Idol Talent Search Unearths the Good, Bad and Scary - by Ayla Brown
It is going to be another interesting year on Fox’s “American Idol.”
As expected, there were multiple train wrecks on last week’s season opener. What would the show be without them? I know I wouldn’t watch. “American Idol” is all about sifting through the good, the bad and the ugly as it searches for its next superstar.
Season seven looks like it will be just like any other. Let’s hope that the contestants bring more to the table than last year’s performers. If not, the show risks losing more viewers.
Let’s talk about ‘Idol’ spoilers
Support for this contestant, who hasn’t even made a blip on the radars of the 30 million fans whose viewing consists solely of watching Idol on TV, is so strong on some message boards that a Cardin backlash has already begun. An alleged contestant who hasn’t appeared on national TV, hasn’t had to deal with an awkwardly incompatible theme night, hasn’t faced the week-to-week scrutiny of the judges is already facing fierce debate on whether or not she’s overrated.
American Idol has become a little weird.
Changes on way for seventh season of ‘American Idol’
As we look back on last season’s “American Idol” — excuse us while we yawn at the thought of Sanjaya’s hair — the one thing it did best was bore us. And not just us. Celebrity “mentor” Gwen Stefani acted like she’d have rather been working the checkout line at Target.
Even “Idol” producers admit that they lost their focus in the glare of Phil Stacey’s bald head. So they’ve made some changes for the seventh season, which began last week.
This season, “Idol” will go back to having fewer “mentors” and give us more up-close-and-personal time with contestants. And, at least in the audition phases, the wanna-be superstars are being allowed to play instruments as they warble.
‘American Idol’ Boot Camp
Well, at least it feels that way. I know that the American Idol audition shows are a huge ratings-a-rama for Fox (but apparently not as huge as last year … hmmm), but honestly, America, they bore the mess out of me. I could write them in my sleep.
For every good, legitimate singer with a shot at going to Hollywood, there’ll be one or two borderline singers; one really horrible deluded chick who cusses out the camera; some sad, awkward kid whose embarrassment on national television should make us all ashamed; and one idiot dressed as the Frito Bandito. Rinse, lather, repeat, go to the kitchen to get another veggie pot pie because I sure ain’t missing anything.
‘American Idol’ Virgin Fires Back at Seacrest
But Dickson fired back at Seacrest in an interview with Cybercast News Service.“A real man would rather wait than just do whatever with whoever,” he said.
On “Fox Report” on Thursday, Shepard Smith interviewed Sarah Preston, writer and editor with Playboy.com, who had her own advice for Dickson’s career advancement. “I would have told him to go to first, second, third, fourth and fifth.”
Preston told Cybercast News Service that she was questioning Dickson’s sex appeal not his religious convictions.
Former MW resident enjoys brief appearance on ‘Idol’
Tarleton State University senior Erica Vila was recently looking to the stars – but not in search of the mysterious Stephenville UFO.
She was looking for the Hollywood kind – as in Paula, Randy and Simon.
Actually the former Mineral Wells resident has become a bit of a star herself – well, at least to those who recognized her in a brief appearance as part of a montage of singers that aired Wednesday night on Fox’s “American Idol.”
The episode – the second of the season – centered on the Dallas auditions last August at Texas Stadium which Vila went to along with Erin Hedges.
Simon Warns Contestants Before Auditions
“I go in to meet them [contestants] beforehand and say, ‘Hi, how are you? Excited? Yes? To warn you guys, in case you haven’t seen the show, if you’re not very good we may criticize you. Is that a problem?’ Answer, ‘No.’” Simon told “Extra.” “Then they come in, we criticize them and they go nuts.”
‘American Idol’ Audition Do’s and Don’ts: Ditch The Costumes, Dude-Sung Celine Covers
C’mon people! After six seasons, we get that the first few weeks of “American Idol” auditions are supposed to be a parade of freaks mixed in with a few potential gems just to keep it interesting. We know it’s too late for this season’s group of musical circus geeks, but if the first two audition episodes are any indication, some of you are in dire need of a refresher course on the do’s and don’ts of “Idol” tryouts before we even start thinking about season eight.
Sanjaya Malakar: Not having another Sanjaya on ‘Idol’ “a good thing”
No matter what happens on American Idol’s currently airing seventh season, one thing is for certain.
“Not having another Sanjaya in the next season of Idol is probably a good thing,” sixth-season finalist Sanjaya Malakar — speaking in the third person — told People in the magazine’s January 28 issue. “There’s only one Sanjaya.”
While the 18-year-old was known more for his crazy coifs and lack of vocal ability during his time on Idol — he’s apparently not letting that get him down, as he’s currently working on his career as a solo artist.
Sanjaya Without His Hair — Who?!
With his long, wavy locks tucked inside a hat, “American Idol” wannabeen Sanjaya Malakar (’memba him?) looks more like the D-list bastard child of Marc Anthony and Snoop Dogg!
Sanji was spotted trying to go incognito while walking in L.A. on Sunday. Sanjaya is one “Idol” reject who hasn’t been dropped by his label — because he never had one!
“Gospel Music Rings From Opry House”
Carrie Underwood and Vince Gill were two of several country stars at Sunday night’s taping for the Great American Country channel.
The artists are plugging the upcoming album “How Great Thou Art: Gospel Favorites from the Grand Ole Opry.”
Bucky and Zippo “A Great Match”
Zippo, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of pocket lighters, is partnering with Bucky Covington as the title sponsor of the artist’s tour dates. Zippo’s sponsorship will kick off when Bucky joins Dierks Bentley’s “Throttle Wide Open” tour, sponsored by Bud Light.
“It’s going to be so cool to have Zippo with me on the road as my tour sponsor,” says Bucky. “I’m a big fan of their products so it’s a great match.”
Before joining Dierks Bentley on his Throttle Wide Open tour in February, Bucky plans to pay a visit to Zippo headquarters in Bradford, PA to meet and perform for the company’s employees and executives.
NASCAR Drivers and Country Music Stars Inaugurate Track Chic TV
Track Chic, www.TrackChic.com inaugurates Track Chic TV, the new internet video service for racing fans at the 3rd Annual Celebration of Sound and Speed. Videos of the event are posted on Track Chic’s website, www.TrackChic.com/news, and abbreviated versions at TrackChicTV on YouTube.
Track Chic TV’s coverage of Sound and Speed includes coverage of the Sound and Speed Charity Auction Red Carpet with hostess, Mindy Lawrence, interviewing Country Music Stars: Danielle Peck, Bucky Covington, Brent Keith, Josh Gracin, Craig Morgan, Julie Roberts, Jason Michael Carrol and Bryan White. Also included are: NASCAR owners and drivers: Kyle and Richard Petty, Michael Waltrip, Richard Childress, Clint Bowyer and Bobby Hamilton, Jr.
Reba McEntire, Kelly Clarkson Rise to the Occasion in Concert
Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson bring out the best in each other, and it’s clear that their 2 Worlds 2 Voices tour is no gimmick. They really do love singing together.
From the curtain’s rise to the encore, there was never a time when either singer left the stage during their Friday night (Jan. 18) concert in Louisville, Ky., and they traded verses like they’ve known each others’ songs for years. For someone who’s been around as long as McEntire, it would be really easy to just go through the motions, sing “Fancy” for the millionth time and cash the big check. However, she is clearly giving it her best shot — and smiling all the way through. Six or seven times in the show, Clarkson gushed about Reba, Reba, Reba — maybe too much — so the expectations for Clarkson’s fans who don’t know a thing about McEntire were probably very high.
Great White Way Ridiculous
Clay Aiken’s Saturday night debut in Broadway’s “Spamalot” was full of absurdity — and not because of Monty Python’s material. (Video)
Photo Coverage: ‘Spamalot’ Welcomes Clay Aiken & Hannah Waddingham to Broadway
Monty Python’s Spamalot welcomed two new stars in their Broadway debut at the Shubert Theatre on Friday, January 18 (225 West 44th Street): Recording-artist and “American Idol” runner-up, Clay Aiken as Sir Robin and Hannah Waddingham as The Lady of the Lake, direct from her starring role in the West End. (Photos)
Fantasia a No-Show at Annual MLK Celebration
Despite advertisements that High Point-native Fantasia Barrino would perform at Mount Zion Baptist Church’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration, the former American Idol winner did not show up.
The line outside the church formed two hours before the annual event was scheduled to begin, with many people hoping to get a glimpse of Barrino and hip-hop artist Lil Mo.
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I love these mainstream Idol pundits who are shocked shocked that American Idol is being spoiled…as if this year is the first. Where were they Season 5 and Season 6? Those seasons were also spoiled, in exactly the same way. But for some reason, the mainstream press chose not to notice.
Hmmm…
Technically, none of the spoilers has been proved correct yet. Ricky had a perfect record for the last two years. Hope Joe will keep the streak going. Can’t wait for top 24 spoiled! LOL
Why was Fantasia a no-show? Did something go wrong in communications? Not good - not good at all.
I do have an observation agree or not I would like to hear your thoughts concerning seaon six. Season five the winner of no surprise to anyone was not the “ideal” mold of a pop star and had no top 40 hits but did reasonably well considering playtime . He did not sell a million was not a good fit for the label.
Jordan has two big hits maybe more comming fit the mold of a pop star and is under Jive records.(probably will not drop her) Yes I know downloads have been good used as an excuse that her cds sales are not doing that well. I am sure this is more of a stinger to them not reaching a milion faster.Do I think she will sell more than the season before yes she fits the mold ,well liked and young. Do I think Jordan sales are great not at all even with the excuses of downloads ,climate because I think they thought she would do better.
Fair or not life is not Jordan not reaching expectaions but treated diferently because she is young and fits the mold. Thats tv for you look good, have personality ,fit mold and you will do well..This season seems to fallow that to the tee I just hope not.
When I think of Season 3 with Fantasia and Jennifer Hudson and we see Hudson get that lucky break with Dreamgirls and keep on moving on….one thing about Hudson — not only has she got good management, plus she’s a helluva singer, but she seems to be working hard for the money.
Why do I get the feeling Fantasia is basking in the glow and not working as hard?
Far be it from me to question someone’s abstinance but I didn’t realize that it including not kissing until marriage.
I’m not really following the spoilers too closely since even the good singers all run together for me until after Hollywood week.
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Before we judge Fantasia maybe we need to have the facts. People might have expected her to attend, but maybe that was their expectation, not hers. Believe me, she has worked her ass off since she won the show. Two albums, her book, her movie, the tour with Jamie, and Broadway doesn’t sound like a lazy person to me. I also recall all kinds of personal appearances that people laughed at, performing in shopping malls and clubs etc. Nah, not lazy to me at all imho.
Chicago-sally
Jan 22nd, 2008 at 10:57 am
Why do I get the feeling Fantasia is basking in the glow and not working as hard?
Leopards don’t change their spots???
It could have been a case of someone promising that Fantasia would be there who had no authorization to do so. It could have been a misunderstanding or it may have been a scam. She may not have known anything about it. It happens.
For interested parties:
Here’s an interview that Ace did last week with an Atlanta radio show. He says his album will be out in April and the first single in February. He’s been busy doing a lot of corporate gigs. The album will be out on his own label and he has a major distribution deal. He talks about some about Idol, the audition process, etc.
Ace Interview
Didn’t the producers for Color Purple come out and say that Fantasia had not actually missed 50 shows? That she hadn’t missed any more than her predecessor? Somehting like that. I don’t think this no-show thing is a pattern or anything, it may be a case of mis-communication, as others have said.
Ricky had a perfect record last year. Somebody else (with a lot of help) spoiled (perfectly!) the Top 24 Season 5. Ahem.
Dang! Wished I had been over here at mj’s during S5. I spent too much time on the scary boards for some nutty reason which escapes me now.
In this day and age of information overload, I cannot believe anyone would be surprised by anything that shows up online or in a magazine or on teevee.
Nice news about Ace. Hope he does well.
Ummm, MJ, you misspelled Elliott…. Sorry, I just couldn’t resist!!!! :)
MJ
Following that link to season 5 and going back to the archives is so much fun, I couldn’t help going back through a lot of the topics from season 5 It is great to look back-thanks!
That WAS fun looking back to S5 for a second, back to days when I didn’t know who Chris Daughtry was.
So, tonight we get to see the likes of David Archuleta, Carly Hennessey and miscellaneous other “plants”. I personally don’t care that TPTB is doing this. It is after all a t.v. show and as long as I’m entertained, I’m happy.
Chicago, did you read the article? The headline is deceptive. The article goes on to state: “Even the Pulpit Forum, which organized the event, wasn’t sure sure if she would come. She wasn’t listed on the program.” So she wasn’t listed in the program, and the organizers couldn’t say whether she’d be there or not. Sounds like they never received confirmation but just went ahead and advertised. That’s not her fault.
I follow the Idols enough to know that Fantasia is one of the hardest working if not the hardest working Idol of all. Sometimes it’s frustrating as a fan, because for all her critical acclaim and success, I know that she is still very under valued and under appreciated. I think that’s due in part to the fact that her biggest achievements have come in R&B and Broadway, the former being largely ignored by the mainstream, and the latter misunderstood. Most people have no idea that there is a huge difference between singing a song or two in a supporting role on Broadway and tackling the lead in a serious drama about rape, poverty and domestic abuse.
Celie is generally considered to be one of the most difficult roles in the history of Broadway. That’s why Fantasia prepared for the role around the clock for 2 months, rather than the typical 2 weeks. And before that she was on tour with Jamie Foxx–she literally wrapped up her last concert in San Francisco and then took the red eye to New York for the Color Purple. And before that was her CD promo. You get the idea. She’s had virtually no break since Idol.
So what did this slacker do last weekend? On Saturday she performed at three different clubs in Atlanta as part of the MLK celebration, ending at around 3:00 a.m. See here for a review and video
http://whatsthet2.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/01/post-4.html
Then she took an early morning plane to Orlando and spent the day at Disney’s Dreamers academy, for young African American students. See video here http://youtube.com/watch?v=YwZD2cB_NR4 of her performance.
Now she’s back in Atlanta working on her album. And getting hammered in the press for being a no how at an event in another state. lol
ETA: Also, I don’t understand why Jennifer Hudson was brought into the discussion, except to fan the flames of an old old fan war…
I would say at this point, the discussion about Fantasia and her High point church gig is DONE.
There is no point in arguing about something that may not even be true.
When I post the page 6 type gossip items, I assume you all take it like I do, with a raised eyebrow and a shrug…
MJ - I was reading some of that old AI5 stuff - back before I knew about you. It was great reading but now I’m amazed at how prophetic you were… You actually said that Taylor would be better off not winning since his music wasn’t really top 40. You also said Chris was definitely top 40. Dang! You go girl!!!
That does it, I’m backing whatever horse MJ picks this year!
Gemlake, thanks for the info, you said it better than I could and with links to boot. I won’t beat on church/dead horse thing, but I would like to comment on undervaluing R&B artists, it happened with Ruben as well. He had a song in the top 10 for a large part of 2007 yet there were many saying poor Ruben, whatever happened to him…..because it was urban AC, I guess it didn’t matter.
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Awwww. Memories!! I found MJ’s in the first place when I was googling “American Idol Spoilers” during the season 5 top 24. :)
I wasn’t around back when she spoiled the whole top 24, but I came soon after because she had good song spoilers from week to week, too. I didn’t really start posting til sometime during the top 12 though.
Wow. I just realized that I’ve been here almost two years.
Anyway, count me among those who think it’s funny that the mainstream media is sooo *shocked* that the names are leaking.
ETA: And OMG! I just remembered the fake song spoiler list too! OMG! LOL! Those were seriously the days! I heart you, Tara. ;)
You and Tara got everyone good on that one, Sarah! FO SHO!
BREAking news
Heath Ledger –was found dead in NY city he was only 28 years old. He had a daughter and thier were sleeping pills at his side..This is sad news guys Heath was on Brokeback Mountain , Knights Tale and the upcomming Batman film was one of my favorite actors.
This is shocking news.
Am still shocked over the news about Heath. One of my favorite movies was A Knight’s Tale. Really sad news.
The scene outside the apartment was insane. Mobs of people waiting for the ME to retrieve his body. Sad, just sad. Just last year he was living nice and quietly across the river in Brooklyn, just another guy who happened to be an actor. He seemed to be such a gracious guy, and so talented.
Thanks for the link, MJ. You are the original spoiler-master. My bad.. LOL
Too bad most of the comments were lost in the archive. :( However, a few months ago, I stumbled upon some of the comments from S5 over the old host. They surely brouhgt back a lot of memories.
Not really a headline but a little tidbit… Elliott confirmed in a radio disney interview tonight that he will be on Idol Gives Back…not sure whether he’ll perform or not.