Today’s Idol headlines after the jump…
Dreams come true for Blake Lewis on ‘Daydream’
When beatboxing “American Idol” runner-up Blake Lewis was a struggling musician, he claims he penned in a journal that the only person with whom he would work is record mogul Clive Davis.
Well, his aspirations came true. Davis signed Lewis to his 19 Recordings imprint after seeing the Washington state native on the sixth season of “American Idol.”
“It’s such an amazing experience to work with Clive,” Lewis said in an interview with LiveDaily. “What a nice man to let me be a part of his record label. He let me do what I wanted on this record. It was a pretty amazing experience.” ………
Daughtry can’t shake his ‘Idol’ persona
…..He knows darn well that “Daughtry” wouldn’t have sold more than 3 million albums or won those three People’s Choice Awards without the “American Idol” fans. (And he placed his intense version of Johnny Cash’s “Walk the Line” that earned so much praise on Idol in the middle of the show to pay homage.)
But still, there’s that yearning in his soul for something tougher - say, the reaction Guns N’ Roses would get for “Paradise City,” his rollicking cover for the night.
And that makes Daughtry appear a tad needy on stage, challenging the crowd to make noise and really get into it…..
Britney Spears, Sanjaya Malakar Among 2007 Biggest Trainwrecks
….Britney had 25% more of the vote than her hand picked AOL competitors at press time. Another trainwreck was American Idol tone deaf contestant, Sanjaya Malakar, though most seem to have forgotten him as he’s only gotten 5% of the vote compared to Britney’s 25%…..
‘Idol’ charity event returns
2nd edition of fund-raiser to air April 9
“American Idol” is giving more back.
The smash talent competish is prepping a second edition of its “Idol Gives Back” fund-raiser, which will air April 9 at 8 p.m.
Two-hour event will include performances and appearances by stars and artists yet to be named.
Last year’s “Idol Gives Back” raised $75 million for charities in the U.S. and Africa. Funds went to domestic medical care, groceries and literacy programs for underprivileged children; the Africa funds went to orgs that handle health and education programs……..
OMG! Blake Lewis is coming in 10 days!
Tickets go on sale, like, tomorrow
….The concert, which Lewis said will be “funky good times,” is at the Showbox at the Market, 1426 1st Ave., Seattle.
Not familiar with Lewis’ music? Well, if you’re looking for a way to torture a small mammal, try playing his song “My MySpace, feat. the Sampler,” which includes the phrase “holy molasses” and sounds like it was sung by Adam Sandler.
That odd tune aside, his album has been faring OK with some critics, and seems to be doing even better with fans. While I haven’t seen official sales statistics, “Audio Day Dream” has been hanging out in the iTunes top 10 for a week — not too shabby.
Idol finalist Phil Stacey records CD
American Idol season 6 finalist Phil Stacey went into the studio with producer Wayne Kirkpatrick (Little Big Town) to record music for his debut for Lyric Street Records.
At last season’s American Idol, Stacey received national attention. He sang country hits “Where The Blacktop Ends,” “The Change” and “I Need You.” ……..
PAULA JOINS RANDY FOR NEW SINGLE: ‘Idol’ judges team for track on Jackson’s upcoming compilation album.
…..The album is due for release in a couple of weeks, to coincide with the start of the new season of “American Idol.”
Meanwhile, Abdul is said to be currently recording a studio album of her own, reports E! Online. The CD will be her first since 1995’s “Head Over Heels.”
Blake Lewis celebrates new album with a hometown show
Bothell beatboxer extraordinaire Blake Lewis, runner-up on the sixth season of “American Idol,” celebrates the release of his new album, “Audio Day Dream,” with a show Dec. 20 at Showbox at the Market.
Sharing the bill are The Mob Law and Doxology. Tickets are $15, and doors open at 8 p.m. All ages are welcome.
Lewis had been trying to set up a Seattle release party when I did an interview with him earlier this month. The album arrived in stores Dec. 4 via Arista Records’ 19 Recordings label.
“The record label isn’t really paying for me to have a record release party, so I’m like, ‘Forget that, I’ve gotta do one myself,’ ” Lewis said………
HOLLYWOOD PRIVACYWATCH
….At LaLa’s on Melrose Saturday night (12/8) and who should boisterously enter and sit down at the table next to us? American Idol runner-up Blake Lewis, of course. He acted as though he really wanted to be recognized. However, I saw no fan approaches. Sorry Blake, maybe you’ll read this and feel better….
De-Constructing the Failure of ‘The Next Great American Band’
Much has been made about the poor ratings received by The Next Great American Band. When the idea for American Band was first announced near the tail end of last season’s American Idol, the potential seemed limitless. The Idol team could do no wrong. You had Idol, So You Think You Can Dance and America’s Got Talent – all big hits in their own right. If it worked with singing, a talent show, and dancing, why wouldn’t it work with bands? Then, prior to the beginning of the Fall TV season, FOX announced the time slot for The Next Great American Band: Fridays at 8pm. Fridays are where TV shows go to die. Why would FOX place a big event show by the creators of TV’s biggest hit (American Idol) in the worst possible time slot?………..
FANTASIA’S ‘PURPLE’ FLU
STAR’S ABSENCES BREAK FANS’ HEARTS
THE Broadway attendance police are on patrol, and this time we’re giving out detention to - Fanta sia.
Since summer, the occasional star of “The Color Purple” has missed nearly 50 performances, production sources say. Following a three-week vacation caused by the strike, she dropped last Friday’s performance, causing pandemonium in the lobby of the Broadway Theatre.
An 8-year-old girl sobbed uncontrollably when she heard Fantasia was not going to be in the show.
“It was very sad,” my lobby spy reports. “Her mother was trying to explain to her that Fantasia was sick, but the girl didn’t understand and just kept crying.”
A couple who had tickets that night asked the man at the box office how many performances Fantasia has missed.
“Fifty,” he sighed.
“Fifty!” exclaimed the woman, startling everybody on the refund line………
iTunes names top-sellers
Maroon 5 and Fergie hold the top spots on iTunes’ year-end sales roundup.
The market leading online music store released its top-selling albums and singles, while declining to release actual sales figures.
Maroon 5’s sophomore album, “It Won’t Be Soon Before Long,” was the Number-1 seller on the site, followed by Amy Winehouse’s “Back to Black” and Kanye West’s “Graduation.”
Rounding out the top five best-selling albums were “American Idol” alum Chris Daughtry’s band’s self-titled debut, “Daughtry,” and “Coco” by newcomer Colbie Caillat, who has the hit “Bubbly.”……..
LIMELIGHT EXTRA! A heads-up for coming events.
….IDOL SPEED: American Idol contestant and rising country-music star Bucky Covington rides in for a show with High Speed Rodeo at 8 p.m…..
Clay molds nicely to life’s offerings
“Idol” Clay Aiken takes all in stride with Christmas show tonight at State Theatre
….The “American Idol” runner-up may be enjoying things so much because he’s carved out a niche for himself.
The revenge of the wholesome might be the best way to put it. He’s like the kid who was in high school plays but never hip enough to become the star. Aiken has become Opie in an era of Britney.
And over the phone he seems, well, Opie-style nice. He has good Southern manners. There’s no pretense at trying to be cool. Maybe at this point being anti-cool is the new cool?….
AOL Unveils Top Searches for 2007
….Top TV Shows: Idol’s not budging
Reality TV shows, “American Idol” (no. 1); “Dancing With the Stars” (no. 2); and “Deal or No Deal” (no. 3) snagged the top three positions for the second straight year, followed by “The View” (no.4); and “Hannah Montana” (no. 5)….
Underwood Celebrates No. 1 Hit
Country music star Carrie Underwood celebrated another No. 1 hit Tuesday in Nashville.
She attended the No. 1 party at BMI for “So Small”, her first co-written single and fifth country to top the charts.
“It definitely made me feel more in the music,” she said. ‘I get to sing something that I had a hand in writing and it makes it more believable and it makes it more heartfelt.”………
The top pop-culture moments of 2007
From the ‘Sopranos’ to Don Imus, there were many talk-worthy moments
….January
T.S. Eliot may have said April is the cruelest month, but that was before “American Idol.” In 2007 January is pretty cruel, for this is when the “Idol” judges sink to their snarkiest behavior ever, calling contestants names, laughing behind their backs, insulting their looks. The worst moment: Simon Cowell tells a stunned young man at Seattle tryouts, Kenneth Briggs, that he resembles a “bush baby.” (Of course, Briggs is awarded a guest appearance on the finale.)….
GIFTS FOR … the TV junkie
….“Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul” (HCI, $14.95) features inspirational - or sappy, depending on your point of view - stories from a legion of famous “Idol” contestants and also-rans. Look at it this way: Your holiday shopping isn’t complete without one gag gift.
Americans Choose Designated Drivers … Sing ‘I’m Your Vehicle, Baby’
….To recognize their great support of this life-saving practice, Anheuser- Busch is taking to the airwaves with a remake of the popular Ides of March song “Vehicle.” First released in 1970, the song, popularized more recently when American Idol’s Bo Bice sang it as part of the televised talent competition, will air on local radio stations throughout the country. Anheuser-Busch’s remake salutes America’s designated drivers who have been a “Bud” for their friends and families by getting everyone home safely….
12/15: Alice Cooper’s Christmas Pudding
The first time Jordin Sparks did Alice Cooper’s Christmas Pudding, Cooper took the Proof Is in the Pudding contest winner to the side and offered some friendly advice.
“I said, ‘You know, you really ought to try that American Idol thing,’ ” he recalls, with a laugh.
Three years later, the youngest American Idol winner ever is back with Flo and Eddie of the Turtles; several members of Chicago; Cooper’s dancing wife, Sheryl; and more in the annual rock and roll benefit for Cooper’s Solid Rock Foundation.
“It’s a real pudding,” he says, “a real mish-mish of things going on. We’ve got country, rock, Jordin Sparks, comedy, dance. And you actually get pudding.”……
CARRIE UNDERWOOD, MILEY CYRUS AND THE JONAS BROTHERS TO PERFORM LIVE FROM TIMES SQUARE ON “DICK CLARK’S NEW YEAR’S ROCKIN’ EVE 2008,” DECEMBER 31 ON THE ABC TELEVISION NETWORK
….Country Music’s hottest performer, Carrie Underwood, TV & recording star Miley Cyrus and teen sensations the Jonas Brothers will rock in the New Year with live performances from Times Square during “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve 2008,” airing MONDAY, DECEMBER 31 on the ABC Television Network…..
CMT Boosts Vote Count For ‘Music City Madness’
4 Million Votes Cast Online in User-Generated Talent Search
….Last year, a similar “Music City Madness” competition drew 1.2 million votes, according to CMT. This year’s online competition expanded to include a CMT TV special hosted by American Idol finalist Bucky Covington….
New Tunes Tuesday #13
….This week there aren’t any stand-outs or even anything that should be featured. A few Christmas singles were released - most notably, Katharine McPhee’s “O Come All Ye Faithful,” and Maroon 5’s “Happy Xmas (War is Over”). But, even those singles were unfortunately unimpressive and ultimately boring….
Related Posts
If Fantasia missed that many Broadway shows…she won’t be invited to audition for other Broadway shows….Broadway producers take notice of those type of things, it’s all about the money….but I read that she has agreed to continue the show until the Spring–wonder why? Shouldn’t she be recording a new CD right about now and touring?
“Sources say Fantasia’s out a lot because she’s simply not up to the grueling Broadway schedule.”
Wow. I did have a scoop on Idol Gives Back (pats self on back). To be honest, it’s a great gesture on their part but I’d be just as happy if they didn’t do it again.
I guess that the Emmy bait worked last year, so why not try it again? They better update us on what they did with the money. I wonder what Simon will be shocked by next time? Everybody in America doesn’t have their own maid?
I can’t help but notice that, yet again, the show will be airing on a Wednesday. Does that mean no-bootee, because I don’t like that. It’s nice that somebody gets to live for another week, it’s not nice that they combine the vote totals. Plus, how are they going to string us along all night? Do they think we will fall for the fake boot thing two years in a row? Or are they going to ruin their charity night by booting somebody. Please have the booting on another night.
In other news, which dead musician will they digitally resurrect this time?
English Translation: Blake isn’t getting any label support.
Also, wasn’t his “headlining” the radio concert at the Tacoma Dome touted as his “record release party”? Okay, that didn’t go all that well (didn’t get to play last, didn’t get to play the longest and most of the kiddies had already gone home), so maybe they are trying again?
Colour me confused about what his promo department is up to. Has anybody seen the Crack Marketing Team from last year?
Isn’t Blake with Arista, too? Same guys I guess.
American Idol it worked last year why not this year and on the plus side it raise money . Why do I see former idols or judges in a different country helping out and celeberties or idols reading a cu card?A really set up kind of way. I really do not want to see any from season 5 on this regular season 7 maybe it just reminds how the messed season 6 u by not getting the number 2 or 1 person on.
Season 5 the grest singer ever it is diferent opinions .The contestant being the nicest ever like a disney flick with birds landing on them.This is tiring I am sure thier nice but do you really know them or what happens back stage?What American Idol or other want you to think ?Thier human they goof up too.
Fantasia has always been just plain lazy. Guess habits die hard. (JMO!)
I’ve added a couple more headlines.
I wonder…with Fantasia out, who acts as her replacement. I have a proposal (if you won’t mind)… someone who can arguably outsing her ( albeit with less passion) — one of American Idol’s greatest vocalists — Latoya London.
I saw “London” on stage in TCP in Chicago where she played Nettie. Wonderful singer, good stage actress. But really, really tiny.
In other news, which dead musician will they digitally resurrect this time?
Hendricks
Nola, I’ll opt for John Lennon
If they HAVE to do the idol charity thing again (ugh!), then I am begging them NOT to roll the votes over to the next week.
Why am I so cynical about American Idol that I, even now before the season has started, believe that they are doing the idol charity show so they CAN roll the two week vote total together — which allows them to play with the numbers again and evict whoever they want to with at least a “little cover.”
Wow, those conspiracy theories just never leave my head where the AI PTP are concerned. Is there a cure for this?
Just a thought… If Idol wants that Emmy so bad, wouldn’t they fare better in the Musical/Comedy Special category (ie. airing another night than elimination night) rather than the category that pits them against The Amazing Race? Just a thought…
t2–have no idea why AI wants to do the things they want with “Idol Gives Back”. But would bet you my nest year’s paychecks their motives are totally self-serving.
Why do you think she’s lazy? I’ve never heard that particular complaint before. Just curious. I don’t really follow career her that closely though.
Anyway, looks like Blake is getting the old shaft, huh? That’s kind of a shame, I like his record. It’s pretty radio-friendly IMO. Sometimes I wonder what goes on in these record people’s minds.
tinawina–watch Fantasia’s made-for-tv life story. It does have its distortions, but her lack of inspiration/work ethics were pretty clear to me. I found her lazy…
I found a clip of a Chris Richardson song on youtube, this was from when he was down in Florida working with ill factor.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3I2z27WD_1s&NR=1
Raising money is all good, but I’d rather they keep Idol Gives Back very, very separate from the competition. Last season, the enormity of it all just swallowed up the contestants, even when they did their actual singing for that week.
Speaking of charity, here’s the latest bulletin from HighRollers with Heart:
Thanks to YOU – Highrollers with Heart has so far raised over $130,000 for the new Family Hospitality Suite at Children’s. Here’s the plaque they have put up at the entrance to the suite:
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee275/technonovice/AcesPlaque002.jpg
Children’s Hospital says:
Thanks to Ace and his loyal friends, our families’ needs are well taken care of by the wonderful amenities provided in the Family Hospitality Suite (6 rooms with private baths, laundry and kitchen facilities, as well as two sitting rooms). The Children’s Hospital is and will always be forever grateful to Ace and HRwH for making this dream come true!”
HRwH was originally scheduled to wrap up on 12/31/07. But thanks to your incredible generosity, and because Ace has so many exciting things coming up in the New Year (a Grammy nomination, a gruesome guest role on Fox’s hit crime drama, Bones, a single and a CD coming your way soon), some aspects of Highrollers with Heart will continue on into the New Year. HRwH is hard at work right now with both Ace and TCH to iron these details out, and we’ll get them to you as soon as they are confirmed.
That said, this month is our last regularly scheduled auction. Ace wants to wind this part of the campaign up with a serious BLAST… so look for our December auction to happen several days later than usual, and to feature some fan-made works of art, some previously very popular auction items, and … A DOZEN OR MORE SHIRTS!
Details to follow ASAP.
For now, remember that hospital volunteers are busy filling calendar orders. Watch your mailboxes! If you haven’t ordered yet, it’s not too late. Order online at http://highrollerswithheart.org/Calendar.html Proceeds benefit The Children’s Hospital, Denver.
ALSO: Ace WILL be hand-delivering the Jags to the kids in the hospital on Christmas Day. We’ll get pictures up as soon as we have them!
To my knowledge, it was not touted as such. I don’t think radio Christmas concerts can be considered “record release parties.” I don’t think it’s a big deal that he’s organizing it himself. Probably doing it for the fans and the other Seattle bands that will be opening for him. I don’t remember Daughtry, Taylor or Jordin (or any other Idols, for that matter) having label-sponsored record release parties. Anyone remember? I did a quick google search and didn’t come up with much more than a Limbo cd-release party.
That said, I am a bit concerned about the lack of major market radio play.
Thanks. I hope something good comes of it for Roundhead. :)
Okay, I’m off since I killed the thread earlier with the Ace news.
Janerazor: Agree - they should have it on a different night separate from the contest.
Chrissy: I didn’t see the Fantasia story, so can you elaborate?
If laziness means she doesn’t tour (compared to Elliot, Clay, et al), then yeh, she is lazy…because if you want to make that money you must tour. Record sales don’t wholly pay the bills.
LOL PJ - I was going to come on here earlier and accuse you of that, but I like you too much.
Clay Aiken’s fans threw him about 80 CD release parties around the world, the majority were in the US of course. RCA would not get involved in any sort of official capacity. It had to be a grassroots effort. They did provide some posters for each party but that was all they would do.
Thanks for the Chris Rich Youtube.. I don’t even care if he ever comes out with an album, he could just tour locally and I would be happy..I just want to see him in person again.. he is such a charismatic cutie pie!!
That clip reminded me of Timbaland and JT but its ok cause I have all of their albums too. As long as I can look at him and hear him and he makes some money..I’m a happy camper!