Today’s Idol headlines after the jump…
Music Review
Audio Day Dream (2007)
Blake Lewis
At the end of American Idol’s sixth season, Blake Lewis did the impossible: He advanced to the final two on the strength of something other than a singing voice. Millions of viewers cottoned to his beatboxing, insisting he was the Spark-plug of the season — but it remained to be seen, till now, if the pop world would be nearly as novelty tolerant.
Lewis’ first album, Audio Day Dream, drops just two weeks after the debut from Jordin Sparks, and he knows better than to compete with the season 6 winner on her sonorous turf. Still, while most of Lewis’ tracks begin or end with a sputtering smattering of simulated vocal percussion — on top of a half-dozen interludes of the ‘boxing s-s-st-st-stuff — the remaining 90 percent of the CD finds him trying to do what he doesn’t do best: sing…………
‘Black Nativity’ gives Christmas back its soul
…When the curtain rises on “Black Nativity,” Recchi — along with members of Wright’s choir, other Seattle-area vocalists who auditioned and even three former “American Idol” contestants who have cameos — will sing for joy and blessings….
American Idol season seven hype begins
It’s not even December, and American Idol’s seventh season is still a month and a half away — but the hype has already begun. According to an interview with Extra, the American Idol judges - Simon, Paula, and Randy — are in agreement: This is going to be the BEST SEASON EVER!!.
Last year, as you may recall, season six was often slammed by fans and critics as the WORST SEASON EVER. Who could forget Sanjaya? Oh wait, we did. His 15 minutes of fame only lasted 12.5 minutes. But for all of our Sanjaya-bashing, at least he kept things interesting in an otherwise bland and uninspiring year. Seriously, does anyone even care that Jordin Sparks just released her debut album?……….
Cowell sings American Idol praises
….”I’ve been telling people that this is a season that no-one’s going to want to miss,” she said. “There are so many stars that, I think, when you get down to 12 possible contenders for record deals, it’s going to be unbelievable.”
Jordin Sparks Getting a Real ‘Tattoo’
….And while she doesn’t need her permission, Sparks’ mother OK’d the tat, saying, “I’ll go get one with you when you’re 18.”
Help is on the Way for the Holidays IX
Kick-off your holidays at this star-studded holiday benefit concert benefiting Meals of Marin and Positive Resource Center. The Richmond/Ermet AIDS Foundation presents stars from stage, screen and the recording industry in a seasonal celebration for everyone. Cast includes “American Idol” stars La Toya London, Justin Guarini and Anthony Fedorov, pop icon Mary Wilson (The Supremes), Broadway stars Jeannette Bayardelle, Michelle Williams (The Color Purple), Sally Struthers, Carole Cook, Bay Area favorites Wesla Whitfield, Meg Mackay, Sony Holland, Tim Hockenberry, Shawn Ryan and more……..
Serena Williams to play for charity in Norfolk
Professional tennis players James Blake, Serena Williams, Mardy Fish and Tatiana Golovin will play in a mixed doubles tournament in Norfolk to benefit cancer research.
The AnthemLIVE! event will begin at 7 p.m. on Dec. 6 at the Ted Constant Center. R&B legend Gloria Gaynor, responsible for the hit “I Will Survive,” and “American Idol” alum Elliott Yamin will perform during the fundraiser……..
‘American Idol’ Update: What Happened To Former Favorites?
Thousands of people audition in hopes of becoming the next American Idol, but only one person can be crowned the new king or queen of the stage.
Once the show is over and the Idol tour has come to an end, many fans wonder what past contestants are up to since being eliminated from the show. Check out what some of Idol’s wannabes are doing now:
13 Questions With Kellie Pickler
The American Idol star talks about boys, boredom and blind dates.
Besides touring with Brad Paisley and Rascal Flatts, Kellie Pickler—a fifth-season finalist on the mega-popular American Idol—is on a roll. She’ll be taking a shot at acting soon when she does a pilot for a sitcom on the Fox network. Her performance of her hit “I Wonder” on the recent CMA Awards show garnered high praise, and now her “Things That Never Cross a Man’s Mind” is climbing the charts. Here’s part of Country Weekly’s interview with Kellie……..
Tats Off to Blake Lewis
Blake Lewis is one tatted-up fool — but would he really get inked down there?
TMZ was with the “American Idol” runner-up as he went to Dr. TATTOFF to get some ink on his back faded out — to make room for a new, larger tattoo. Blake joked about what tats he’d get on his junk — and came up with some interesting ideas.
Our cameras followed him into the doctor’s office and caught Blake doing some signature beat boxing and fielding a call from Jordin Sparks while he was being lasered. Take a look at Blake’s cell though — he has Jordin’s name spelled wrong in his phone book!……
Clay Aiken answers readers’ questions
Leading up to his Dec. 8 concert at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center, former “American Idol” runner-up Clay Aiken spoke with Poughkeepsie Journal reporter Sean T. McMann on Thursday, and the singer answered several questions submitted by readers of the Journal’s “Sean’s Space” blog.
Head over to “Sean’s Space” by clicking on www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/blogs to see which reader-submitted questions Aiken answered Thursday and for more information about his current tour, which includes stops next weekend in Albany, Poughkeepsie and Uncasville, Conn…………
Jordin Sparks Album is No Idol
Is America falling out of love with “American Idol” or just Jordin Sparks? Her self-titled debut album sold only 199,000 copies its first week out, according to industry figures.
That puts her at number 10 on the Billboard album chart. It’s the lowest debut sales week for any “American Idol” winner.
Taylor Hicks’ debut album sold 298,000 copies its first week, putting it at number 2. Carrie Underwood sold 315,000 the first week with her first album and also debuted at number 2.
Polished Aiken doesn’t disappoint faithful fans
Julia Maish stood on the right side of the Morris Performing Arts Center stage recounting one of her most vivid Christmas memories.
It involved a borrowed black dress, a handsome but intoxicated young stranger, an unfortunate fire to said dress, and a bowl of eggnog that doused the flames.
“That was the first time I ever really sizzled,” she said, as Clay Aiken smiled broadly from center stage………
Related Posts
http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2007/11/fantasias-broth.html
….Fantasia’s older brother, Ricco Barrino, who auditioned in Dallas with the gospel standard “A Change Is Gonna Come.” No doubt, talent runs through the Barrino blood (K-Ci and JoJo of Jodeci fame are cousins of Fantasia’s), but sadly for Ricco, his time in the spotlight was brief. The 27-year-old High Point, NC, native was cut after his first call-back.
http://travel-asia-info.blogspot.com/2007/11/malaysia-all-set-for-whitney-houstons.html
MJ/Lisa B - I looked through the headlines and didn’t see this one. If I’ve missed it somehow, I apologize and just go ahead and delete this.
Elliott opening for Whitney in Malaysia. I remember reading an interview with Elliott in Richmond Magazine and he said the first album he ever bought was Whitney Houston. Bet he never thought he’d be on the bill with her!
WOW Lu - that is so GREAT for Elliott!!!
Last night I went by myself against my daughter’s wishes to a kinda unsafe to be alone part of town to a bar to see Bucky perform. I am so glad I went. He sang for an hour and had a ball - very interactive with the crowd - sang into a cellphone for someone, held a 4 or 5 year old child for part of a song, shook many hands all around the stage, got the crowd all wound up (unlike the performer before him as this was a 3 band concert), had the crowd singing along and alone and drinking beers with him! He is such a funny guy - lots of jokes between songs. His twin brother is the drummer and was clowning around too! Since I haven’t seen him since the Idol show, I was impressed at how much he had improved - vocally and stage presence-wise. I am not a big country fan but Bucky is so adorable I just had to go and his songs seem more country rock so I was moving along and having a great time!
It is so great to see all these past Idols doing what they love and with chances they didn’t have before!
Dante, I’m so glad you got to go to that show! I knew you’d been wanting to. I’m glad you had such a good time!
I’d really love to see Bucky perform live… I hope he’ll come to Orlando sometime. :)
Whitney starting a comeback in Maylsia? I thought Clives project would start better..I think it is good “gig” for Elliott . I heard Taylor may go to Asia also I wonder why Elliot,Taylor and Sway do a tour thier. Clive probably would not like that at all for various reasons.(I know would never happen but it would be fun)
Season 7 of it will be the best talented I heard a video of Simon saying the same thing about 5. Who knows maybe they held back some great ones and now we are going to hear them?
Gald you had a good time Dante
Forgot to add that I bought a Bucky magnet - ha ha
$15 for the ticket
$5 parking
$5 magnet
worth every penny!!!!!
That is the first time I have ever gone somewhere like that by myself! Had to mapquest to see where to go. This is part of the journey of being able to fly again I think. Babysteps!
$15 for a ticket
$5 parking
$5 magnet
Going to a Bucky concert —->priceless
Twice pricesless me bugging you and watching Lu dance while at a bucky concert.
Could not resist it at all.
I just have to comment on “this will be the best top 12 ever and they’ll all be signed comments by Simon/Paula/Randy.” American Idol is a contest where the “prize” is that the winner gets a record deal. It is also a Cinderella story where the winner is supposedly some waitress unknown who is magically transformed in the end to superstardom.
Since the talent is so strong for S7 that the top 12 will all be signed I suggest that there is absolutely no reason to vote once your favorite reaches the Top 12. After all, they’re all going to get deals so spending two hours on the phone is pretty stupid. People may choose to vote to keep seeing their favorite on the show but obsessing about it? Why bother? There will be very little difference between finishing 10th and winning. I mean winning gives you better producers/more promo but you get burdened with big expectations.
Idol the show has completely lost its way. What they need to do now is have a party when each person is voted off. No need for tears as they’ll be announcing their record deal very soon. The really smart ones will try to get voted off 3rd or 4th. Much less pressure that way. The only way winning could mean anything is if everyone but the winner had to wait 6-8 months to release their album. But they’ll never do that.
So S7 will be the American Idol variety show but the competition is really over.
jpfan - I think this is the first time I have ever agreed with you, but I agree 100% !
They ruined “winning” in Season 5, completely blew it last year and now are groping with how to rebound. I can’t believe how greedy they are! But it does give people chances and opportunities they wouldn’t get otherwise even if they have to sell their souls.
Dante, I am so glad you took the risk and made it to the bad part of town to see my sweet Buckster. Believe me, I would have flown to KC to join you if I could. Big kudos for going way out of your comfort zone to see him. You’ll be jet setting any day now!
I am going to seem him in Allentown, PA on Friday and in Baltimore the following day for a double dose of Teabiscuit. He has a new, bigger band that includes a very hot female fiddle and mandolin player named Caitlin Evanson who was on a very short lived reality show modeled after Idol called “The One”. I saw her on the GAC Christmas tour last year and was quite impressed.
PS: Loved the video Lu posted of Elliott and the Gecko. He has also made enormous strides as a performer since Idol. He never seems to hit a bad note.
Actually, that USED to be the rule until Season 5. Before that season all the contestants except the runner up had to wait until at least 3 months after the winner’s CD was released to release their own.
Their rules were changed for Daughtry and Pickler in Season 5 and now they will be hard pressed to try and enforce those again.
Then how did George Huff release something for the 2004 Christmas season, less than a month after Fantasia’s cd was released? Do EP’s not count?
Some new boxscores for idols:
Kelly Clarkson
Massey Hall
Toronto, Ontario
Oct. 30, 2007
$62,837
2,567 / 2,567
1 / 1
$50.08, $41.21
Live Nation
MIX 98.5 Mixfest: matchbox twenty, Daughtry, Mat Kearney, Blue October, Colbie Caillat
Agganis Arena
Boston, Mass.
Sept. 28, 2007
$290,215
4,026 / 4,304
1 / 0
$75, $40
MIX 98.5
Elliott Yamin, The Last Goodnight, Josh Hoge
House of Blues
Dallas, Texas
Oct. 18, 2007
$21,303
735 / 1,625
1 / 0
$50, $20
House of Blues/C3 Presents
Elliott Yamin, The Last Goodnight, Josh Hoge
House of Blues
Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
Oct. 28, 2007
$12,566
527 / 2,100
1 / 0
$23.50, $21.50
House of Blues
JP I agree totally and said so in a previous thread. I went and looked at some of the finalists from S7, and boy oh boy, THEY ARE ALL PROFESSIONALS! They have myspace pages, recordings, videos, almost everything to promote themself, and it’s just gotten to the point where AI is no longer for the “little” guy…it’s for the guy/gal who couldn’t get that record contract, who’s reaching age 28/29 (Melinda?) and hasn’t been offered substantial employment in the business…this is their last shot.
I liked it before when they were the hair stylists, the grocery boy (Charles Grigsby), and like that….but these are professionals making it to the finals. Too bad.
About Elliott’s tour numbers — he’s only filling 1/2 the house…maybe he shouldn’t work so hard?
deleted
Elliott like most artist did better in some cities than others. His numbers varied alot but he’s certainly no threat to Daughtry (or Taylor who I assume does well). Elliott is the guy you can listen to on the radio tons of times but may not want to see perform. However, the reviews of the tour I saw (in some big outlets like Houston and DC) were very good. He needed to tour to improve as a performer and hopefully he made some $ doing it.
A season full of professionals who will all get signed for S7? I have a better idea, contact the majors and just let their new artists perform on Idol. Then people can buy their CDs while they’re watching the show. It’ll save that boring wait for the album.
Yahoo News
TAMPA, Fla. - Former “American Idol” finalist Jessica Sierra was jailed early Saturday after a drunken confrontation with police and onlookers, authorities said.
The arrest comes less than two weeks after she pleaded no contest to charges of battery and possession of cocaine.
Sierra, 22, was charged Saturday with disorderly intoxication, resisting arrest and violating conditions of her parole on earlier felony battery and possession charges.
She was being held without bond.
Sierra, who was supposed to be completing a drug-rehabilitation program to be televised nationally, was arrested at a bar in Ybor City at 2:10 a.m. Saturday…..
Wanted to comment on two posts above.
First of all, dante, what a wonderful time for you!! I am really glad to hear you took the plunge. Wish I could see Bucky in concert sometime as I know there would not be anyone leaving without a big smile on his or her face!
jpfan. Well said. I so agree that the show has lost its way. I think a revamping of the whole thing should happen, but I am sure it won’t. There is no putting this genie back in the bottle.
But, of course, I will be there, watching. Never voting again, I am sure, and probably with far more of a cynical attitude than I had prior to Season 6.
Dante, i’m so happy you had fun at your Bucky show! I had fun at mine way back when he first started touring. I bet his band is even tighter now.
So sad about Jessica Sierra. I had hoped her stint in rehab would have helped. I guess I had my doubts about reality show rehab, but it sure didn’t take long, did it? Maybe she’ll eventually get it togetther.
Now, after the bullshit attempt at TV Rehab, she’ll get serious and really try to get sober. For her sake, I hope she does.
I’m sorry to hear about Jessica too. Quite honestly, I’m surprised more former Idol contestants haven’t had similar problems. They have such a heady experience, being on the show, the tour, and all the hoopla, and then, for most, it’s over. Bam… they’re “former Idols” forever. It’s a setup for depression and depression does lead to drinking and drugs for those so disposed. Other than Jessica, Julia DeMato and the infamous Corey Clark, the rest have managed to escape somewhat unscathed, at least as far as we know. I hope she can get it together.
I don’t understand how making Chris wait 3 months to release his album would have helped Taylor. It would have hurt sales for Chris but that’s about it. I think it would have been different if Chris and Kellie Pickler did the same type of music as Taylor. If that were the case, they’d likely have delayed their albums.
There are problems I see with the show but the only ones who seemed to be bothered by it not being winner take all are people here. I doubt the average fan even follows anyone other than their favorites after the show. I’d never know anything if I didn’t check in here since I avoid the fansites.
ouch at the review for Blake on EW…
Oh my.
Blake got a GREAT review from Billboard and LA Times though.
Here is the Billboard one:
Billboard
I just think Blake’s style is a bit polarizing. Some critics will LOVE the album and others will Hate it.
From the clips I’ve heard I think is an awesome record and hope it does well. Only time will tell what will happen.
a song Jordin recorded for her CD but did not make the final cut has leaked . it is called Overcome and a sample was actually featured on her photo shoot clip that came out before the release of the CD.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhJYQyoLL3I
My point is that the winner no matter who it is should have a cd out first out of respect because they won. Yes I know they get a contract so do the other contestants too and they may sell more. Winning should mean something even if it is not yours or american idols choice. American Idol should show them some respect that does not mean not praising others . American Idol wants the winners to be pop ,country or very in I know to make the most money. Paul Potts on AI he would singing something popish instead he right now is classicle his confort zone.
Right, so no need to repost reviews that have been posted already. Blake will get good and bad reviews. No need to be repetitive. Thanks.
Why does this always turn into Taylor vs Chris? I didn’t feel that was the tone today at all.
And for what it is worth, my coworkers who watched up through Season 5 and voted (most were Taylor and Chris fans but not all) lost interest last year. I used to love to go into our lounge on Idol show days to hear what people thought, but I was the only one who cared this last year. The show was boring and people quit watching. The talent was there but TPTB were too busy promoting themselves and their guests.
ETA - I seem to have forgotten how to quote - sorry
Oh, sorry mj.
I did not know that review was posted before.
Eh, could we PLEASE avoid making these kinds of blanket statements?
Exactly, but now you’ve kinda brought it up. And now I’m ending it.
BTW, the comments in the past week or so have been really awesome to read. Let’s keep the conversation interesting and leave the personal stuff aside.
Thank you.
Where have all the fact checkers gone? It’s not that hard. Check the copy before it goes out….119K!
Sarah: I don’t know about George Huff’s EP and if it counted.
I just know that during Season 5 MJ had an article posted here and it was an interview with one of the producers of the show in which it stated that the other finalists (sans winner and runner up) had to wait three months after the winners’ release.
I really do believe there ought to be a lone prize for the winner- why win if you can go out 2-6th and get the same perks without the restrictive contracts and the intense media scrutiny?
Here’s the Target commercial for Audio Day Dream (thanks to Laura at Team Plaid!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MblTSQ6FBY
I just checked in this thread, so I hope it’s not posted elsewhere.
I really do believe there ought to be a lone prize for the winner- why win if you can go out 2-6th and get the same perks without the restrictive contracts and the intense media scrutiny?
Oops. My quote didn’t work. The top part was supposed to be a quote, and the bottom was my response.
Shabby:
I’m not saying none of the other contestants shouldn’t get a contract.
I’m just saying that there ought to be some reward for actually winning. I mean it has to suck to work so hard to win the contest and than see the 6th, 4th, 3rd, and 2nd place contestants get the exact same prize as you along with better promotion and more support from the label. Not to mention the fact that the 6th and 4th place contestants even get to release BEFORE you.
No wonder the contestants are no longer in it to win it. They want the exposure and could care less about the actual prize. JMO.
Of course all the contestants should be allowed to use their Idol exposure to build their career- I think they just need to sweeten the pot for the winner so it gives them all something to actually care about winning for. Whether that pot sweetner is a chance to release first, a bigger contract, better promotion than the non-winners, a seperate cash prize- they need to do something.
I do think the 2nd place contestant should also get something more than places 3-12 for making it to the finale- but I don’t think they should get quite as much as the winner.
xoxoyc - I agree COMPLETELY with you on your above post!
Of course the show wants to sign the people they think will make lots of money for them…but I agree the winner should get something more as should the runner up. Of course they keep alot of the stuff secret, but supposedly on the AI Tour, the top 10 are paid for for the higher they place, but it needs to be more than that IMO.
It will be interesting to see if the coming up Idol show ignores the winner and runner up from 2007 like they did last year!!!
If Jordin has hits off the album, she’ll def be on the show. Maybe she can do her duet with Chris Brown. Not sure about Blake.
The show is losing the emotional appeal it had when it was more “winner take all.” I felt sad when people left because most really did disappear. If everyone is just there for the exposure, the show has lost its “wow.” This is a major problem and I wonder if S7 can resolve it. I think the mass signings S5 and allowing 4 and 6 to release albums first has kind of destroyed the show. This has nothing to do with the actual winner as I was a fan of Chris not Taylor. It’s purely about the structure of the television show.
Self promotion is hard work. Based on the interviews he’s given, I don’t think he’d want it any other way. He really seems to love performing in front of a live audience and has said that he’s committed to working hard so he can kep doing it.
Sorry, MJ. I really wasn’t trying to make it a Chris v Taylor thing. I just can’t see where the winner or the show is hurt by others getting contracts and that happens to be the last show that we have any info on. It’s too soon to tell on season 6.