Judge Lets Sierra Sidestep Bureaucracy, Stay In Rehab
TAMPA — A judge has allowed former “American Idol” finalist Jessica Sierra remain in a California drug treatment program, despite what her attorney described as ridiculous bureaucracy.
Florida officials allowed Sierra to go to California for a yearlong stint at an in-house drug treatment facility. She was supposed to transfer her Florida probation to California. West coast officials, however, don’t want her to apply for their probation program while living in California, said Sierra’s attorney, John Fitzgibbons. They want her to fly back to Florida, apply for California probation status, then return to California.
“It’s almost nonsense,” Fitzgibbons said. Fitzgibbons told the judge that every progress report and all indications show that Sierra is doing well in treatment at the Pasadena Recovery Center.
Would You Willingly Refer to Yourself as a Danny’s Fanny?
The more insane American Idol fans out there have a tendency to gather into groups online, with said groups marking their territory via cute avatars, picture-choked signature files, and semi-catchy names. The most nutty/devoted/well-named group is, of course, Taylor Hicks’ Soul Patrol, who make up for their hero’s low SoundScans with fervent comment-section support of their icon; there’s also the Con Con Girls (for Constantine Maroulis and, presumably, the blow-dryer that sets his chest hair just right); the Fanjayas (in support of Sanjaya Malakar and his ever-changing locks) and the Claymates (you can probably guess who they’re rallying behind). But this year, the fan club names over at IdolForums.com seem a bit… lacking.
‘American Idol’ Power List: Rating the Final 20
1. David Archuleta
Cuddly former Star Search winner destroyed the competition in our latest reader poll, and his rock-solid performance of ”Shop Around” last week only cemented his front-runner status. One potential weakness at this point might be a whiff of false modesty. We know you know you’re good, kiddo! (Last week’s Power Ranking: No.1)
2. Jason Castro
How do you go from invisible contestant with no pre-semifinal airtime to the week’s buzz-worthiest hopeful? By taking the stage with your guitar and delivering a sweet, understated take on the Lovin’ Spoonful hit ”Daydream,” then showcasing a delightfully hippie vibe in your post-performance interview. (New this week)
Reality contest should keep it amateur night By Ayla Brown
This past week we learned that many “American Idol” contestants have had prior recording and performing experience on a national scale (see related story).
There’s something wrong here. “Idol” is about the American Dream. It is about finding a diamond in the rough. It is about the rags-to-riches story. Since when has “American Idol” turned into a battle of the has-beens? Numerous contestants have already had their shot at stardom; give the amateurs a shot.
When I was on the show two seasons ago, it was the same story. Lisa Tucker had been on Broadway, Taylor Hicks and Chris Daughtry were already in bands that were selling CDs, and Mandisa was doing studio work and touring with famous country singers.
These people are professionals who have been performing and recording for years. So is it fair that a professional like Taylor Hicks won the “American Idol” competition? I don’t think it is.
Jason Castro and American Idol Mania
Since Jason Castro of Rockwall performed “Daydreamin” on American Idol last week, the Garland office has been abuzz.
We’ve met tons of Jason’s friends, chatted with some adoring fans in the area and attended an idol watching party in Rockwall.
We’ve also watched our videos of Jason winning Battle of the Bands in Rowlett last year skyrocket in views. If you haven’t had the chance yet, you’re on of the few! Watch them here and here. Check out what his friends and fans had to say, here..
Stars in her eyes
Kady Malloy, like so many young singers, takes a do-or-die approach to superstar success.
“The lights have been on since I could start speaking,” she says. “There’s never been anything else that I’ve even thought about doing.”
Malloy, 18, is now a top 20 finalist on American Idol. Even before the show, she was adamant that nothing - especially a backup plan - got in her way.
“I didn’t even plan on going to college. I always knew that I wanted to be a recording artist,” she says. “I didn’t even try and get any scholarships.
‘Idol’ stardom almost a reality: Singer’s clips nail judges’ audition
He is remembered by many across the country as the contestant on this year’s American Idol who has kept his clipped fingernails in a baggie since fifth grade. But here’s what the TV cameras didn’t show: Brandon Green, a 22-year-old singer/songwriter from Lucedale, wowing the judges with his acoustic rendition of Stephen Stills’ Love The One You’re With during the first week of Hollywood auditions and receiving a fast pass, straight to the final round; performing the Gavin DeGraw tune, I Don’t Want To Be, and getting a ‘yes’ from Paula Abdul and the crusty Simon Cowell into the Top 48.
But here’s what the TV cameras didn’t show: Brandon Green, a 22-year-old singer/songwriter from Lucedale, wowing the judges with his acoustic rendition of Stephen Stills’ Love The One You’re With during the first week of Hollywood auditions and receiving a fast pass, straight to the final round; performing the Gavin DeGraw tune, I Don’t Want To Be, and getting a ‘yes’ from Paula Abdul and the crusty Simon Cowell into the Top 48.
And Green is convinced except for a couple of less-than-perfect notes during his last performance, he would have earned a spot in this year’s Idol Top 24.
ET teens say show’s portrayal of them one thing; reality another
“American Idol” gave East Tennessee teens Amy Catherine Flynn and Josiah Leming an image.
Now, they’re ready to find their own identities.
She was known as the serious, abstinence-touting, all-American, dance squad, pom-pom teen. He was the weeping bad boy with the British accent when he sang who lived out of his car.
Both impressed the judges enough to make it to the Hollywood rounds this season. Their chances to be in the top 24 were dashed there.
Abdul’s singing like there’s no tomorrow
She blew them away (albeit after the fact) with a pre-recorded performance on the Super Bowl pre-game broadcast.
The video was a pirated Internet hit even before its official debut last week on American Idol.
The title, however, is a bit misleading. Paula Abdul’s “Dance Like There’s No Tomorrow” is more about dancing like there was no yesterday. And tomorrow is looking more like the day before.
The new single, a collaboration with fellow American Idol judge Randy Jackson, is her first new release in over a decade. And it’s good – even Simon Cowell says so. Sort of.
“He told me, `I hate you, (but) I love the song,’” relates Abdul, addressing the press in a Fox-sponsored phone conference.
It pays to be Mr. Nasty: Simon Cowell splashes out £40MILLION for a new home
Simon Cowell may be the man everyone loves to hate, but he has made himself very, very rich in the process.
Now at last he has found a way of spending some of his wealth - by splashing out £40 million on a house in west London.
Or, judging by these pictures, a large hole in the ground (with a very nice house attached).
Phil’s Pages: Chapter 5
I had the day off yesterday, so I’m a little behind in posting. So let’s immediately hear from Phil in the latest installment of his diary, with some fascinating behind-the-scenes insights into the challenges of mustering up a decent performance on the show. Definitely a must to read …
I’ve always been a big fan of American Idol, and watched and voted every year, and, after this first week of live performances, I’m hooked again for another season. I’ll say that there were a few that I was really happy for and others that I felt for. It’s funny that someone can give one non-perfect performance on American Idol and everyone starts talking about how non-talented they are. Come on, people, these are the folks who emerged as the best 24 contestants out of 100,000 auditions. Though I’m sure there were 99,976 people back home telling everyone in the room with them, “I could’ve done better”, there are some inherent challenges that can make for a less-than-perfect performance.
‘Idol’ finalist Melinda Doolittle gets a scoop on her career
Melinda Doolittle says the musical ride she’s been on is still the “craziest ever.”
Doolittle, 30, finished third on last season’s “American Idol.” She’s gearing up for a CD launch in June (the track “My Funny Valentine” can be downloaded at iTunes), and she’ll be in the Sacramento area on Wednesday as part of a Dreyer’s ice cream promotion.
As part of that promotion – in which people have been asked to vote on five new “Idol”-inspired ice cream flavors – 10 participating households, including one in Sacramento, will be selected to receive a private concert by Doolittle at their home. The winner will be informed after today’s drawing.
Celebrity Guests to Help Celebrate Mercy Ministries’ 25th Anniversary
On Friday night, April 18th, multiple award-winning artists will come together for a unique concert at the Belmont University Curb Center at 7pm. Artists include American Idol finalist, Mandisa, Dove Award-winning artists, BarlowGirl, GMA Female Vocalist of the Year, Natalie Grant, Grammy nominees Israel Houghton and New Breed, and spokespersons for the organization since the early 1990’s, Point of Grace. Master of Ceremonies is Ericka Dunlap, 2004 Miss America.
Nancy Alcorn, founder of Mercy Ministries, will be one of five world-renowned speakers at an all day women’s conference at the Belmont University Curb Center on Saturday, April 19th starting at 9:30 a.m. Other speakers include best selling author from Sydney, Australia, Christine Caine, motivational speaker, Priscilla Shirer, author and former actress Holly Wagner, and best-selling author and speaker Charlotte Scanlon-Gambill from the United Kingdom. Natalie Grant, Israel Houghton and New Breed will provide music for the event.
Vince Gill Raffles $650,000 HouseFebruary 25, 2008 - Vince Gill and his wife, Amy Grant, performed in Franklin, Tenn., last Friday, but the show was hardly a run-of-the-mill concert. It marked the start of a raffle of a house valued at $650,000 to raise funds for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Friday’s kick-off concert drew 800 people. In addition to Vince and Amy, it featured former American Idol finalists Phil Stacey and Melinda Doolittle, plus Nashville funk act the Wooten Brothers.
Kellie Pickler Picks Men’s Minds
February 25, 2008 - Kellie Pickler currently has her second Top 25 single with “Things That Never Cross A Man’s Mind,” and it’s loaded with thoughts and behaviors that are predominantly female: shopping, shoes and the color of the carpet, to name a few.
Oddly enough, the song wasn’t really intended for women. It was meant to let male listeners know that, yes, Kellie really does understand how men’s minds work.
Umatilla County Fair Board releases this year’s line-up
Kellie Pickler, who sang in the fifth season of American Idol, will headline the Umatilla County Fair entertainment in August. Since coming in sixth on the reality show, the country singer sold more than 700,000 copies of her album “Small Town Girl.”
The Umatilla County Fair Board announced Pickler’s performance and the rest of the entertainment menu at Saturday night’s coronation ceremony. The musical line-up kicks off on Tuesday, Aug. 5, with country singer-song writer Clay Walker.
S.T.A.G.E. Bacharach Benefit Will Feature McKechnie, Manchester, Cook and More
As previously announced, the songs of Academy and Grammy Award-winning pop composer Burt Bacharach — whose one Broadway musical, Promises, Promises, earned eight 1969 Tony nominations — will be the focus of the benefit concert. Entitled Blame It on Bacharach!, the annual AIDS benefit will be presented March 8 at 8 PM and March 9 at 3 PM at the Wilshire Theatre in Beverly Hills, California. David Galligan will direct the concerts with musical direction by Mary Ekler.
Those scheduled to interpret the works of Bacharach include Grammy Award winner Melissa Manchester, “American Idol” finalist Justin Guarini, stage and screen star Marilu Henner, Oscar and Grammy nominee Stephen Bishop, R&B singer Deniece Williams and “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” host Jai Rodriguez as well as Marilyn Maye, Betty Garrett, Carole Cook, Pat Marshall and Nancy Dussault. The original “Plaids” from the long-running Forever Plaid — Stan Chandler, David Engel, Roger Befeler and Larry Rabin — will also be part of the concerts.
Review: Clay Aiken fits as Sir Robin in ‘Spamalot
We know that Fantasia, Aiken’s fellow breakout survivor from gladiator TV, had a phenomenal stage debut last year as a replacement for the star in “The Color Purple.” But what are the chances that another newbie from the South with zero stage experience would be able to slip into a high-maintenance Broadway hit without dragging it down like a boulder tied to its soft shoe?
So it’s excellent news for Aiken and “Spamalot,” not so good for drama schools. Aiken is a charmer. With his aging cherub face and a frizzle-pageboy wig, he goes sweetly and deftly Medieval on Broadway - a world described in the show as “a very special place with people who can sing and dance, often at the same time.”
Carrie Underwood dazzles audiences
Carrie Underwood simply dazzles audiences on stage, and her live, in-person charisma could convert even people who might have been lukewarm about her songs on the radio.
The young, blonde country music star — who also has become a household name in pop and Christian circles since her “American Idol” win in 2005 –told the audience on Friday that she was worried no one would show up at the Petersen Events Center in Oakland because the weather was so bad. The audience responded with noises that echoed everyone’s sentiment: “Well, of course I came. How could I miss it?”
Carrie Underwood delivers memorable performance
Carrie Underwood: thousands of fans; 23 songs; four outfits; one stage; one American Idol.
On Sunday the Dunkin Donuts Center was nearly sold out for the 2008 Female Country Vocal Grammy Award winner. Underwood proved why she was has won numerous awards including several Grammys, several CMT awards, and several AMA awards. At the Dunkin Donuts Center, Underwood came off as both versatile and personable.
The show, set for 7:30 p.m. had a delayed start because opening act Josh Turner came down with the flu several hours before the performance. At 8:15, the lights dimmed, the crowd cheered and a 5-minute countdown began on the backdrop screen of the stage. As the clock got closer to zero the crowd got louder and louder. When it hit zero, everyone was standing awaiting the entrance of the 2004 “American Idol” winner.
Underwood sings to 10,000 at Arena
There weren’t many surprises during the first hour or so of Carrie Underwood’s concert Monday night in Bridgeport — that came in the encore — and that was just fine with the capacity crowd of about 10,000 who made their way to the Arena at Harbor Yard. The country superstar is out on her first headlining tour to promote her new record, “Carnival Ride,” and promote it she did, performing 11 of the disc’s 13 songs with a handful of tunes from her debut smash “Some Hearts” thrown in.
The boisterous crowd was on its feet seemingly from the time the on-screen clock counting down to showtime reached the one-minute mark until the end of her 90 minutes on stage. Even an opening glitch that had Underwood briefly singing into a microphone that wasn’t turned on couldn’t cool the warm welcome she received.
Related Posts
Question : Amanda Overmyer was on the floor with Joanne last week with Joanne booted out.
Does this mean that she got the 3rd lowest votes among the girls ?
If so, it would be a shame. I think she did a lot better than some of the other girls.
Ayla must not have learned much about research at school. it wouldn’t have taken much digging to find out that poor,inexperienced David A won Star Search. I like David A though. :) I think in Ayla’s case it’s just sour grapes.
I don’t think it means that Amanda was in danger of going home, LBB. They often throw someone in there to make it seen that they’re in the bottom but unless they say so, it’s probably not true.
Kelly Ripa had an AI behind the scenes piece on Live this morning. The only one not there was Simon but maybe because he’s on the show tomorrow. It must have been filmed before one of the top 20 shows. It was cute although I could have lived without hearing Kelly sing again.
LBB - just because Amanda was up there with Joanne doesn’t necessarily mean she was third lowest, Ryan never stated that to my memory, just that she was safe. What is actually stated on Idol is true. They imply a lot of things, like that she was in the bottom 3 by putting her up there like that. It’s kind of like when they break the final 9 into groups of three and two groups are safe and one is not. Doesn’t mean that group is the bottom three, just means one of them is going home!
Wasn’t Ricky pretty accurate with his vote totals in the past? I might believe him over dial idol in these early rounds, especially. Not everyone who will use dial idol is voting yet - and, I believe - though I’m not sure - that it is pretty heavily used at VFTW. It may be skewed for those reasons. As the competition moves on, I think dial idol becomes more accurate.
Wow, lots to catch up on. I haven’t read all the articles, but at least the comments.
Did the person who attended the show not know any of the songs other than “Imagine?”
I used to be Ricky H’s “friend”, but cancelled that myspace and have a new one (long story), otherwise I’d spill. I can’t believe no one will.
I have always been skeptical of Ricky’s vote totals (not saying he’s making them up, but may be deliberately misinformed). I don’t buy that David Cook had more votes that David A. No way, no how.
I don’t know if Jason C only “sang” 5 times in public before the auditions, but I do believe he’s been performing as a drummer for quite a bit. I do think his experience as a “front man” is probably the most limited and I fear for him when he’s forced to lose the guitar.
I had some other thoughts, but they went poof!
ETA: Oh, Ayla Brown doesn’t strike me as the sharpest tool in the shed with her commentary on AI. Never has.
Also, I hope Jessica Sierra is really getting the help she needs. I’m pulling for her recovery.
ETA2: Jersey, Ricky has always released the vote totals after the eliminations, so of course they’re accurate for the person(s) going home. Now, if he’d release them prior to the show…
ETA3: Whatever happened to Aunt Edna? LOL.
Okay, I’m done talking to myself.
I like the youngster David A he has a great voice but thier a fakyness surrounding him on AI. The overall pimpage no surprise here but the judges being surprised like they did not know about his background or appearances? Why did the phenom, I only heard attached to Tiger, not signed yet he has marketable maybe AI wants the credit. It seems like Tiger in golf it is Davids A contest to lose according what I read and heard of him. I look at him and think “little miss sunshine” thier trained at young age where to look,how to sing and how to stand .
I am Ricky’s freind on My Space. I don’t see any spoilers there. He hasn’t logged in since the 18th…
TV Guide
On set incident? This sounds exciting. We need a spoiler for this.
Top 10 Possibilities of On-Set Incidents That Would get You Canned:
1) Accidently gave one of the cannon fodder decent lighting
2) Drank from Paula’ cup and then directed while intoxicated
3) Told Nigel that maybe it was time for a new hairstyle (the 70s have been over for a while).
4) Accidently used Simon’s show outfit to clean some spilled grease (as God is his witness, he thought it was an old raggedy t-shirt). Simon was forced to wear the same sweater two shows in a row (thankfully, nobody noticed).
5) Was caught impersonating Randy in order to make the crew laugh. “Yo DAWG, I don’t know. That lighting started out a little pitchy, but you worked it out. That sound system was on FIRE. I can’t believe it’s only 4 years old! WHAT?”
6) Mistook one of TCOs for cannon fodder and messed with the sound monitors during rehearsal.
7) Was overhead proclaiming “I can’t shoot Clive from his good side! He has no good side. The guy’s looked like a corpse for the last 4 years. There is only so much we can cover with make-up and a soft focus lens!”
8) Accidently deleted the “Flames of Pimpage” background video file. New one isn’t as good.
9) Was outed as Ricky Hoggard’s spoiler.
10) Wore an “I (heart) Josiah Leming - The Judges are All Idiots” T-shirt to work.
Kirsten, as usual…
Brilliant, Kirsten.
BTW, there’s a little google advert popping up that says Blake will be performing on Idol on 3/9, but the actual date is 3/6, top twelve results night. 3/9 is a Sunday.
*wipes eyes* I think this was the best list yet Kirsten!
If Blake gets to perform his new single on 3/6 that’ll show good label support. Hopefully Clive will tell him the right day. I chose #1 from Kirsten’s list.
LMAO, Kirsten. Why do they leave things like that to the imagination? The real story is probably not nearly as bad as what people will think may have happened.
Kirsten, I swear all 10 of those were hilarious. You da bomb! WHAT!
I don’t believe the show was ever about discovering a relevant superstar. I think AI and RCA have very different end goals that have evolved somewhat since the first season simply because they did accidentally create longevity in a few of them, but it wasn’t the goal and its now a handicap.
In the first season, and this is my opinion only, the show was all about the contest and the ratings. They planned on the winner putting out a nice souvenir CD and then move out of the way for the next season’s winner. They didn’t get the winner they wanted {Tamyra} but that’s OK. Next year will be different.
They signed the runner up to:
1. cash in on his popularity
2. control him so he couldn’t sign with another label
3. delay his CD so long that it ensured his not overshadowing the winner.
Mission accomplished. Kelly sold lots of nice souvenirs and Justin tanked.
In the second season the goal was the same. Choose the right winner and make sure he wins, but it didn’t work out as planned. TCO/winner was lazy about promo and his CD took so long to record that many of the artists slated to collaborate on it pulled out. It was delayed and delayed until they had to release the runner up’s CD. As we know now, Clay’s CD was a big success and although Ruben sold very well, it wasn’t the way they planned it. As soon as they realized that Clay was not going to tank, they started to try to hold him back by pulling support for radio, not filling re-orders for CDs in stores, pulling “Invisible” from iTunes so that you could not download a full album from iTunes and therefore keep RIAA from certifying his CD any higher, having him cancel his first solo hour with Larry King to sing Disco with “the girls” on AI3 at the last minute and hosting Fantasia’s finale party in her home town among other things like Simon insinuating that Clay is gay every chance he gets. Clay fired 19 as his management and went to The Firm.
At the same time during season 3, they made sure that Fantasia, TCO had no real competition at the end. They got rid of Jennifer Hudson and Latoya London, leaving only Jasmine or Diana to round out the final 3. Diana was even sabotaged during the finale with her Mic and monitors being messed with so that she was guaranteed to lose. Then she recorded a CD that was so unpromoted that it tanked out of the gate. Now the plan was back on track.
It was after this season that the bad rumors started for Kelly, Clay and Ruben. Kelly was a diva, she wouldn’t let AI use her songs, she was difficult to work with, she lipsynchs, she’s lost her voice, she is over. When her CD Breakaway was released RCA gave it no promo. Disney had the rights to the song Breakaway because it was on the Princess Diaries soundtrack and they promoted it heavily to radio and it was a hit. Kelly fired 19 as her management and joined Clay at The Firm. Lucky for Kelly that when RCA sent out SUBG as the first official single to radio it caught fire on its own. The DJs loved it. Her career took off. CD #3 didn’t fare so well. Clive made sure of that. He similarly sabotaged Bo, Clay, Ruben and eventually Taylor because the field is getting too crowded. 4 out of 5 runner ups were tanked and dropped. 2 out of 5 Winners were also dropped. I expect that Fantasia, Blake and possibly Jordin may also be dropped within the next year. Clay’s 4th CD is due in about 2 months. There has not been a word about it from RCA or Clive. No press release, not a word in Billboard and it isn’t on the RCA website or any spring release schedules. There’s no single or advance promotion. What a surprise! Only not. I’m afraid that any promotion he gets will be what he can drum up himself.
Season 4 and 5 follow the same basic pattern. The runner up is signed but hobbled with a CD that is not promoted or is not good because it doesn’t reflect the artist and the chosen ones get all of the promotion. Sony wants to make money off these kids but it also has an AI playbook to follow. What will Chris D. get next time? I’ll bet it doesn’t do as well as the first one, especially if Michael Johns wins.
Sony/BMG is in bed with 19. Simon Fuller and Cowell have a great deal of power in what the AI grads record and whether it is promoted or not. Some of them were dropped and some are kept to their contracts to hold them back. On another label they may do well and AI can’t have that, control is everything.
They need a few successes to keep the show relevant but they also need to cull the herd now and then. The successful Idol grads that still have a career after the initial hype succeed in spite of RCA and AI. I think Sony and AI play these Idols like pieces in a chess game, using or losing them as needed to keep the show relevant. They are all cannon fodder to the show. I am so cynical that I don’t believe the votes count and haven’t since season 1 when they didn’t get the winner they wanted.
Undecided, gee thanks! I love background like that. I guess as cynical as I am I had never put all that together.
You really think Taylor would have won Season 5 if they controlled the votes?
I don’t think TPTB got rid of Latoya and Jennifer Hudson.. I think alot of voters were like me..liked their voice but didn’t feel any connection to them..I thought Latoya was great but boring and thought Jennifer had a snotty attitude that turned people off. It is a tv show so they could tweak things here and there but I don’t believe they just pick a winner and then make sure they win despite voting..oh welll…my 2 cents :-)
I think that Taylor won fair and square, but I also think they let him win without interfering because they needed to make the public think that they NEVER mess with the votes. It seems to have done the job because many people now point to Taylor’s win as proof that the votes count. I think it was smart strategy by AI to do that. Only thing is, Taylor may have won, but who did they back? Chris. Who did they use to admonish the voters about getting it wrong and putting gum on his face? Taylor. So they used him to seemingly legitimize the vote. I’m not that easy to manipulate.
The bottom line for me is that if it was all on the up and up, they would publish the vote totals and they refuse to even entertain the idea.
I know the producers are manipulative. No doubt about it. I’m not much of a conpiracy gal, so I’m going to continue to beleive the votes count.
I don’t see how releasing vote totals would prove anything. They could just release phony totals.
Kirsten - LOVE the list. I pick #5. :)
LOL, Sarah. I pick #3. Although you’d think Dean the stylist would say something to Nigel.
Of course Sarah you may very well be on that stage next year…
Conspiracy theories are fun (the grassy knoll can be a blast) but it’s mostly conjecture rather than fact.
Visit any fan board, and you’ll read the most interesting theories about why their favorite’s career didn’t go as hoped or expected. Some of it is fun to read, but mostly, it’s wishful thinking, imo.
MJ, I’d love to see your take on the handling of their careers and how it all fits with how AI manipulates everything. I have often seen you shoot down other’s opinions, but have yet to hear yours in any detail.