Today’s Idol headlines after the jump…
‘Idol’ speculation on Carly return
Pop singer Carly Hennessy could be set to get another chance at fame after her first album was an expensive flop.
The Ballinteer singer, pictured right, who is in her early twenties, won the best Irish Female prize at the Meteor awards in 2003 but then sank into obscurity.
But she may be making a bizarre comeback on US TV.
Internet rumours have emerged that the Dubliner is to take to the stage as part of the ‘American Idol’ reality TV show.
Will A Poster Child for the Music Industry’s Screw-Ups be the Next American Idol?
About five years ago, the Wall Street Journal ran a lengthy profile of Carly Hennessy, an Irish pop singer who was signed to MCA Records and who had roughly $2.2 million poured into the making and marketing of her debut album, Ultimate High. Wall Street Journal Article here
Mr. Television: The Wasteland
unlike the typical first Mr. TV column of the new year, when I try to highlight what to look forward to in the upcoming midseason, the prime-time landscape in first quarter 2008 looks like a wasteland. As the eight-week-old battle between the Writers Guild of America and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers marches on, production on scripted series has come to a standstill, the Winter Television Critics Association Press Tour has been canceled, and the networks are scrambling to fill slates.
While Fox, of course, could ultimately fill up the majority of its schedule with the returning American Idol (which opens season No. 7 on Tuesday, Jan. 15), the other networks are not as fortunate.
The Role TV Knows Too Well: Inane Asylum
Let’s face it — the television industry will never again rise to the heights of ridiculousness achieved in 2004 with just one breast, a breakaway bustier and the prying fingers of Justin Timberlake.
Still, by all accounts, 2007 was one of the industry’s more spectacular efforts. Here’s a look at the best:
Sanjaya Malakar’s Hair. Millions of little girls and middle-aged women are irresistibly drawn to the “American Idol” contestant’s gorgeous, faux-hawked tresses, a reaction that threatens to bring down the country’s most-watched television program, the backbone of the No. 1 network’s ratings. Major papers weigh in with op-ed pieces on the cultural crisis. “Idol” producers search frantically for things that the competition judges can say on air about Sanjaya’s awful performances that will not mobilize those millions of preteens and 24-to-54-year-old chicks to vote for their pet.
‘Idols’ continue their reign
No, this isn’t just a nod to hometown heroine Jordin Sparks. Glendale’s sweetheart actually had the worst-selling debut album by a winner of Fox’s reality-TV juggernaut. (We love you anyway.)
On the other hand, Billboard’s No. 1 album of the year was Daughtry, the self-titled debut from the band fronted by Chris Daughtry, who finished fourth in Season 5. That year’s winner, Carrie Underwood, went platinum with her second album, Carnival Ride, which was released in October. Combined with continuing sales of her debut, Some Hearts, it was enough to put Underwood in second place for “album artist” of the year.
It was a weird year, but then aren’t they all
The year’s “American Idol” breakout was one of our own. Close enough, anyway. True, Sanjaya Malakar lived in Federal Way for only a year or two and few seemed to remember him. But he claimed the place as his own and the city was more than happy to oblige.
Some found him annoying and lacking talent. But even after his fall from “Idol,” the 17-year-old was welcomed home with open arms. Six hundred or so screaming Fanjayas flocked to The Commons at Federal Way to see the bopper on May 9, what will henceforth be known as “South King County Sanjaya Malakar Day.”
King County Councilman Pete von Reichbauer summed up the sentiment: “We’re recognizing that he’s using his celebrity status not only to benefit himself but also the community … He’s going to have his 15 seconds of fame.”
American Idol predictions for 2008
I made a few timid predictions a year ago and actually got a couple sort of right. Let’s see how I do for 2008:
Lewis living the Dream
To critics and haters, the American Idol machine comes across a bit like Rasputin — it continues to take shots but somehow still carries on.
And while some contestants were chewed up and quickly spat out by the program, such as tabloid topic Jessica Sierra, performers such as Carrie Underwood and Chris Daughtry are making the show work for them. Such is the case with this year’s runner-up, Blake Lewis, who recently released his debut album, Audio Day Dream.
What to do, where to go for New Year’s Eve
You can tune in to a slew of musical happenings ranging from our own “American Idol” Vonzell “Baby V” Solomon to area clubs offering a countrified New Year’s Eve party or an indoor/outdoor gathering in downtown Fort Myers.
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I’m interested to see how AI justifies having an Irish professional who won awards and had a major label put millions into her album on the show? Maybe, it’ll be a ratings boost - stir up controversy, etc.
Qute from the Idolator article linked:
“Surely I’m not the only person who thinks that, should this all be true, it is a terrible idea. I understand that Hennessy shouldn’t be blamed for the screwups of her former bankrollers. But in what’s essentially a rebuilding year for Idol–a show that people like, and root for, in large part because it can bring people who were outside of the music-industry apparatus into their homes and into the whole “celebrity” world–is big-upping this girl really the best strategy to boost ratings?”
I agree. Lots of interesting details in the article about MCA supporting her in an apartment for two years, Sheryl Crow and Don Henley bitching about it and her album selling 400 copies. I like the comment about the fans of the show wanting to believe in something.
If all the ringers on the show go through this year including Carly I think Idol as a show is done. I know in the past some had professional experience but this is really at a ridiculous level.
RE: Carly Hennessy
This is a complete insult to the viewers. It’s totally NOT what that show is supposed to be about. AI - If this is the route you’re going, change the name of the show to American Idol - Another Chance. Geesh - give me a break. What are those people smokin?
It really turns the auditions into a theatre of cruelty. We laugh at the feeble minded amateurs and then get treated to the retread professionals during the show. At least give the illusion of the equal playing field, guys. If Carly is so great, why doesn’t Clive sign her already. That seems to be what they did with the Grammy nominee, Jermaine Paul.
Exactly Jpfan, just sign her. Dont make us sit through her performances this season and delude the viewing audience into thinking she’s an amateur. We already know they can sign whoever they want so just do it and spare the tv audience the farce.
Wow. Seriously? 19Alphabet is going to try to get people to vote all night long for the poster-girl for label hubris? Seriously?
I know that they’ve said before the Britney Spears could audition to be on the show if she was currently without contract, but nobody really thought that would ever happen.
I don’t mind people in the show who have been working struggling in the biz for a while trying to get a contract (Kelly, Clay, Ruben, Carrie, Daughtry, Taylor, Jordin, Blake, etc), but I do have issues with somebody who had a major label contract and major label support like this trying out and being TCO.
They are supposed to be finding undiscovered talent (even though that talent may have been trying to be discovered). Not recycling failures from other labels.
Maybe she will be like that British guy and Canadian girl which were chatted about so much prior to the show last year (and featured in auditions), but never survived the Hollywood rounds (both had had previous contracts in their home countries). Just a way to create buzz? Or maybe it’s all fake? That the spoilers aren’t true?
Because, seriously, this is a bad, bad decision on the producer’s part if they think we are this stupid. Even if they think that the casual viewers aren’t going to be searching the internet for this chick, I bet a lot of the tabs (and that “evil” MSNBC) will be all over this story. It will leak to the general public.
I’m not saying the girl doesn’t deserve a second chance. By all means, sign her to your label. But using the show to try to “break” foreign stars into the US market is just ridiculous. I guess Leona Lewis will be TCO for Season 8.
BTW Nevada linked information about Carly here many months ago when we were discussing label bungling.
ETA: I don’t think MSNBC is evil. I love their Idol stuff. I’m still laughing about that whacked out conspiracy theory from a while ago.
Well said Kirsten… summed it up perfectly.
Look out AI - the evil MSNBC lurks just waiting to makes it move!
FOR Desdemona–curiosity question: Are you an ABB fan??
BTW Here is a link to one of Carly Hennessy’s official videos posted by Universal Music Group on YouTube:
I’m Going to Blow Your Mind
Yeah I can certainly see why America needs to see her… (insert sarcasm here)
Happy New Year purplesmile !!
All I can really see about Carly is that she has a pretty face. Her voice isn’t any better than alot of the good singers you see in auditions that never make it to Hollywood.
I agree with everything that everyone has said re Carly Hennessey. But…. then I remember NGAB and how much I liked Sixwire and really, except for the fact that they’re American (which is a big difference)wasn’t it the same issue with them? Dropped by a major label and giving it another shot? I never would have heard of them otherwise - so I have to admit, I’m glad they were allowed on the show.
Thank you, beachn! Yes, it is 2008 on my side of the world, folks! ;D
And what a great year it has started out to be for the AI fan in me! Elliott’s Wait For You just topped the popular Philippine radio station Magic 89.9 year-end countdown (The Magic 30). (Daughtry’s It’s Not Over was number 2.) :D
Wow, people are predicting that the ratings will go down? I predict they will definitely be up from last year. They will start a little lower, but increase geometrically after they get to the top 12.
IMO, although I overall liked the contestants last year, there was really only one interesting voice for me last year (that would be Phil for me-I am sure it will be someone else for most people). A lot of the other voices were kind of re-tread (the big diva, the young one-only 17, the nerdy one, the “soul” singer, the one “different guy” they have every year). It’s like they took the successful “types” from the previous seasons and tried to cast them last year.
This year I predict a lot of different interesting voices of people who can perform. They will throw in a couple of amateurs for the fun of it. Who will win, the amateur or the semi-pro? Maybe that will be their “slant” this year. Sounds like fun to me with a lot of good singing.
This is certainly a lot of hype for that Carly girl. I hope it doesn’t backfire.
agreed.
Maybe thier going the Surviver route..
One is the pros- dropped by a label vs. non droppees on the other corner slant…Boy they do have great headshots maybe a little the next model mixed in also. It maybe fun to pick out which one Clive says I want to sign now..(a joke not serious)
Happy New Year Purple and Others…
(did anyone see Taylors haftime show -was it ok?)plug Juno was a good movie..
I guess we see it a little differently. Why should some get a second shot at a big label while others, that are just as or more talented, get no shot at all.
ETA:
Happy New Year everone!!!!
Purps - Looks like your 2008 is starting off with a bang. Love the great Elliott news!
http://www.vimeo.com/459435
Pop - This is for you… The filmer appears to be dancing! It looks like Taylor had the crowd going!
I guess we all have different opinions concerning the next AI. I, for one, really like the sound of Carly and am looking forward to seeing some experienced talent. There is no question that the show has taken a different turn….I just see that this may be quite a success this year if there are more experienced talents (Melinda????) competing with one another. We are not uninformed people….we will catch on to the new premise and probably run with it. (I just love to see young talent trying to get as much exposure as they can.) It certainly has the potential to releasing some great talent out there to different outlets.(Broadway…etc) IMHO, it’s all good!
Lu - I’m not disagreeing with you. I feel the same way. Like I said, the only thing that made me stop for a minute was remembering that I did like Sixwire (and for that matter, the Clark Brothers, who were also previously signed - albeit as part of a larger group). I think, ideally, they should be looking for undiscovered talent - and not using the show to promote those that they want to sign anyway.
ETA: Happy New Year everyone, and thanks Lu for that link. I’ll have to watch it later - on my way out)
Hi there Lu!
I enjoyed the video of Taylor yesterday at the Liberty bowl. The children from St Judes were adorable dancing with him on the stage when his mike went out…..The kids seemed to enjoy the attention and the beat!
Have a wonderful New Year to you and the girls! Pix
You are welcome Jersey! Like I said the vid is skakey cause it appears the filmer was shakin it! lol
I understand what you’re saying about Sixwire. I, like you, think the show should be about undiscovered talent. As far as this Carly person is concerned, I dont understand why they are going through the motions of putting her on the show - if they in fact do that. Just sign her already and spare us the pimping.
Happy New Year to you and your family too Pix!!!!!
Happy New Year to all my pals here on MJ’s blog. I’m looking forward to season 7 and all the excellent snark that abounds. Thanks to MJ for maintaining this blog, LisaB for the news updates, Kirsten for the numbers, and all who contribute to this blog. Love to you all.
Donna
Woo Hoo! First controversy of AI8. I have been reading spoilers about this Carly chick. Judging from that YouTube clip, I can see her problem. She is probably rock, not pop, which is harder to market. She is a little better than Gina Glocksen, which is not saying much..LOL. I saw people comparing her to Kelly Clarkson. Not even close. Although she’s edgier than Kelly. She’s got talent, but her time might have come and gone. Interesting to see if TPTB decide to put her on the show.
Happy New Year to all MJ’s bloggers! Thanks MJ, for the wonderful place to feed our AI interests. (I hesitate to use the word obsession.
) Thanks Lisa and Kirsten for all of your fantastic contributions that help make this place what it is. Have a safe and happy eve, everybody! 
I haven’t read the spoilers blogs so can someone tell me if she is on anyone’s list? This Carly person…..
She’s in top 50 for sure. A lot of her stuff has been outed by AI detectives over the Net. She’s a bit too edgy for general AI viewers, I’ll say she’s a long shot to make top 24. There has to be a reason why she flopped so badly after $2 million were spent on her.
Well, I really don’t want to see someone who’s had a major label deal on the show, even if it isn’t against the rules. Of course, if it causes a controversy, you know the producers will eat that up. So I expect to see her in the top 24. Hope I’m wrong.
I have looked at the top 50 list, but haven’t listened. I want to see them on the show and have no pre-conceived faves like I did last year. I’m hoping we get a true alt-rocker this year.
I hope everyone here has a safe and happy NYE! I hope to catch Blake where I’m going, but if not, I’m recording it.
Sorry, double post!
Yes, she’s all over the place on spoiler lists (at VFTW, IDF, etc). milajoy, whose spoilers MJ has been posting here has said on other sites that Carly is the Irish girl not previously named (the existence of an Irish girl was known, but milajoy didn’t want to name her…”And Joesplace [milajoy’s site] is keeping in private cause AI gets to keep some secrets.” Milajoy apparently just didn’t be the one which leaked the name…fair enough. VFTW appears to be the ones that leaked her name first).
http://mjsbigblog.com/season-7-top-50-spoilers-an-update-to-the-update.htm#comments
Thanks guys, I never read the spoilers as I don’t want to be unduly influenced before the show begins.
I don’t know how I feel about that but I guess in the long run the viewers will decide (I guess I am still naive enough to believe that is the case). I do think that this will create a bit of backlash, and a lot of water cooler discussion. AI is pretty good at this manipulation stuff. Could be ratings gold, or piss people off, I dunno.
Here’s even a better video at the Liberty Bowl — both songs and close up: http://www.vimeo.com/461598/
Happy New Year everyone:
Jp wrote so eloquently, now AI will be the second chance of artists dropped from labels. Let’s see — wasn’t Keisha Coles dropped from her label?
Maybe they should start a new show AI- Second Chance. Not only that, she’s going to be fodder for Howard Stern!
What’s so sad is if you go to Rickey.org you will see Constantine at a BINGO parlor and Paris practically strip teasing. These “kidz” are so desperate for fame, they will do almost anything to make some money and get some fame.
This is turning out so sad.
I don’t think there is a chance that they will sign Carly and have it over and done with. Look at all the free publicity she gets appearing on Idol for upward of 12 weeks, maybe a little less). TPTB are not going to pass up that opportunity.
Chrissey, I’m not sure - right now I can’t even think what ABB stands for. :(
Is Carly Hennessy still under contract?
All I can figure is that Clive must be sleeping with Carly.
((((Carly))))
wait — they’re all about the back story this year. This could get juicy.
I’m going to blow your mind — hmm. She’s worse that Kat. Devoid of charima. And what’s with her eyeballs — they disappear into her head.
Overall, bland.
Okay, thanks all for the Taylor video’s ! woo hoo.
Now, Taylor — you need some new material. Pronto!!
What are “chat subpages” ?
The kids go on the show to get famous and make money, so that’s a given. Who’d want to give that up, if they can make money and stay famous?
You know what would really be sad, but isn’t likely to show up on TMZ (or rickey.org)? To see those that run out of money and dreams and have to return to their old jobs after the heady experience that was American Idol. THAT would be really sad.
I guess as “celebrity appearances” go, getting paid to show up for a few hours to call Bingo numbers and sign autographs, or to do a panel at a Reality Convention (and sign autographs), or a mini-Idol tour with the karaoke machine (and autographs), or celebrity edition of some other reality show (i.e. Survivor, or the Apprentice — frankly, I’d love to see celebrity TAR, or have they done that one already?) beats teasing at Idol tell-alls, doing impromptu pornos, getting arrested, or going back to waiting tables/security guarding/bartending/store clerking/hairdressing, etc.
In my opinion, of course.
And, BTW, I am appalled at the thought that the pimp machine is about to go all out to give Irish Flop Girl a second chance at stardom via this show. She must be something real speshul. Umm hmmm….
Not everyone are fans like we are. They may try to push this Carly chick, but can they lie about her background as a professional? This would not be good for the show.
t2, Phil was my favorite last year and he might have lasted longer if he hadn’t been sick those 3 weeks.
I just love seeing Taylor; he’s a sweetie. I want him to prove Simon was soooo wrong!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
According to the story — this Carly chick was supposed to be on the show a year ago but couldn’t get a visa to the U.S.? That Simon, et al tried to get her over here. Now here’s the question — did she stand in line and sleep overnight like everybody else did - or did she just walk up to the judge’s room?