Today’s Idol headlines after the jump…
Jordin rules
‘American Idol’ winner Sparks is flying
What a whirlwind year for Jordin Sparks……
….The Glendale, Ariz., native was heavily involved in shaping the album’s sound and co-wrote “Freeze,” a song about her great-grandmother, who died a week before Sparks was introduced to the musical track.
“I was writing this poem about her,” she said. “So when this song came up, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, this is so perfect. We were totally meant to write this song.’ So there are some lines in there that are actually from what my great-grandmother said. It’s very cool; it’s very personal.”…..
Putting those in need in front row
….The same delight was expressed by Lauren Clapper of Philadelphia, whose world was shattered when her daughter Sophie Darr was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in November 2006.
Last month, at the Borgata in Atlantic City, Sophie was on the front row of a concert by her personal idol, Kelly Clarkson of American Idol, surrounded by members of her family.
“Sitting on the front row means that you’re right there, that you’re really, truly living life. And in hard times, that means everything!” her mom said.
Sunday’s Highlights
…Bravo! Chris Daughtry may not have won “American Idol,” but he and his band, Daughtry, are among the leading nominees in the 2007 American Music Awards (8 p.m. ABC). Jimmy Kimmel returns to host the annual awards at the Nokia Theatre. Alicia Keys, Avril Lavigne, Nicole Scherzinger, Celine Dion, Daughtry, Fergie, will.i.am, Maroon 5, Chris Brown, Duran Duran and Rihanna are scheduled to perform….
Deaf student still aims at music career
While he can hear only extremely loud noises and communicates by means of typing on a computer, Vichay Phommachan recently took advantage of an opportunity to fulfill his dream to be the next American Idol……..
……Because Phommachan is unable to communicate verbally, his singing style during the 30-second audition consisted of him interpreting the lyrics of the song through sign language. Describing the process as “singing hands,” Phommachan used no background music in his performance and performed the song in silence before the judges.
Phommachan was given one of the golden tickets, which indicates a contestant is eligible to go to the next round.
“The judge never really told me anything about my performance,” Phommachan said. “He just told me, ‘Congratulations’ and gave me a golden ticket.’”
The second round of auditions, which occurred Oct. 3 at the Qwest Center, proved more intense for Phommachan as he was asked to memorize and sing the lyrics to the song “Stuck in the Middle With You,” by Stealers Wheel.
Along with not having an interpreter to sign the instructions to him, Phommachan said, his difficulty reading the English lyrics to the song and spotlights shining in his eyes led him to not be chosen to advance to the third round……
Centennial Spectacular: Grand stage shows off Oklahoma’s most talented
….The excitement of the crowd of more than 12,200 was apparent as people screamed for their favorite performers and waved iridescent pompoms. Some of the loudest cheers went to “American Idol” Carrie Underwood, who belted her song “I Ain’t in Checotah Anymore.”
“This is like one of the first really big things that I’ve been a part of since all the goodness has come into my life and I’m glad to be with all the wonderful people that are here,” she said at the press conference…..
‘Idol’ contestant to perform at Lighting on the Square
….At the Lighting of the Square, Gravette native and former “ American Idol” contestant Patrick Hall will perform. Mayor Bob Mc-Caslin will turn on the voltage for the city’s “ gazillion mega-kilowatts of light” to kick off the holiday season in Bentonville….
Jordin Sparks
JORDIN SPARKS
With an all-star team of writer/ producers (Stargate, the Underdogs), 17-year-old “American Idol” champ Jordin Sparks gets a first effort that’s all over the map—and works. The best news about “Jordin Sparks” is that nobody’s trying to mold her into a fly ho or a torchy diva; these 13 songs sound like exactly what she should be singing at this age and juncture in her career. The overall effect is sophisticated teen pop marked by innocent good cheer and harmony-laden vocal arrangements, although the synthesizer and drum machine-dominated tracks work better in some cases (”Tattoo,” “One Step at a Time,” “Now You Tell Me”) than in others (”Shy Boy,” “Young and in Love”). “No Air,” Sparks’ duet with Chris Brown, has plenty of hit potential, while “Now You Tell Me,” with its swelling arrangement and muscular chorus, is the album’s gem.
If you’re stumped, take note of holiday music
….For the “American Idol” lover in every house:
“Sounds of the Season,” Elliott Yamin. Last year’s third-place finisher delivers “Little Drummer Boy” and “The Christmas Song” in his gritty, R&B style. Don’t miss “Let’s Be Naughty (And Save Santa the Trip)” and “Warm Me Up.”
“Christmas Joy EP,” Mandisa: Last year’s ninth-place finalist releases a short collection containing a few standbys and the original track “Christmas Makes Me Cry.” ….
‘Idol’ stars en route
Two ex-finalists to play Salinas
This year, Monterey County residents can celebrate the Christmas spirit with not one - but two - past finalists of the hit Fox show “American Idol.”
R&B and gospel singers Mandisa and George Huff will headline the third annual “Christmas on Main Street” show Dec. 7 through 9 and 14 through 16 at the First Presbyterian Church, 1044 South Main St., Salinas……..
Givens, Studdard star in ‘Heaven I Need a Hug’
Civic Center Theater hosts story of redemption
A story of redemption and new beginnings, “Heaven I Need a Hug” opens at 8 p.m. Friday at the Civic Center Theater.
Starring actress Robin Givens and “American Idol” winner Ruben Studdard, the gospel-musical stage play is the story of a championship boxer who tries to save his marriage, his family and his future…….
Tonight’s all about them — remember that
Another week, another music awards show. Yeesh…..
….For the first time, the public selected the winners via online voting — shades of American Idol — on the Web site ama.abc.com (the nominees are chosen based upon retail data). Leading the pack in 2007 are Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, Linkin Park and Daughtry, each with three nominations…..
…..True, the categories are plentiful and do a remarkably thorough job of encompassing most forms of popular music, including adult contemporary and even inspirational. It’s always commendable when awards show are inclusive, but ultimately, why should you care about the AMAs?
I can’t think of a reason. Truthfully, on the occasions I’ve found myself watching the AMAs, it’s seemed like an excuse for a bunch of chart-topping performers to have three hours of TV time, rather than anything resembling a decorous ceremony honoring the best, subjectively speaking, that popular music has to offer (but then you could say that about everything from the Golden Globes to the Kids’ Choice Awards)……
Fan group prepares for ‘Idol’ star’s local show
Gerry Fults unravels a long white banner as Jeanoma Babcock secures the other end.
She finds the edge nearly halfway across Lula’s Café exposing the large black capital letters: “CLAY: WE CAME FOR THE VOICE WE STAYED FOR THE MAN”
“We made this for the Merrillville concert last year,” Fults explains.
It’s been nearly four years since the object of their affection, Clay Aiken, was runner-up on the Fox singing competition “American Idol,” but for these self-confessed fanatics, the fervor hasn’t waned………..
Far from idle
IT’S been a busy year for American Idol with the live tour featuring this year’s finalists and so many things happening with previous Idol contestants.
Auditions for next season have taken place and you can view pictures of what took place at the official Idol site (americanidol.com/ photos/view/?set=202). The new season – Season Seven – is scheduled to begin next January (that’s Jan 16 and will be aired live over Star World)
Meanwhile, some Idols who have been making waves are:
American Christmas
I’m Joe Cannizzaro, Executive Producer,these are the songs and artists for: AMERICAN CHRISTMAS The Christmas Song - JASMINE TRIAS Winter Wonderland - ALEXIS STONE LOPEZ Silent Night - FRENCHIE DAVIS Jingle Bell Rock - PERLA O’Holy Night - THE MAYNARD TRIPLETS Grown Up Christmas List - AYLA BROWN Santa Baby - LISA LEUSCHNER White Christmas - RJ HELTON All I Want For Christmas Is You - NIKKI McKIBBIN I’ll Be Home For Christmas - LISA LEUSCHNER Rockin Around The Christmas Tree - AYLA BROWN O Holy Night - RJ HELTON Alone With The Christmas Lights - NIKKI McKIBBIN……….
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I saw over at TWOP where one of Blake’s band members posted a bulletin on myspace that hints at some of the promo they’ll be doing…AOL Sessions, talk shows, and New Year’s in Times Square. He talked a little about their music video shoot too and said it was all shot in greenscreen.
Blake is getting the same promo they gave Daughtry last year. That shows good support from Clive.I guess they think lightining might strike twice. I just don’t think Blake has anywhere near the fan base Daughtry had from the show. Blake’s fans seem younger and might not like his new music. Chris gave his fans exactly what they wanted. We’ll see.
The size of the AI fanbase only matters in the beginning. The Idols have to expand on that to be successful.
I think Blake has more older fans than you might think. I remember lots of comments early on that Chris fans were all teens and tweens and that turned out not to be true. I think a lot of people like me who don’t even like beatboxing ended up loving Blake on the show. I’m open to pretty much anything he wants to try and will give it a chance. I hope he does get a similar promotion to Chris.
Blake’s “younger” fans won’t like his top 40 friendly music that’s reminiscient of other top 40 hits - specifically Justin Timberlake, Robin Thicke, Maroon 5 that they eat up like candy? Oooooooookay.
Couldn’t have said it any better.
So she was already being introduced to material for her album before she even won the show? According to Jordin on the tour, her great-grandmother passed away during top 7 week, when she sang “A Broken Wing”.
Dial back the sarcasm please. Everyone is entitled to an opinion. :).
Jordin’s CD was given a D grade in the Washington Post’s “Sunday Source” today. It is called “horrendous,” “utterly banal,” “corny,” “forgettable,” and “dreck.”
They do at least acknowledge her “generous voice” and suggest that it is wasted. They picked “Shy Boy” as the best song.
Sorry, MJ.
Most of the reviews I’ve seen have picked that song as one of the best ones, if not “the” best. I read EW’s review this morning (my roommate gets the mag), and they gave it a B, saying to download “Shy Boy”. Future single, I’m guessing.
I hate “Shy Boy.”
I really like “Now You Tell Me” though, and “No Air.”
I was cconfused on this one too - although I remember her mentioning another sick grand something (I’m not being snide - just don’t remember exactly who) in NH. Could it be this person? Or maybe folks really were sending her songs already - song writers can think ahead, too, I guess. Interesting on the reviews - a little different from the Washingto Post to Rolling Stone. Although to me the text of the RS review didn’t seem to match the stars.
My prediction - Blake outsells Jordin… we’ll see.
Jordin lost another great grandmother after the season ended.
I think Blake MIGHT outsell Jordin- but it is a big might. They are both going to have it pretty tough. She does a have top 20 hit which might help her- but they’ve already released the song to Itunes which might slow down album sales. She will have Black Friday sales so I think she’ll have at least one or two really strong weeks. And top 40 seems receptive to her first single.
Blake will sell huge to his fans for a few weeks leading up to Christmas- but his release date is awful late in the holiday shopping game– and well January sucks to try and sell CD’s. It’s too early to see how receptive radio will be to him but if he gets good play he should have a good shot.
I think he will have a little harder time initially picking up new fans because his music is so different than the generic top 40 stuff saturating the market right now.
I think it will be a coin toss.
I’m not buying either album but I wish them both the best.
This is the first season where I’m not buying any album from the show- kind of different- I wonder how many other fans will be the same?