Simon Cowell expresses misgivings over the early ejection of one of AI 2008’s lightning rods
“American Idol” host Simon Cowell said that Josiah Leming, the weepy young hopeful who quickly became a lightning rod for the media and AI fans should probably not have been kept out of the 12 final male contestants.
Hollywood Today caught up with Cowell and co-judge Randy Jackson at a Playboy Mansion party for Hotel Byblos, a St. Tropez resort and nightclub hotspot currently doing a promotional soiree tour for its 40th Anniversary. He didn’t want to do an interview at the social occasion but he did tell our reporter that he had misgivings about Josiah getting the boot after the audition phase. “We should have let him go through. It was not my decision and I don’t think we should have had him leave so early.”
Michael Johns, David Archuleta Huge Favorites to Win American Idol
American Idol hopefuls are surrounded by tough competition among the men (or in David Archuleta’s case - boys). Michael Johns and David Archuleta have been posted as huge favorites among the male American Idol hopefuls.
Archuleta was listed with odds of 5-2 at PaddyPower.com, a website that does not allow U.S. citizens to place bets. Johns was listed with 11-4 odds. Both were favorites among both the men and women.
The next big favorite was a surprising female Idol wannabe, Ramiele Malubay, who was listed with 5-1 odds. Syesha Mercado from Miami came in with 6-1 odds. Jason Castro was the next favored man with 8-1 odds, tied with Ireland’s own, Carly Simon. Asia’h Epperson was listed with 10-1 odds.
Rumor Control: American Idol’s David H. Go-Go Boy Past?
He’s gorgeous and has a powerhouse of a voice, and now American Idol Season 7’s David Hernandez has fun (for us) gay rumors spreading around the internets. We here at ACD don’t like rumors -we need hard evidence (like Big Brother’s Crazy James’s kinda hard evidence)- so we are asking YOU, our Phoenix and Phoenix-adjacent readers to fill us in….
*Remember, this is solely based on tips and rumors right now*
No Air - Jordin Sparks
Young singers Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown now share more than both being born in 1989: The unlikely pairing has crossed together into top 40 with the second single from the “American Idol” season-six victor’s self-titled debut album, following her top 10 debut, “Tattoo.” R&B singer Brown has already scaled the Billboard Hot 100 twice, with 2005’s “Run It!” and 2006’s “Kiss Kiss,” both of which also leaned upon guests: Juelz Santana and T-Pain, respectively. “No Air” is a sweeping midtempo jam that pushes boundaries, allowing Sparks to show a looser, soulful side, while Brown is cast as pop crooner more than ever before. The result is organically convincing, and likely to offer both artists newfound crossover potential. Clever enough, and a fine song that ultimately gives the “AI” alum a heap of befitting credibility. —Chuck Taylor
Fall - KIMBERLEY LOCKE
With seven top 10 AC hits since September 2004, Kimberley Locke has become the format’s consummate modern-day heroine. Current CD “Based on a True Story” has already locked in two chart champs on the AC and club charts, “Band of Gold” and “Change” (in addition to No. 1 AC Christmas release “Frosty the Snowman” in December). “Fall,” a 2007 top five country hit for labelmate Clay Walker, is a stunning showcase for the versatile vocalist, as she delivers a powerhouse ballad—perhaps alongside “8th World Wonder,” her most satisfying single yet—complete with production and melody bells and whistles that will leave listeners swaying as Locke serenades, “Go and fall apart, fall into these arms of mine, I’ll catch you everytime.” The track builds to a diva-worthy climax—making upcoming dance remixes all the more propitious. Locke has proved her charms over and again. How could we not “Fall” with her? —Chuck Taylor
Celie’s Journey Ends: Color Purple Plays Final Broadway Performance
The Broadway production of The Color Purple — the hit musical based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker — plays its final performance at the Broadway Theatre Feb. 24 at 7:30 PM. When it closes, the musical will have played 30 previews and 910 regular performances.
Broadway actress LaChanze created the role of Celie — the young woman who learns how to love others, and more importantly, herself — in The Color Purple, earning a Tony Award for her work. She was succeeded in the role by “American Idol” winner Fantasia, who drew raves for her performance. Celie is currently being played by Zonya Love, who is making her Broadway debut.
Yamin entertains with songs, stories In hometown visit, international star has adoring audience
As a kid, Elliott Yamin was a self-proclaimed “knucklehead.”
Now he’s an internationally recognized singing star with a debut album that has sold more than 500,000 copies, a hit single (”Wait for You”), a full passport and a hometown that still adores him.
Appearing at the JCC Forum Series last night, a candid and smiling Yamin — who had just flown in from Los Angeles — addressed a sold-out crowd of about 600, including his mother, Claudette, with stories from his 2006 stint on “American Idol.”
“I understand that forever I’ll be synonymous with the show,” Yamin, 29, said. “I really feel I learned so much about life and how to carry myself as a responsible, respectable adult.”
80th Annual Academy Awards Presented Feb. 24;
Emmy Award winner Jon Stewart hosts the 80th Academy Awards telecast, which will be broadcast live Feb. 24 from the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood and Highland Center on ABC-TV.
The half-hour red carpet arrivals will be telecast beginning at 8 PM ET. Regis Philbin, Samantha Harris, Shaun Robinson, executive producer Gil Cates and producer Dennis Doty will co-host the 30-minute segment that features interviews with the various stars as they arrive for the film world’s biggest night of the year.
Presenters for the Academy Awards, which begins at 8:30 PM, include Alan Arkin, Jennifer Hudson, Helen Mirren, Forest Whitaker, Amy Adams, Jessica Alba, Cate Blanchett, Josh Brolin, Steve Carel, George Clooney, Penelope Cruz, Miley Cyrus, Patrick Dempsey, Cameron Diaz, Colin Farrell, Harrison Ford, Jennifer Garner, Tom Hanks, Anne Hathaway, Katherine Heigl, Jonah Hill, Dwayne Johnson, Nicole Kidman, James McAvoy, Queen Latifah, Seth Rogen, Martin Scorsese, Hilary Swank, John Travolta, Denzel Washington and Renee Zellweger.
The few things to expect at the Oscars
Host Jon Stewart and his team of recently un-struck writers had only eight days to string together the jokes and between-award patter, which might have you thinking that this Sunday’s Oscar telecast might play out a bit more guerrilla than usual, but no, they’ll slick it up like they always do.
One sure thing, though - any time Stewart flubs a joke, wait for the gag blaming the writers’ strike.
Other sure things at Oscar’s big show:
Presenter Jennifer Hudson has learned a thing or two since she let that wingnut from Vogue magazine pick her horrible Oscar outfit last year. She’ll be the best-dressed woman onstage, or her career is toast.
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I was at the forum last night where Elliott was the featured guest. It was a great format. First he spoke for about 20 min then they had a Q&A with questions from the audience and he performed acoustic versions of 3 songs from his cd.
I can’t wait for his remake of Can You Fell the Love Tonight and it was great to hear that Disney approached him to do the remake. One question he was asked last night was about the style of music he’ll have on his next cd. He said it’s going to be R&B/Pop with more commercially appealing songs. He also said Fantasia is accompanying him to Africa… sure would love to hear the two of them perform together!
Of course one question was if he still keeps in touch with anyone of the other contestants… He specifically mentioned Ace, Bucky and Taylor. He said he just spoke with Bucky last night and Elliott said he sounded a ” little inebriated”. That got a big chuckle from the crowd!
Josiah showed arrogance as Simon rightfully stated…he was an emotional wreck and by dismissing the band and the backup singers etc…showed that he already thinks he’s a “star.” Exhibiting star qualities….he’s an independent artist, he should stay on the independent artist road because he wouldn’t fit in a record company structure.
Not only that — Kyle and Josiah and anybody else can go through auditions again next year. Betcha we see Josiah there next year!
Chris brown is the same age as Jordin- nah! He’s been in the business like fuhever! LOL
Why do you keep saying that? In the past, the Top 44/48/50 have always been ineligible to audition again.
Can you site a source that states the rules have changed?
Sounds like a great night, Lu. Glad that you got to see Elliott again. It would be great if Elliott and Fantasia performed together on Idol Gives Back.
I’m extremely excited that he’s working on his next CD already.
I love that he had just talked with Bucky the night before.
Seems that Simon was overruled at least three times for the Top 24 list. David H, Kyle and Josiah. There must be more people other than Randy and Paula overruling him. Probably the producers too.
Josiah posted a video blog last night - he says he’s meeting with several record companies next month, and hopes to have a CD out before summer, with plans for a summer tour. I’d be shocked if we see him on Idol next season.
Link to vlog: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhNiuhL8rkI
Hmmm….tour by summer. It would be funny if he shadowed the AI tour. BWAHAHAHA. Take that Nigel!
Simon is very vocal about being overruled this year. I wonder what’s up with that? No wonder he looked so crabby during last week’s show.
One more thing about Josiah. Amazingly, in 2 short weeks he has garnered more myspace plays than Blake Lewis - over 1 million.
I love Josiah. I’m putting that vid out front! :)
Lu, glad you had fun!
Nice to read some Elliott news. Elliott isn’t a very chatty blogger. He and Fantasia seem to be producer favorites but without a gold album - it would be Elliott who? I wonder what R&B/pop/more commercial means. I think it’ll be full of songs that could get played on Top 40 radio. Whatever, I’m ready for some new music.
It’s weird that that first 2 guys cut got so little air time compared to Kyle and Josiah who got a ton. I think the producers were shell shocked by Sanjaya and are afraid a “personality” will overstay their welcome.
Chris Richardson’s song (on repeat) isn’t that bad. It seems more current to me than Blake’s stuff but without a label it’s really almost impossible to get radio play. He’d have to do a radio tour like Elliott did but I think S7 is overshadowing the people from S6 at this point. I wish him well.
Lu glad you had a good time last night . I agree with Jpan about Elliott .I also think Elliot going the pop 40 route is understandable more audiance and mula. Just not into it(pop 40) then most groups I prefer are comsidered old or not on the main hip stations. I am happy for Fantasia because her winning created some flack in the public and saw her in an interview with Taylor was very professional and nice.
Joshia his ego does turn me off but will help him in the business and if it was personality my cd collection would be down the drain. It also seems Simon statments fallow which way the wind is blowing..
I read in a statement from Simon C that the producers would be more involved this year in chosing whom makes it into the 24..so maybe they have more of a veto. Then the music I like is quite unpopular so I will stay out of the office polls,
By mentioning Josiah’s name, Simon just gave him another shove up the music business ladder. That can’t be bad in my book. As far as Josiah’s place in the Top 12 guys? He desevered a shot. He would not have become the overshadowing personality of the season. That spot was already given to Danny. At the time of his dismissal the producers, not the judges, probably questioned his stability for the rigors of the show. I believe it would have grounded him and he would have thrived in the professional environment. Keep it moving forward, Josiah.
Does anyone know yet if there are going to be themes every week? Probably so if they want to control the playlist…
I heard from idaol chatter next week will be 70’s week. I wonder if they will be wearing platform shoes and bellbottoms? I wonder if thier will be queen songs? If they do “sunshine Day” from the Brady bunch I will turn the channel or is that the 60’s?
BE in chat tonight as a warning or blessing ………..same time same bat channel
Egad, I hope not! The only good about the 60’s theme this past week was the cute styling of the contestants on Elimination night. It hard to see if contestants can make a song their own (for me) when we don’t even know what their style is.
Please, please let there be some contemporary music this week!
And what about some song spoilers? The girls sing on Sunday. There have to be some loose lips out there…
And the boys sang yesterday.
You know, for a guy like Nigel who says that internet fans and crazy bloggers don’t matter or amount to a hill of beans, he sure goes out of his way to make sure we don’t get spoilers. What’s the harm? We’re all loons anyway. Keep us busy with dissecting song spoilers and we won’t be trying to dig up gossip on the chosens ones or rehashing the Carly controversy for the millionth time. Heck, leak us some fake spoilers. We won’t mind for the first couple of times.
Yeah — I’m bummed about the lack of spoilers too. Spoilers make everything twice as fun for me. Guess I must be a full-fledged loon.
I really wish things would totally click for Kim Locke.
BTW The latest People magazine has a feature on Season 7 Idols…of course, reportedly, they only discuss Michael, Carly, David A, Syesha, Kristy, Robbie and Amanda. Things that make you go hmmmm……
People may have used the ones that got the most air time during Hollywood week. I think they’d have put in Jason Castro if it had been after the top 24 appearances. I’m not sure why they excluded Ramiele, though.
Kristen, I saw that People when I was scanning magazines in the checkout line yesterday. Yes those were the only ones I remembered seeing. It was two pages and Michael and Syesha were on one page while the others were on the opposite page. I should go back and get the magazine. I didn’t really read the blurbs that were next to them.
Well, we will probably never know how they picked those people for highlighting.
I think the men are very strong this year (except for the obvious cannon fodder): while I think Michael Johns/David A and Jason C are locks, I think there is a good competition for the last three spots between Danny N/David C/David H (and unfortunately Robbie “boy band rocker” C) If Luke Menard could step up to the plate this week, he could be a real spoiler.
The girls — not so strong. Carly and Ramiel a lock. The rest, not so much: Asia’h — well something happened between Hollywood and now because I think she has lost her luster. The blondes? well, I’m pulling for Kady and Alaina, but just thankful Alaina didn’t get the boot on her birthday. SyNOsha can go home at any time (been there and done that every single season) and Amanda Overmyer will beg to go home this week. I can’t even remember the rest of them.
Anyway, historically, the papers have had their own methods for highlighting people which never seem to match my opinion :-)
The only thing I can figure about the lack of spoilers is that the audience is filled with family and friends of the contestants and they have been threatened within an inch of their lives (or their loved ones lives on idol) to not reveal any information.
For what it’s worth, in the new issue of Entertainment Weekly there’s a little article called ‘American Idol’: The Staple Singers in which Jessica Shaw and Michael Slezak name their “personal favorites.” *cough* But anyway, they include (in the order they’re listed in the magazine): Carly Smithson, Michael Johns, Brooke White, Amanda Overmyer, Syesha Mercado, and David Archuleta.
Doesn’t matter how long he’s been in the music business. They are still the same age. He’s only a couple months older than her.
ETA:
I saw that while I was in line at the grocery store this morning. That report is correct. It’s titled something like “contestants to watch”. I don’t remember all of the “headlines”, but Robbie was “Britney’s Ex”, Carly was “The Controversy”, Syesha was “The Comeback Kid”, Kristy was “The Cage-Fighting Crooner”, etc.
I read somewhere that next week is 70’s theme night. Can Anybody verify this ?
Taylor Hicks received an award from the Alabama Hall of Fame in Montgomery, AL, Friday night.
Red carpet video http://www.wsfa.com/global/story.asp?s=7915065
(video to the right top of the page)
Taylor performed Soul Thing and accompanied Chris Thompson (who wrote Before He Cheats for Carrie Underwood) on harmonica and with harmony.
Here are some great photos of Taylor — with Percy Sledge and the award:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stephenpoff/2285488985/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stephenpoff/2285483653/
I also read it will be 70’s week this week. I was wondering last week if that was what they were going to do. I wonder if next week will be 80’s.
I don’t mind the themes, because I prefer older music to newer, but the song choices last time weren’t that great.
I watched Sanjaya host “Idols, Where Are They?” today and he did a good job. I got a kick out of Chris Sligh telling about the woman who told him she wanted to sleep with him, and when he said he was married she said she was too lol. He said, “and I know what I look like naked” lol. It showed idols from all seasons but the current one. I was glad to hear Lakisha is working on an album. I love Carries new video for All American girl. It set a record as the fastest climb to number one video on GAC.
It just kills me when I see people saying that Josiah has an ego. He doesnt AT ALL. He’s just passionate about his music and wants to take chances. I know the real Josiah, and not the character that AI made on TV. This kid is so genuine and so unsure of himself. He litterly freaked out when the first post about liking him appeared on the message boards. He couldn’t beelieve that someone wanted to be his fan. This was WELL AFTER Hollywood week had taken place.
And yes, I have heard that next wee is indeed 80’s week.