CNN Report: Openly Gay American Idol
CNN does a report about an openly gay American Idol this season. Controversy surrounds Danny Noriega and David Hernandez being booted off the show after a video surfaced with Noriega rapping about being gay and Hernandez rumored to be a male stripper at a gay club.
Voting for the Worst on ‘American Idol’ Makes Money for an Entrepreneur
There is something about “American Idol” that extracts intense emotions from the audience: devotion for the contestants, perhaps, or passion for the songs. For Dave Della Terza, it elicits utter disgust. But it also turns a profit.
Frustrated by what he called the manipulative nature of the televised singing competition, Mr. Della Terza started encouraging readers of a reality television message board five years ago to vote for the contestants they deemed the worst singers.
The idea spawned a Web site, Vote for the Worst, which received widespread attention last year for supporting the singer Sanjaya Malakar as he advanced in the competition.
Top 11 Power Rankings: A New David Is King
For the first time this season, a fella other that David A. tops the TVGuide.com Idol Power Rankings, as determined by reader votes.
Fueled by his compelling performance last week, David Cook claimed an early lead and despite a late surge by Archie, emerged on top with 27.9 percent of the vote.
Elsewhere, the girls made a much better showing this week. Whereas with the Top 12 no femme finished higher than No. 5, this week ladies claimed the 3 and 4 spots.
Mariah To Guest Judge American Idol
Mariah Carey is coming to American Idol this week. The bestselling female pop star of the last two decades will show those kids how it’s done, no doubt, and maybe even give comment on some of that singing.
(Although, to this ear, Amanda Overmeyer already knows what to do!)
Mariah’s “AI” appearance is part 2 of her well-constructed campaign to promote her new CD, “E=MC2” which hits stores on April 15th. Remember? I gave you a preview of the CD a few weeks ago. Last night on “Saturday Night Live,”
American Idol Song Selection Process is Confusing
Have you ever wondered how song selection works on American Idol? In a press interview, recently eliminated American Idol finalist David Hernandez tried to clear up some of the confusion over the song selection process. On theme weeks, contestants are given a pre-selected list of songs from which to choose. Hernandez said, “We just put in our top three and then it’s chosen from there.”
So, what happens when two contestants want the same song? This very situation happened to David Hernandez. Hernandez revealed that the song he sang during the American Idol top twelve performance show, “I Saw Her Standing There,” was not his first choice of song. Hernandez said, “My first choice was ‘Let It Be,’ but that was already taken.”
‘Idol’ thoughts: Handicapping the finalists
Asking for a prediction of who will win “American Idol” is like asking what movie will win the Oscar for Best Picture next year – before the films have even been seen.
That’s because the “American Idol” competition is a constantly changing matchup until May 21, when a winner is selected.
Remember last season, when we loved Melinda Doolittle’s awe-struck, marveling “You really like me!” face when her performances were praised? We loved that modesty right up until Simon told her to cut out the humble act and it struck us that maybe she was playing with our emotions.
The American Idol Bootee Call: David Hernandez
“I’m not ashamed of anything I’ve done in my past, but I’m looking forward to moving forward…if this is the worst thing people say about me in my career, I’ll be OK.”
The “this” in question is the general ruckus about now-booted American Idol contestant David Hernandez’s apparent stint as a stripper before auditioning for the televised talent show. And even though David’s song choice, unsuccessful performance of “I Saw Her Standing There” and, some feel, his past, hastened his goodbye, he’s not sitting around whining about it.
I admit that David was never my favorite of this year’s Idolettes - he had a great voice but didn’t really stand out much to me. But during a conference call with reporters today, he proved to be my favorite interviewee of the bootees thus far. He’s very funny, self-deprecating, capable of managing more than 27 different versions of “It was a such a thrill to be in the running and I just love all the other singers and also kittens and my grandma.”
Stripping or singing? What did Hernandez do on ‘Idol’?
In politics, scandal can kill a career. Just look at the spectacular downfall of New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer. But in the world of reality TV, the story may play out a bit differently.
Valley native David Hernandez, 24, was one of the Top 12 finalists on American Idol. His run on the show came to an end last week when he received the fewest number of votes from viewers.
As most Idol fans know, Hernandez wasn’t your typical contestant. On March 4, news broke that he had worked for three years as a stripper at Dick’s Cabaret in Phoenix, performing for mostly gay audiences.
Hernandez doesn’t think his racy past cost him any votes.
Fashion Scoops: For Rent… Finding A Lost Face… All Dolled Up…
Everyone knows of an assistant who tries too hard in the wardrobe department — think, too-high heels, flashy jewelry and slightly off-trend shoes by way of the mall. But what if the assistant was that of Miss Carrie Bradshaw? One could hardly blame such a minion for trying too hard. In the “Sex & the City: The Movie,” Jennifer Hudson’s character plays the assistant to Sarah Jessica Parker. Hudson wears a potpourri of designer bags throughout the film until Bradshaw finally asks what gives. It turns out her assistant found a loophole in the fashion hierarchy: BagBorroworSteal.com. Hudson’s character rents designer bags from the site. In tandem with the launch, New Line Cinema has teamed up with the Web site to bow a Sex & the City collection.
Danny Noriega Officially on Rosie’s Cruise
Even though this video is kind of obnoxious with the constant spinning, we’re proud of Danny! He already has a spot on a cruise ship (insert Simon Cowell joke here). But we haven’t seen any other semifinalists with jobs already. It’s the power of VFTW. Good things come to all Worsters. Congrats on already being the most successful AI7 top 24 contestant so far! He’s just TMTH and we love him for it.
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I am hoping that David H’s repeated refrain of “song choice was completely fair and so is everything about Americal Idol” means that he has a record deal in discussion. IMO, he could make it far in pop radio.
And I like that he didn’t get caught up in talks about Daddy Awwwchuletta and made sure that the press knew that Brooke did not throw a diva fit to get Let It Be.
I thought David H had a good voice but it wasn’t distinctive plus he didn’t try to make the songs current so am not sure what an album from him would sound like. I still find it strange that the top 12 only had 24 songs to choose from. Were they afraid to use up too many Beatle songs?
Taylor is co-writting with this guy in Nashville..never heard of him .Braught it over to ask if anyone does? The guy Taylor is co-writting with I mean.
http://www.zanesadventure.com/2008/…-couple-of.html
Link did not work wtong one —http://www.zanesadventure.com/2008/03/hey-folks-its-been-good-couple-of.html
I think it would be nice for Taylor to be on the show happen probably not.
I also would like other like Bo or ones not heavily pimped like Daughtry. Kellie P extra..and yes I know why they do..
Pop, your link didn’t work for me, but I did some poking around. Is this the text you were refering to?
Another fun surprise happened a couple weeks ago when fellow Big Yellow Dog writer Pat Mclaughlin introduced me to his co-writer up at the office, who happened to be Taylor Hicks. His season on American Idol was the only one I really watched on a regular basis, and I thought he was a really unique presence, so it was interesting to meet him in person!
Here are a few links for Pat McLaughlin:
Official Website
Check out his discography to see who has recorded his songs and on whose albums he has played.
BMI Music World
sorry mj cannot get the link to work or delete
Thanks Kristen
Well, the description of that McLaughlin guy sounds like a good match for Taylor. I’d, of course, love to see him guest on idol again just because I’m a fan & I’m tired of seeing all the others showcased on there, when he didn’t even get a chance to guest last year when he was the reigning idol. On the other hand, if he’s determined to cut ties & blaze his own trail, then he’s gotta do what he’s gotta do, and I’ll see him elsewhere.
Any songs spoilers for tomorrow night yet?
So Mariah is going to be a guest judge, rather than a mentor? I guess that’s better than having these kids have to attempt her songbook.
David cook at num. 1 in the tv guide power rankings??? hahaha, that sucks for him- what a death sentence. I really think david c. lacks mass appeal to be the next idol. plus, i freaking hate his receding hairline that he tries to cover up by doing that highschool/emo-its-in-my-eyes-but-not-really kinda look.
i think because of david a.’s mess up last week, it is still wayyyyyyyyy to early to declare a winner, I mean we still got 10 weeks left.
ps. i love season 7
I love this season too! The field is wide open, as Chikeze showed last week, and Jason the week before, all you have to do is bring it. The script has been flipped and it’s wonderful to see.
Can you imagine Jason singing a Mariah song?
Can you imagine anyone singing a Mariah song???
Sure. Valentina Hasan. ;D
Not really. LOL. I can imagine him singing this, though. ;)
Sure, why not? I can imagine Carly, Syesha, and Ramiele just waiting to scream out some Mariah.
I also can imagine Brooke or Jason turning We Belong Together into a folksy delight.
No song spoilers yet. The best we’ve got this year is the TMZ site comes out with the spoilers about one hour before the show on Tuesday night, after they’ve seen the dress rehearsal.
I can see it now: Ramiele will be told it was too big for her; Carly will be told it was not the right song for her voice; Syesha - duhn’t matter - she’ll be gone by then.
ETA: OOps, I just read the link again. Mariah is on this week? Judging the kids on Beatles songs, HUH?? Oh well, I’ll just mute Syesha.
Can you imagine what possible advice Mariah could lend to Amanda? LOL!
I can’t wait for Amanda’s reaction….probably the same one she had to Michael trying to put those stupid elephant ears on her at the preview…LOL!!
Photobucket
Poor Michael. LOL
LOL at VFTW making the New York Times. Hey Dave, if your reading, congrats! You’ve made the big time!
That’s GOT to be wrong. Maybe she’s performing on Wednesday, or taped her bits ahead of time. Or something. *scratches head*
My thoughts exactly, mj.
Here’s an article about how Jason started singing, what his family/community thinks about it, etc….
San Francisco Chronicle
Thanks for that article, prime. :)
I just pray that Mariah wears some “decent” clothes
And T2: David H belongs on Broadway or a cruise ship. I don’t see him recording at all.
David H. might not do a CD like what Taylor, Kelly, Kellie, Bucky, Bo, Carrie and the others have done…
But if David H. got to be on Broadway, and the show got enough acclaim, it could be that he could be on the show’s Original Cast Recording CD, just like “Mamma Mia!” or “CATS” or “Les Miserables” have done…
A lot of Broadway, Off-Broadway, and even Off-Off-Broadway shows do record an Original Cast Recording CD…
Also, depending on the role (should this come to pass), David H. could be on the CD frequently, as the more prominent the role, the more singing David would be doing…
Possible reason for a second night of Beatles songs: Last week was the first time Season 7’s ratings have significantly improved on Season 6. I find it interesting that the results show showed more of an increase than the performance show. I think David A screwing up was probably good for the ratings. Conspiracy theory: it was all a producer scam. (just kidding)
I just had to stop by today and mention how wonderful the Daughtry/Bon Jovi concert was last night.
Chris and the band were just as good as I remember…his home crowd sure does love him. Chris’ voice is so powerful, it sounded great in the coliseum.
Jon Bon Jovi amazes me….he had females from 12-60 squealing like school girls. And even the males were questioning their sexuality. He has SUCH showmanship. That smile…my gosh. I even blushed a few times watching him. heh
The highlight of the night for me was when Chris joined Bon Jovi on stage and sang Blaze of Glory. The crowd went nutso.
Good times all around. Great concert.
Glad you enjoyed the concert, Tara. Chris must be having the time of his life on this tour :)
I saw Clay in Spamalot yesterday and he turned out to be pretty great with the whole acting/dancing thing. Who knew? He was very funny and seemed just as comfortable on stage as the veteran stage actors. I was impressed.
According to a TWOP, Kim Locke will be performing on next week’s results show. So who will be appearing this Wednesday? Should be another past Idol contestant since that seems to be the theme until they hit the mentors. The other person I’ve read is returning is Diana DeGarmo.
I like David Hernandez’s voice. It’s very hard to predict where he’ll go now in terms of a record deal. The music biz is in the toilet so someone would have to really believe in him. I don’t think he’s built enough fan base to go indie.
Chicago-Sally, I don’t see David H on Broadway at all–he’s not dramatic enough. I see a nice R&B record from him. He really excelled at the whole Motown/R&B thing. I guess i just like his voice in that genre — which, is the real reason that he got kicked off at 12…sniff…
http://www.tmz.com/tmz_main_video?titleid=1459158660
TMZ — here’s Kristy Lee at some shendig…that stance of hers won’t go away. She’s definitely country….so why isn’t she signed to a record label? They’re snapping up country singers like water.
Anybody can do Motown — even Sabrina, and where is she now?
I can do Motown. That’s easy. Just take an old Motown record and recycle it (ala Michael McDonald).
Thanks for the Daughtry/Bon Jovi report, Tara. Glad you had fun.
Simon is on Oprah today. Did anyone catch it?
Primeminister, thanks for the Jason article. His friends and family sound really proud of him.
I hope simon can show a few manners if Diana DeGarmo returns to perform. He makes no secret that he can’t stand her, Clay or Taylor. I understand that Diana has gotten a production deal from John Rich as a result of her stint on Gone Country. Shes moved to Nashville and is working with writers, etc. She will be a presenter at the country awards show in April.
Go to http://www.cmt.com/ to see Phil Stacy video on making his new single. About half way down the page on the left, there are some tabs. Click on the artist tab and a pic of Phil comes up and you can see the video.
Funny thing about song choice.
Has Michael, the remaining Davids, Carly or Brooke had to resort to a second or third song choice yet? I’ll bet not.
Simon on Oprah picked David A, David C, Brooke and Jason as the ones to watch, did his America got it wrong with Taylor and said Season 6 was bad and said if S7 wasn’t better the franchise was in trouble. But by the time they get to the final 7, this will be the most talent ever. Then he brought out his future superstar - Leona Lewis.
No mention of Carly, Micheal or Jordin (our reigning champ). Leona seems like a sweet talented girl but her kind of singer seems like yesterday’s news to me.
Wow, Simon said NOTHING about Carly on Oprah?? Ruh roh. Must go watch that.
I can actually see those justifiably in the top 4. And I could see a GREAT finale with David C and Brooke. But, yeah, quite doubtful that will happen. LOL.
LOL, Sarah. I just said something similar in the other thread.
Simon’s been watching the iTunes bars, too!
Here’s the top 10 downloads at this moment (sorted by popularity bar):
1. Imagine - David A
2. Hallelujah- Jason
3. Hello - David C
4. Let it Be - Brooke
5. Eleanor Rigby- David C
fairly large gap
6. Love is a Battlefield - Brooke
7. Come Together - Carly
8. If I Fell - Jason
9. Another Day in Paradise - David A
10. She’s a Woman - Chikeze
Two top 10s for the four Simon mentioned (two top 5’s for David C!) and one appearance by Carly and Chikeze respectively.
Michael Johns and Danny Noriega are the only others to break top 2.
I think it’s safe to say that unless something drastic happens (which is always possible), our top six will be David A, David C, Jason, Brooke, Carly, and Michael. Chikeze could potentially knock one of them out if he continues to bring it every week like he did last Tues, especially if one of them falters a couple weeks in a row.
I meant top 20, not 2. Too late to edit.
ETA: Interesting that the top 3 songs are still those 3 since they aren’t studio versions. Wonder how long that will last.