American Idol boring? Verne Gay doesn’t think so
I witness these anti-”Idol” outbursts every season (and quite often, I’m the one performing the outburst). They loom on the horizon just as the Hollywood rounds are getting under way. They steam closer to shore when we’ve got the top 24 in place. And by the time we’re well into the top 12, the anti-”Idol” forces storm the beaches, with mouths foaming, sabers rattling and looking to slay the nearest hard-core “Idol” fan who still thinks the show is good.
Their complaints go this way: “‘American Idol’s’ become dull. … The contestants are boring. … The routine is predictable. … Simon always says the same stuff. … Paula’s an idiot … The songs are terrible. … The performances are robotic. … Who cares?”
AMERICAN IDOL SEASON 7 TOP 11 VOCAL MASTERCLASS: THE LENNON McCARTNEY SONGBOOK PART DEUX
This week, some of my all time favourite Lennon-McCartney songs were highlighted and, generally, the Top 11 singers were in excellent form.
I wasn’t on the same page as the judges were in terms of evaluating the Top 11 showcase. I thought that the singers chose some really complex songs and, in doing so, revealed even greater potential in their performing ability.
Also, just a quick note: I will be vacationing in sunny Florida next week, so there will be no Vocal Masterclass article available for the Top 10.
American Idol: Are Jason Castro’s odds getting better?
Not to jinx Jason Castro, but he’s gaining momentum as we go into Week Six of American Idol.
Earlier, Simon Cowell told Oprah that Jason is in his Final Four. A few days ago, Simon also told The Los Angeles Times that Jason is in his top four, along with David Archuleta, Brooke White and Ramiele Malubay. This time, Simon subbed out Ramiele for David Cook.
Jason Castro from American Idol
Jason Castro from American Idol was in church this morning! One of the high school staff guys knew him from back in a day, so we all got together and connected for the service and a meal. Jason is a super down to earth guy, a solid Christian, and is really genuine. I’m excited to have predicted him to be the winner for a few reasons: 1) he’s humble and if/when fame lands on him, he’ll carry it right, and 2) he’s a legitimate unknown talent who is on quite a ride with this whole thing.
Paula Abdul: I couldn’t speak for 2 years
Paula Abdul has revealed the full extent of a terrible accident that kept her out of the public eye for 6 years.
In 1992, the American Idol judge was a passenger in a plane that made an emergency landing. Three discs in her back ruptured, leaving her with no feeling down her right side.
‘I needed 14 lots of spinal surgery on my neck,’ she explains. ‘I was paralysed and during the 12th operation my vocal chords were accidentally cut.
“Back to the Bottle” premiere set for April 17 at Keith-Albee
The program at the Keith-Albee will begin at 7:45 p.m. Tim White of the Cabell County Youth Empowerment Program will lead off the evening followed by local and national recording artists whose songs are featured in the film.
The theme song for the film, which Karle wrote, will be performed by Rick Ruggles of the Saturday Night Jamboree. Local artists Eddie Riffe and Tony Maynard of ETA will sing a featured songm and national recording artist George Huff of American Idol fame also will perform live.
Winter Jam 2008 Tour Spectacular Finishes Out In Nashville With A Bang
The Winter Jam Tour Spectacular concluded its 34-city run with a bang and a near sold out crowd this past weekend at the Sommet Center in Nashville. The Winter Jam tour is Christian music’s largest annual musical extravaganza and for this year’s 2008 tour they brought in more fans than ever before. Winter Jam had an impressive 16% increase in attendance from last year equaling out to a total of 311, 836 screaming music fanatics coming to see MercyMe, Skillet, BarlowGirl, NewSong, American Idol’s Mandisa and Connersvine.
Nora Aunor presents Dolphy a special award
For most observers, the first FilAm Visionary Awards at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood last March 7 was a big success. It was a visual feast of stars—local and Hollywood—who walked the red carpet watched by fellow Pinoys and photographed by dozens of legit and joined by bogus representatives.
There was star power all over the place! An impressive celebrity force made the event an instant source of Pinoy pride. Who would have thought that Nora Aunor, Lorna Tolentino, Pinky de Leon with mom Lilia Dizon, Eric Quizon, Dingdong Avanzado with wife Jessa Zaragosa, Ciara Sotto, Jasmine Trias, Isabella Ledesma, Movin’ 93.9 radio DJ Icy Ice and Giselle Toengi would be enjoying the glamour of Hollywood with WWE 3-Time World Champion David Batista, Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Brian McKnight, actor Michael Copon (One Tree Hill and upcoming feature film The Scorpion King: Rise of the Azzadian), Reggie Lee (Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End), singer Jennifer Paz (Miss Saigon, Evita, Songs for a New World), youtube.com star Christine Gambito (happyslip.com)?
Pizarro: The stars will be coming out for Silicon Valley causes
“American Idol” contestant Diana DeGarmo - who appeared as Maria in AMTSJ’s “West Side Story” and has appeared on Broadway in “Hairspray” - leads the list that includes Broadway vet Christiane Noll and AMTSJ favorite Aaron Ramey. They’ll also be honoring some behind-the-scenes stars who have been key supporters: John Michael and Abby Sobrato, Star One Credit Union and the city of San Jose. Get details on the gala at www.amtsj.org.
American Idol Performer Sings at Autism Benefit Concert
Autism nonprofit organization, The Friendship Network for Children, Inc., announces a benefit concert with guest performer 2006 American Idol contestant Ayla Brown. The concert features Alexis Ohanian, experienced vocalist and Massachusetts native, and other New England musicians.
The concert is on May 3, 2008 from 7:00pm-8:30pm at the Medway High School theater in Medway, Massachusetts. It is made possible with the support of the Medway Public School’s Special Education Parent Advisory Council. Tickets cost $15.00 and can be purchased online.
Ex-’American Idol’-ist Josiah Leming nails major record deal
He’s gone from living in his car to having a record deal in the span of six months. Morristown teenager Josiah Leming — forever known as the kid living out of his car on “American Idol” season 7 — has signed with Warner Bros. records. He’s also gotten an agent and an entertainment lawyer. According to one source, the kid bought his dad a new truck recently to celebrate this upward turn of events. Earlier this season, Josiah made it to the early rounds in Hollywood, but failed to make the top 24 cut. He’s still living in M-Town, but he’s going to be going Hollywood soon enough.
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Yeah, Josiah! Great news, bring on the music.
http://www.tmz.com/2008/03/24/idols-david-hernandez-wants-to-be-rent-boy/
David Hernandez auditions for Rent. It seems Broadway loves the Idols.
“Rent” seems to be a popular place for post-idols to go unfortunatly not much longer it is closing it doors in June.
http://www.siteforrent.com/
Josiah- I listened his song on the show reminded me sort of Taylor and can say he is a musicain. Stll in the field if someone is home terminally ill time spent with them is very precious not trying out for a talent or tv show . It can wait IMO it will not change.
Why signed yes Josiah has talent but he but also hot in the news was a major part.
Josiah yes I do feel bad about his mom being ill and about that and understand going after a dream.
The only person who made me cry still was Sherman eventhough he was too old because it was totally for the memory of his wife and was from the heart.American Idol choose the feather lady to be on the finale instead…
Poporange — Are you American? What country are you from? Just curious.
I was born in Canada (in an igloo w/ dogsled transportation). If about typing look at the keys not the screen so allot of mistakes and I miss allot of mistakes before I can change them.
Poporange - keep on keeping on. We love you!!
As a parent, there is nothing that would please me more than if my son or daughter were out there achieving their dream. As long as he/she calls or emails me, I will support this move towards success.
Congrats to Josiah. Just think how interesting it would be to have him in the competition. I think TPTB goofed on that one. Of course, all the better for Josiah now.
Ooooh. I like the Brandon Rogers comparison. I agree Michael Johns needs a breakout performance. “Accross the Universe” was probably his best so far. Otherwise, I don’t see him getting past 5th or 6th place. I too would love a CCJ final three. Major pipe dream unless Archie stumbles and stumbles hard.
As for signings, it will be interesting to see if Clive & Co pick up more than the winner and the runner up. I have no doubt some of the kids will go the indie route.
*waves at Pop*
ETA:
Sounds fun, Purps. Don’t suppose it was caught on video??? ;-) LOL.
About Josiah’s mom — she was diagnosed with cancer when Josiah was 10 or 11. She’s been fighting it for all those years, almost half of his life. She has stated on her blog, and on VFTW, that Josiah has her full blessings to pursue his dream, and she doesn’t want him to put his life on hold because she’s sick. She’s really an inspiring woman. I read her blog when I feel like whinging about my life — makes me feel like I don’t have ANY problems that amount to anything.
Anyway, I understand the feeling that he should stay home with her, but sounds like they are in agreement about it.
I’m a huge Josiah fan, and can’t wait to see what the kid accomplishes. He’s a gifted songwriter, especially for someone so young.
I always enjoy your posts poporange. I love your sense of humor.
About Josiah’s mom– is HE the ONLY relative that she has? Was she ever married? Had siblings? That’s a load for a teen to carry.
About Michael Johns — the best he can do is front a band like Daughtry. I think Chris D. inspired a lot of rockers to try out for AI since Rockstar is now off the air. Amanda said as much.
I just don’t think Michael Johns’ heart is in it. Did he marry a rich woman? Just curious.
Thank God for lost digital camera chargers! LOL
All he can say about Jason is “with the dreads.” LOL Oh, well, at least Jason is there. Michael is missing. :s
I am so thrilled for Josiah - I can’t wait for the official announcement. The kid is so prolific he can probably have a CD completed by summertime and appear at some of the big music festivals. If this were “Overall Musical Talent Idol,” he would beat everyone, hands down. I’m glad they turned him loose to do his thing.
That would be awful if he had to settle for selling 4 million albums.
Plus, it’s hard to see the screen in white out conditions. Pop, I love reading your perspective on issues and you have a great sense of humour. Type on!
I STILL cannot believe they did that. Feather lady was an unfunny plant and she chewed up so much time on the finale. Sherman would have been a heart-warming breath of fresh air. If Sherman would have been a “moment”, feather lady was an “anti-moment”. TPTB were freakin’ clueless about almost everything last year.
I think he comes from a family of 8.
Crystal Ball Prediction: Within the next three years of Idol, songwriting will be part of the Hollywood audition process. The good/relevant voices from the regional auditions will have to prove they can create their own music to be part of the Top 24.
Hey, it could happen. Idol has evoled into allowing instruments which helps connect the Idols with their audience. Some ideaman in TPTB will probably say, “Remember that kid we let slip away in Season 7. Damn good artist. He coulda been ours.”
Chicago-sally - STOP IT. Don’t ask intrusive and personal questions. I’m going to start deleting your posts. Don’t harass posters–that will get you BANNED.
I’m starting to hear lots of buzz about Jason Castro. I think it will be really intersting to see where he finishes.
POP… :)
I’m really happy for Josiah. I have a feeling that he will make more of a mark as a songwriter than he will as a performer, but I could definitely be wrong. I have been once or twice. ;) Seriously, I liked his songs. It seems to me that it would give any mother a huge boost to see her child making good on his dream.
I was doing my usual perusal of Perez this morning and I noticed this posting of clay’s new album cover. What I found really interesting is that it generated 996 comments. You got to hand it to the Claymates. They are one dedicated bunch.
Actually, IIRC he’s the second oldest of 9. Congrats to Josiah. I’ve downloaded his music and really think he’s got something special.
Jason Castro - I could see him singing this song from “the Dweebs” a local band.it would never happen but it tugs at the hartstrings for me….
“When I woke up this morning there was no warning you were gone.
now I am left alone here only here only the phone here your numbers gone. I long from your gentle touch .I know I miss you too much. Do not want to lose you I tell ya I was crying now here are my tears . I pictured life with out youheaven know doubt you you will get along. I know it sounds soo selfish I can not help but to wish you were wrong. I do not want to lose you I tell I was crying know here are my tears. I do not want to lose you know I was dying now because of my fears andIf you leave me know you must belive me know I could never ever fall on.”
The song was not on itunes or yuoutube.
crap typo –left only the phone here your numbers gone
heart strings
youtube
That’s amazing about them accidentally cutting Paula’s vocal chords. How horrible is that for a singer?! Amazing that she got her voice back through therapy!
Wow! Josiah Leming has some SERIOUS, savvy fans!
Read those comments in the Knox News article!
Josiah bought his dad a new truck!
I wonder if he bought himself one, too?
From HDD:
“P. Diddy’s Making the Band discovery, Bad Boy’s Danity Kane, will debut at #1 next week, with a total that could go as high as 290k, and will be at least 270k.”
P. Diddy’s TV created group is proving to be bigger than the past two winners of American Idol. And MTV doesn’t get 30 million viewers.
I wonder if his other TV “discoveries” do as well.
The new VFTW contestant is Kristie Lee Cook, but after Danny Noriega and Amanda Overmyer got booted so easily, I doubt they actually have much clout.
A Thank You From Amanda Overmyer
Current mood: rockin
Category: Music
Hi everyone! I figured the best way to contact all of you was through this Blog. My first Blog mind ya! So here goes!…
blog.myspace.com
I’m thrilled for Josiah. The way the public has embraced him and helped him has been extremely heartwarming. I’m pretty amazed. It was obvious how passionate he was about music and what a nice kid he was. I’m happy that things are working out for him. It’s great that he can help his family now. Just seeing her son so happy about his future has got to lift the spirits of his ill mother.
Danity Kane’s first CD debuted at number 1 also, I think. I hope Diddy’s new male group will be successful too. Both groups sing very well. I love when groups can sing without music and can harmonize, all at a moment’s notice.
Congrats to Josiah!
Danity Kane’s 2nd CD looks to be bigger than their first. I’m a fan of the guy group as well. I’m just amazed at how big a TV created group can get. I don’t get why Idol can’t find the great r&b male talent this season that Diddy got for his group. It’s hard for me to get into a season this weak on R&B.
I just deleted a post from another thread. If you have a headline to post, please post it here. I’m trying to keep the separate threads on-topic.
Diddy had a few misses before he hit with Dannity Kane (still abhor that utterly silly name). As a matter of fact the forming of DK was only after he started from scratch in search of his girl super group. Idol has had more of a success than he has, and I am a fan of Diddy’s, just sayin’.
When you think of it idol is far more successful than any show of it’s genre in breaking new artists. Diddy’s success with Dannity pales in comparison. MTV might not get that kind of numbers but don’t they air their shows ad infinitum? It’s a smaller pool, but probably more suggestable as well.
Idol is not looking for R&B artists, or they could find it I am sure, they are looking for Pop stars, more money to be gleaned than from a straight up R&B artists.
I think Danity Kane call themselves Pop International. The guy band is more R&B.
Idol still sells more albums than MTV but it’s interesting to see a successful girl band hatched from a Reality TV show. Danity Kane may fall off a cliff next week but their opening week looks to be almost 3X what Jordin had. If Idol is looking for Pop stars, this season doesn’t have them. The only one who can sell Pop is David A. All the other front runners are rock or folk singers.
Hope it’s okay to post this here.. for those of you who dont have a clue about the Jonas Bros they’re performing on DWTS tonight. The one with the straight hair (Joe) is the one they compared David A to the other day in the magazine…
No shock to any of you that I’ll be taping tonight… sigh.
I’m sure you’re all on the edge of your seats but the Jonas Brothers perform tomorrow night…
I had bought Carly’s version of Come Together and today I got an email from itunes with the following in it.
I pulled it down and it definitely sounds a lot better, much more like Carly.
Do you really think the Claymates are posting all those hateful comments? Perez and his followers are pigs.
Yeah, I went to read the comments and the ones I saw were cruel and mean.