

I’m having such deja vu from last year at this time, when LO and David Cook were being declared failures daily. Does this happen every year, or only since Taylor?

CathyMK, I can see some similarities because there seems to be a gap between our expections for Idols and the reality of their actual sales for the past few years. But I don’t think that LO and LLWD sales preformance have much in common.

LO had it’s biggest sales week it’s debut week. “Light On” sold 109,000 digital downloads in its first sale week and debutted at #17 the Billboard Hot 100 before it got major radio airplay.

9/23/09 – LO available for radio airplay
9/30/09 – released iTunes and Amazon
10/7/09 – peak at #17 Billboard Hot 100
10/13/09 – officially went for adds on Mainstream Top 40, AC, and Rock radio

And, while the single continued to sell at a steady pace, it never beat the first week’s sales.

LLWD was released on a Friday and for it’s 4-day first week of sales it hit #93 on the Billboard Hot 100. And it’s iTunes performance hasn’t improved — since this Tuesday, it has gone from #33 to #65 (current rank).

Finally, I have never lost faith in Kris or in his talent — I have most certainly never labeled Kris a failure. And I do not think that LLWD is not selling because Kris doesn’t have a lot of fans. I think LLWD is not selling because it is a mediocre song and the musical style isn’t what sells in the US. And, frankly, I’m surprised that most Kris fans aren’t irate about the fact that Jive saddled Kris with this as his “big single”.