American Idol Workers Demand Fair Pay
Looks like American Idol isn’t just annoying the fans this year, the workers at Fremantle aren’t too happy either. In a press release sent to Vote for the Worst by the Writer’s Guild of America West, a claim was filed by a dozen workers alleging that certain companies “owe them unpaid overtime that could total over $500,000″. Surprise, surprise, the majority of people filing the complaint worked for FremantleMedia.
Cardboard Cut-Out to Stand In for ‘Idol’ Brooke White at Sister’s Wedding
Always a bridesmaid? Well, not always… Sometimes a cardboard clone can get the job done, too.
Brooke White won’t be dabbing damp eyes as she watches her sister exchange vows on Saturday; instead, she’ll be polishing her singing skills with the other contestants as a cardboard cut-out of the “American Idol” hopeful takes her place in the wedding party,
‘American Idol’ runner-up predicts this season’s final 2
Had a chance to chat with “American Idol” runner-up Diana DeGarmo while we were both at Dollywood today. She looks marvelous — all grown up (she’s 20 years old now), a brunett and so poised! She was even graceful as we stood in a garbage pick up area for the interview. She’s moved to Nashville and is pursuing country music. She wanted an audience with Dolly Parton, but I don’t know if that ever worked out. Naturally, our conversation turned to “Idol” this season. She gave me her prediction for the final 2 and why it seems to be a season favoring the men rather than the women (at least talent wise).
Here are her thoughts on the season:
WHO’LL BE IN THE FINAL 2? “I think it will come down to the two Davids,” Diana told me. She’s referring to, of course, David Archuleta and David Cook. Interesting final 2! She might just be right.
Dolly pays glittering musical tribute to duet partner and mentor Porter Wagoner
On Saturday, Parton performed a musical tribute to her old friend at Dollywood. The packed house included Wagoner’s three children; Parton’s husband, Carl Dean; Grand Ole Opry performers Jeannie Seely and Jack Greene; “Brady Bunch” actress Maureen McCormick; and “American Idol” runner-up Diana DeGarmo.
FIVE QUESTIONS WITH … BLAKE LEWIS
Last year’s American Idol runner-up, Blake Lewis, recently hit town to display his musical chops, collaborating with DJs and other musicians at various Winter Music Conference shows. He also was seen trying to gain — and being denied — entrance at various parties. Guess there really is a difference between first and second place.
What have you been up to since Idol?
‘I have been working my a– off, recording my album, doing some remixes. . . . I have been wanting to come here for like 10 years and all my friends who are DJs have been like `Why aren’t you here?’ It’s been amazing to be embraced by the electronic community, because that’s what I am all about — underground raves and MCs all the time.”
The Voice - Idol puts ‘Sparks’ in teenager’s life
Last year, Jordin Sparks became the youngest ever person to win American Idol, aged just 17. The Arizona native has finished working on her debut album and her next single features Chris Brown. Now 18, she tells Emmanuel Ezugwu about how she is dealing with fame, her views on Chris Brown and Rihanna’s relationship, and why she has never had a boyfriend before.
Voice: It’s been almost a year since you won American Idol. How has it been for you?
Jordin Sparks: It’s been very exciting, very exhilarating and exhausting, all at the same time. Everything has turned upside down, which is crazy. I haven’t been home very much - I think in 2007 I was at home for a total of 12 days! I got a two-week break for Christmas and New Year’s and I started it up over again. But I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Britain’s Got Talent: Audition shows begin!
The second series of Britain’s Got Talent. has made its debut, with the first of seven weeks worth of auditions from across the UK.
Presenters Ant and Dec have returned to the show, along with judges Simon Cowell, Piers Morgan and Amanda Holden. The trio have the job of choosing which acts to put through to the next round, where they will face the public vote.
The eventual series winner will have the opportunity to perform in front of the Prince Of Wales at this year’s Royal Variety Performance - and hopefully follow the success of the 2007 series winner Paul Potts.
Love Our Children Auctions off American Idol Tickets, Charity Of The Day
For almost a decade Love Our Children USA has been committed to stopping all forms of violence and neglect against children. Their goal is to keep children safe and strengthen families. Programs range from education and advocacy, to raising awareness and financial support for at risk children. One of the fun ways you can help is by supporting their exciting online auctions. This week they are selling 2 front row tickets to the April 14th taping of American Idol ! Bidding starts at $3,750, and proceeds go directly to the Love Our Children programs.
Local songwriter gets his ‘Idol’ shot
Some people wait a lifetime for a moment like this. This is his now. And, yes, he does make us proud.
Aaron Sidwell, a local singer-songwriter, could soon be a part of “American Idol” history.
He learned last week that his original song, titled “Something Like Heaven,” is one of 20 finalists in the show’s “American Idol Songwriter” competition.
Between now and April 23, fans can listen to all of the songs and rate them on the show’s Web site, americanidol.com. The song that scores the highest will be performed by “Idol’s” winner on finale night and will be released as the winner’s first official single.
The chosen songwriter not only will get $10,000 and a publishing deal, but his or her song will become as recognizable as Kelly Clarkson’s “A Moment Like This,” Taylor Hicks’ “Do I Make You Proud” and Jordin Sparks’ “This Is My Now.”
Sidwell’s entry includes all the requisite components of an “Idol” finale song: The big key change, a soaring high note and those inspirational “I CAN’T BELIEVE I WON!” lyrics.
On the Scene: ‘Idol’ Top 8 results show
The mood in the Idol studio going into elimination night on Thursday? Somber. From the CBS Television City pages to the cameramen, Debbie the stage manager to, yes, even Corey the warm-up comic, everyone just looked wiped out. This being their fourth Idol commitment in just as many days, it seemed like much of the crew had by this point OD’d on contestants, charity and gospel choirs. There certainly wasn’t the same buzz in the air that I felt at the start of Tuesday’s show, but then again, this is the day we all dread, and I’m not talking about Jason Castro’s hair, either. (We’ll get to his female hair-alike later.) Idol may give back, but it also taketh away, and tonight, one person’s dream would be snatched from their clutches.
Related Posts
You’re right Pop. I was just sharing with some people in chat the other night that my boss calls me Tenderheart Bear. It doesn’t take much for me to cry - which I did a little bit when I read about David C’s brother. All are entitled to their opinions - as always. :)
I believe that David Cook would have to agree for them to say something about this part of his backstory. They have never mentioned it on air, which is mostly likely because he doesn’t want it to be. Because as you said, AI the show has no qualms about putting it out there. However, I don’t see David Cook changing his mind about having it mentioned on air.
And I don’t have him on a pedestal, and I don’t appreciate being told what to do, either. I’ve been critical of him in the past, and will continue to be in the future.
I just do not agree with the sympathy background stories that take over ..and AI using just as important as thier talent…I never thought it was a great thing to do for any contestnt and find it a bit disturbing..YEs I do not care if they hsow thier family just do not turm it into a circus…..I always felt this way never budged …sometimes it is staged…
I don’t see the show using this. They would have done it already. I feel for Cook, but I will vote for Jason.
Oh, and MN Sue. *smiles*
Pop, big hugs. Please don’t take things too personally.
Brain cancer hits a little too close to home for me since I lost my father to it. I don’t think any contestant would want that brought up on the show. The *perfect* time for it would have been after DC went to the hospital. That next night Ryan had him on the stools and I thought Ryan would try to press him on it at that time. Thanks for not pressing it Ryan.
Lisa… ((((((hugs)))))) I’m so sorry for you.
Pop, big hugs from me too. We’re on opposite sides of this one and that’s okay.
As for Go phones. I don’t vote with one (did not for Taylor either), just a plain old land line which makes me prehistoric I know, lol. I did vote for David C/MJ/Jason up until this past week, now only David C. If he goes, then Jason. If they both go, well then no one.
Aww thank you Lu, it’s been quite awhile but it still hurts and I could never in my wildest imagination think I would have wanted my father’s illness out there for all the world to talk about. To TPTB, it’s just wrong, plain old wrong.
Hugs from me too, Lisa. (((Lisa)))
This is a fantastic discussion! Kudos to all involved. I love this place. Here are my (late to the party) thoughts;
1. MJ, I liked “Happy Together” too! I remember that night. There were so many rockers and I was trying to get a handle on all them. What impressed me about the Cookster was how much more authentic (gah, hate that word) he seemed than Robbie Carrcuo(sp). MJ was bleh but hawt, Robbie was a poser. Only David and Amanda seemed real to me. But I think I hated Robbie more than I liked David at that point. LOL.
2. Am I the only one that votes more casually around here? I may have some favorites, but I always end up voting for whomever did the best that night. Even in the finals. If my favorite is gone, I vote for the best performance.
3. As for Archie, I don’t like him or hate him. I feel the same about him as I felt about Clay. (Claymates - don’t hurt me - lol.) I thought Clay could sing his patookas off, but I really didn’t care for the whole Neil Sedaka/Barry Manilow easy-listening vibe. That’s how I feel about David A. He’s a younger Clay to me. But I have seen some serious venom sent his way on some other sites. That said…
4. They all get venom. I have seen Brooke attack posts, Jason, Syesha, Carly, Cookie, etc. Every season, I think the frontrunner gets the most. And all boards have favorites - especially if the site has regular posters who are familiar with each other. I kinda comes with the territory I think. If you think Archie has it bad, I would imagine Kritsy and Syesha fans have it worse! LOL. Anyway, MJs is not unusual in that regard, IMO.
ETA: OH Lisa! I am so sorry for your loss.
I can’t even begin to relate… I hope David is okay with how things go and TPTB do exactly what the family wants.
Oh Lisa, I’m sorry. I’ve had family members who’ve had cancer, including my dad who is a survivor. But I remember the complete and utter fear I felt when he was first diagnosed. It shook me to the core. Cancer is a scary disease, and it’s very personal. I didn’t want everyone to know about it either.
(((((hugs)))))) from me too.
Jason and Taylor Swift
He probably got a picture with her because he mentioned having her CD in his Q&A. lol. They’re both very pretty.
If there is any humanity in AI’s soul at all, they will not mention anything on the air about DC’s brother. I know I am asking a lot, but seriously, that information maybe internet common knowledge but to the casual viewer it is not, nor does it need to be.
Now I don’t put it past them to slip a copy of that news article to the wires and TMZ to take advantage of the story. Cynical as I am, I wouldn’t put THAT past them.
Aww thank you too PJ!
Lu, I really don’t know how David feels about it, I would just imagine he would say *No, No, NO* to that. I do have a *cough* grown daughter who is friends with David’s friends, so I find bits and pieces out about David through her.
Edited: just cause…
I just hope Idol does not go there.
The one place I feel they SHOULD have gone was a piece on E’s mom. She was so much a part of Season 5 I really felt they should have done something on her.
My thoughts exactly. He is synthetic vanilla, just a formula. We’ve got used to organic stuff and I’m hoping he breaks the vial and turns green too. He’s young and he’s got plenty of time. But I do hope he doesn’t go ape shit like Michael Jackson.
Thanks, PJ. That dance was so adorkable and Cooks embarassment put the icicng on the cake.
Here’s a clip by clip of Jason’s grrrrrr dance!
I like the Naste-Jason face. Hope he brings it on during a performance.
Oh, Lord. Please don’t let him sing “Hero”. I’ll be one big, blubbering mass of not-able-to-vote uselessness.
My local FOX 59 station made a big deal of the news of DC’s brother in their 10pm report. Their cameras were at the airport showing Adam getting a flight out of the city of Terre Haute, Indiana. No doubt this is going to hit the wires tomorrow.
Who me? LOL, I am worse than Archuletta at taking compliments. Thanks!
Doesn’t AI retain the right to say whatever they want about a contestant, they even get to make crap up? I think DC has already agreed to let them say something when he signed that Top 24 contract.
Now, it just depends on how human Nigel is. Frankly, I’m not sure I want to shine a flashlight into that abyss. I’m kind of scared at what I might see.
If TPTB like David C, think it will keep in the competition and think that it will juice ratings, they might just air it. If David C pulls a big-old-diva-fit (and, hey, I don’t mean that in a negative way. I think big-old-diva-fits are sometimes waranted and they would be in this case) and refuses to let them mention it, Nigel has lots of friendly journalists he can leak the story to and watch it blow up from there.
Journalists don’t need Nigel’s help or David Cook’s approval. The story was printed in a newspaper and other papers, tabloid TV shows, local newscasts can repeat it if they want to. I don’t think they will mention it on the show itself though unless David Cook wants to talk about it. It’s a positive story in the sense that the family has gotten so much community support.
Well, if David actually refuses to talk about it on camera, how are they going to talk about it without seeming like they’re just trying to whore the story out?
Unfortunately, thanks to meme’s post, it looks like this:
is about to happen.
OMG. Me too.
My heart goes out to DCook, his family, and all who affected by cancer.
ITA 100%. Most of the friends I have are more or less casual viewers, and they didn’t know about Cookie’s brother until I told them (I’m the sole one in the group who actually bothers to get all the extra scoop with the shows and blogs and stuff, lol). Anyway, I’m sure he’s had to have turned down requests from TPTB multiple times to have his backstory revealed on the show. He’s probably one of the first to have a backstory (and one that’s actually worth crying about) not known on the show, and I hold him in high regards for that.
I am hoping he’s smarter than that. *crosses fingers*
Thanks for posting the Jason/Taylor picture. I knew I had seen her in the audience but was not sure. I also did not know Jason has her CD. LOL. They both have very pretty eyes.
I think that singing “Hero” would probably just be milking it, too. (I suspect it was probably snatched up by Archie or KLC as soon as Mariah songs were up for the picking and probably before DC knew his brother was coming). If the show doesn’t mention his brother being there, it would just be…really odd coming from him.
Since it’s Mariah week, I don’t think he should be trying to go for some deep meaningful song. Hell, if his brother is a big Depeche Mode fan, he probably thinks Mariah is crap. Get on with the sexy ballad, the AC guitar to honor your bro, and knock it out of the park, DC!
Personally, I don’t care who wins, as long as Jason makes the top 3. If Little D. wins, then so be it. I won’t be buying his music, or following his career. Same with Cookie. I like him ok, but, just not totally into him.
I’m on the same page with others who think Archie is way too immature for a win of this magnitude. I feel sorry for the kid, because I think he is a victim of parents living through him.
I read an article on the Beatles the other night, and, it said when they arrived in America, (shown on tv), there were hordes of screaming girls waiting for them when they came off the plane. This is true, however, those girls were planted for media effect. It made me think that TPTB are doing this with David A. Plants who scream when he walks on stage, whenever his name is called, etc., It’s just plain nauseating to me. He seems likes a nice kid, with emphasis on the word kid. This is Idol’s answer to Hannah Montana? Not even close. Good singer, no charisma, no stage presence. Hmmm, I could be describing Carrie Underwood, couldn’t I? However, she has handled the fame very well, it seems. That’s why I think Archuletta is way too young. I’m all for them upping the age to 18, that way they don’t have to deal with stage parents.
So, I typed this, then remembered Kat’s parents, so I digress with the age thing.
If Jason is just a coffeehouse performer, as some seem to think, then point me to the nearest coffeehouse, because I’m going to be there. His voice is soothing, relaxing, and, has a nice tone to it. Not being hard on the eyes is a plus. I just happen to like his style and choice of songs.
It was on one of the gossip sites that KLC ran into Taylor Swift in the mall and invited her to the show and backstage. I’m sure that’s where that photo came from. :)
I wish they’d show us song selection a la Rockstar. That put Rockstar on a Soap Opera level.
Could it be that he has simply never mentioned it but still everyone knows about it? The story apparently started circulating because when DC’s MySpace page was still accessible, he had bulletins and/or blogs referencing the subject. So, it really wasn’t secret secret, but it wasn’t common knowledge either - kind of like seeing the growing baby bump on J-Lo but still having to wait for her to confirm the pregnancy. Is it possible that TPTB would approach him about this story - provided that he never confirmed it - asking if they could feature it on the show? It would only be for the sake of ratings, I’m sure, and that is just all kinds of tacky.
Did anyone watch Idolatry (EW.com) this week? It’s absolutely hysterical.