‘American Idol’: Cash in, Carey
Pop quiz! In addition to the obvious fact that they’ve all been booted from American Idol’s season 7 finals, what else do David Hernandez, Amanda Overmyer, Chikezie, Ramiele Malubay, and Michael Johns have in common?
Well, aside from their alleged enthusiasm for Ford vehicles, Coca Cola, and iTunes, none of them played instruments during any of their live performances this season. (Yes, yes, I know that’s not 100 percent technically correct…but I refuse to acknowledge Chikezie’s pitiful maiden attempt at harmonica during ”I’ve Just Seen a Face.”)
More Idol Headlines After the Jump
American Idol: The Top 7 Perform
When the show started and they panned the final seven contestants, the first several were giggling until they got to Archuleta who had a weird smile on his face. I wonder if he had just cut one? Or maybe Ryan did, but it was in front of David and so he was trying not to pass out. Ryan opened the show by discussing the elimination of Michael Johns but did not offer an apology, as many have demanded, for the false glimmer of hope he cruelly gave Michael when he was cut.
Guys dominate Mariah Carey week on ‘Idol’
This was Mariah Carey week for the “Idol” contestants, as the record-setting pop star served as the guest mentor. In a related news story, Carey has a new album out, and as the show has mentioned perhaps a million times in its seven-year history, she and Randy Jackson have worked together quite a bit over their careers.
“I say this is make-or-break for Randy’s career tonight,” Simon Cowell joked at the start of Tuesday’s broadcast.
Recap: ‘American Idol’ voices Carey
For six-and-a-half seasons now, American Idol contestants have heard near-weekly lectures from the judges about how covering certain singers — Whitney, Christina, Celine, Mariah — is just a recipe for disaster, Tuesday (April 15) night’s show is dedicated entirely to karaoke versions of Mariah Carey hits. Gee. That sounds like a recipe for disaster, right?
American Idol: I Miss Chikezie and Michael Johns
Darn. Castro still has his dreadlocks. On the plus side, though, the girls finally bothered to dress up for the occasion. Save Carly’s matronly black tights and Kristy’s frightful eyelashes, they all looked pretty good.
Seacrest took a few moments at the beginning of the show to address the pink elephant in the room who likes to walk on treadmills in high heels, that is the fact that on “American Idol,” E doesn’t usually equal MC2. It usually equals a hot mess and Randy and Simon telling a contestant she is not up to the challenge of tackling such a talented artist (while Paula compliments the girl’s outfit).
My advice for the Idols who were so nervous about singing in front of Mimi, remember one simple fact. This was the woman who brought you “Glitter.”
But how did they sing?
Idol BTS: The Davids Are the Goliath
Also Spotted: Ramiele and David Hernandez were sitting next to each other in the audience, and Ryan had to fill David’s seat when he took to long getting a soda during a break…David Cook came into the crowd after his performance (during the break) to give his family some nice big hugs…and Whitney Port from The Hills was spotted–but not with any other Hills cast members, as far as we could tell. Guess her new fashion job is not all that life-consuming after all!
On ‘Idol,’ a ticket home can be theirs for a bad choice of song
American Idol judges like to remind contestants that it’s a singing competition. Often, though, what finalists sing is as important as how they sing.
Poor song selection can provide a quick ticket home. Ramiele Malubay learned that after a pitchy rendition of Dolly Parton’s Do I Ever Cross Your Mind. David Hernandez found it out after his kitschy romp through The Beatles’ I Saw Her Standing There. And last week voters seemed to agree with Simon Cowell when he told the previously reliable Michael Johns that he’d chosen the wrong song in Aerosmith’s Dream On.
David Cook’s Ailing Brother Attends Tearful Performance
During a commercial break, David walked down to hug his brother in his seat. All three judges — Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson — also hugged Adam.
Adam, 36, who traveled to Los Angeles from his home state of Indiana, arrived at the studio 40 minutes before the live telecast began and took a seat right next to Desperate Housewives star Teri Hatcher and her daughter.
Two weeks ago David had a difficult time concentrating on the show because he had learned his brother’s condition had worsened. Despite his fragile state, Adam’s doctors allowed him to travel to the Idol show accompanied by a medic and a nurse.
Podcast: David Cook’s story hits home in more ways than one
Well, I wasn’t expecting this: I asked Shari Elliker before our talk this morning on WBAL-AM what was on her mind and she said: David Cook’s brother.
If you haven’t clicked the story on the Ticker, here it is. Adam Cook, who’s 11 years David’s senior, has a diagnosis of advanced brain cancer, and by several accounts it is having a profound effect on David’s already emotional journey to the top of “American Idol.”
Archuleta’s Utah friends say humility is no act
Seemingly all of Utah and half of America is rooting for David Archuleta to be the next “American Idol.” But one of the Murray teen’s best friends wouldn’t be completely heartbroken if he’s not.
“I miss him a lot, so it’s OK with me if he comes home,” Jessica Judd said, with a laugh.
The signs of how big a deal this is are all over Murray High — literally. Not only is the school Archuleta attends plastered with posters, but they’re selling “I voted for David Archuleta” T-shirts.
And the media have descended on the school to find out what the “Idol” favorite is really like.
Teacher excited about White’s success
When American Idol contestant Brooke White left Arizona for California to pursue a music career, her former cosmetology teacher at the East Valley Institute of Technology never expected to see her on one of the most popular television shows in the country.
Teri Mosier, White’s cosmetology teacher at EVIT during the 1999-2000 school year, had never watched the show but said she was surprised when she found out White was a contestant and “went home and turned it on right away.”
“We spend two years with these girls and we see them come in as kids and go out as adults so you get attached to them,” Mosier said. “We do a lot of the mothering concept here, all the instructors do, so you’re proud. It’s like one of your kids.”
Who’s That Girl? It’s Star Carly!
SHE looks familiar, right? American Idol fans will surely know her – it’s Carly Smithson, one of the remaining finalists, back in the day when her last name was Hennessy, she still lived in Ireland, and most refreshingly, she didn’t have tats on her arms.
MICHAEL JOHNS FINDS ATTENTION ‘SURREAL,’ LOVES WHYNATTES
Australian-turned-Atlantan was a fan favorite and seemingly a frontrunner until his untimely demise last Thursday.
He stopped by the plaza today to chat with Matt, Meredith and Natalie. WATCH VIDEO
We’ll have a vlog post here on allDAY soon, but in case you can’t get enough of Michael Johns, I had a quick chat with him after his appearance on the plaza. He spent about 15 minutes talking to our crowd outside, posing for photos and signing autographs, and as we stepped inside, he said, “This is surreal.”
Here’s the conversation that followed:
‘Idol’ finalist Ramiele Malubay explains herself!
American Idol’s reigning ninth-place finisher stopped by EW.com’s cubicles, where I got to ask her about her insane elimination-night garb, her questionable song choices (”Alone”? Really?), and a possible reality-TV future with BFF Danny Noriega. Ch-ch-check out this three-part interview — if you’re not too busy mourning Michael Johns’ ouster, that is.
Lewis To Top Billboard 200 With ‘Spirit’
U.K. import Leona Lewis will make a huge splash at No. 1 on The Billboard 200, becoming the first British solo artist to debut in the U.S. chart’s top slot when Nielsen SoundScan releases its charts tomorrow (April 16) morning.
The singer, discovered on “The X Factor,” Simon Cowell’s British talent show, leads the list with opening-week sales of 205,000 copies. That gives Lewis’ “Spirit” a commanding lead over last week’s chart champ, George Strait’s “Troubadour,” which holds the runner-up spot with 59,000 sold.
Leona Lewis to perform on American Idol
Leona Lewis will appear on American Idol later this month.
X Factor mentor Simon Cowell, 48, has booked her to perform on the hit US show, on which he is a judge, reports The Sun.
The appearance comes as Leona, 22, is expected to top both the album and single charts in the States tomorrow – making her the first British female to achieve this.
Underwood, Parton to perform at ACMs
Rodney Atkins, Dolly Parton and Carrie Underwood are among the country stars lined up to perform at this year’s Academy of Country Music Awards show, organizers announced Tuesday.
The May 18 show will be telecast live on CBS from the MGM Grand Garden Arena on the Las Vegas Strip.
Rhapsody Presents Carrie Underwood With The Rhapsody Most Played Country Album Award
CMT, a division of MTV Networks and Rhapsody(R), the digital music service from MTV Networks and RealNetworks(R), Inc. , congratulate country artist Carrie Underwood, winner of Rhapsody’s Most Played Country Album of 2007 award. Announced as a part of the CMT Music Awards Red Carpet show, this award acknowledges that Ms. Underwood’s 2007 release Some Hearts was listened to more times Rhapsody users than any other country album in 2007.
CMT Awards: Did Paula Abdul write her own patter?
Speaking of off, Paula Abdul (pictured) was on hand to deliver THE most awkward introduction ever. She looked fabulous, in a Spider-Man inspired gown, and she clearly felt great as she danced her way to her mark. But then she spoke: “My life has always been surrounded by dance, cheerleading, tons of inspiration, and, of course, music. That’s why I’m so happy to be here in Music City!” Cut to Keith Urban, looking bored. But continue. “Now, I’m just so blown away. There’s so many American Idol alumni here, I feel like this is a reunion, and I’m a proud mom. You know, some of those kids we literally found underneath a rock, and saw that they could actually be our bright and shining diamonds in the rough.” Dramatic pause as she puts her outstretched arms down. “When they were vulnerable on that stage about ready [glares over her right shoulder at some screaming fan] to get kicked off, they held their own with total grace and dignity. [Looks over her shoulder again and says, “Alright. I get it.” Shakes her head. Continues, unconvincingly.] “It’s just that I’m really proud of my little angels. Now what I’m trying to say is: In music, there’s so, so much that you have to take into consideration. But most of all, you’ve gotta have faith. But in this room, it’s all about spirit and faith. There’s only one person in this room who has faith. And it’s Tim. Ladies and gentleman, performing their hit song “I Need You” Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.”
American Idol Judge Paula Abdul Cances Live “Today” Show Performance
Paula Abdul has backed out of a live performance on the “Today” show:
The “American Idol” judge, who hadn’t performed live in years, has cancelled her April 25 live concert, part of the show’s annual Summer Concert Series. She’ll be replaced by Alicia Keys on April 21.
“Paula Abdul is no longer part of ‘Today’s’ concert series at this time, however, she is always welcome at ‘Today,’ NBC said in a statement yesterday. Abdul’s representative did not respond to a request for comment.
American Idol Contestant John Stevens Dishes up Chicken Soup
Our interviews with the contributors to Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul continue today with John Stevens. John finished at #6 in Season 3 and released his first CD in 2005. He´s currently developing his craft at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, where he is a student.
Thanks for joining us John. It´s great to have you here.
Why don´t we get started by finding out a bit more about you. How long have you been interested in jazz, big band, and swing music? Who is your greatest source of inspiration?
‘Idol’ alum Carmen Rasmusen stuck to her faith and her music
From Grammys and gold records to college and day jobs, life after American Idol is a mix of the ordinary and the entertaining. For USA TODAY, Andrew McGinn catches up each week with a former finalist.
Much to her frustration, Carmen Rasmusen couldn’t attract the attention of record-label executives after American Idol.
She did, however, attract another kind of invertebrate: Madagascar hissing cockroaches.
The country gal from Utah was covered in them (among other creepy-crawlies) during a 2006 stop on NBC’s Fear Factor. “The worst experience of my life,” says Rasmusen, 24.
Former American Idol Contestant Melinda Doolittle Performs On Newschannel Five
KSDK- St. Louis ice cream lovers are urged to cast their vote for their favorite American Idol flavor on www.slowchurned.com.
One lucky St. Louis winner will get a chance to have American Idol season six contestant Melinda Doolittle perform a concert live in their own living room on Wednesday, April 16.
The winning Edy’s Slow Churned American Idol ice cream flavor will earn a permanent spot in the Slow Churned ice cream line up.
Melinda will also be doing a meet and greet with fans on Wednesday, April 16 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Shop ‘n Save, 1144 Meramec Station Road, Twin Oaks, MO 63021.
To watch Melinda’s performance on Newschannel Five, click on the link above this story.
Related Posts
Does that mean Carly, Syesha, KLC, *gasp* and The Chosen One are next in order to give us a final 3 of Brooke, Jason, and David C.?
David Archuleta has played an instrument–piano.
David C is the NEW Chosen One. Let’s not confuse people.
OCO - Archie
NCO - Cook
I enjoyed the article about how they’re looking for an artist more than a vocalist this season. Right on the money.
http://www.tribstar.com/news/local_story_106234025.html
Follow up story from the Terra Haute Indiana newspaper where Adam Cook is from.
O LO!
I forgot so quickly!
*sigh* Thank you, EW!
Hmmm….seems to me last season & before, the Idols used the stage more. I remember them coming down stairs, and walking the stage and going into the audience. What the he**ll happened this year? They’re standing in front of a piano, like they’re in Carnegie Hall.
Two words: Mosh. Pit.
David C ventured out into the crowd last week and we all know how that worked out for him. David Hernandez did too and then, IIRC, got booted the next night. We saw Brooke try to “work” the stage and it wasn’t pretty. And do we really want to see someone as dizzy as Jason wander off the stage outside of a group sing? He’s liable to get lost. Archie would get devoured in a nanosecond by the fangirls.
The others have enough on their plate simply singing their songs well and attempting to project a likable personality.
I don’t really have the same memories of people “using the stage”. Granted, I watched sporadically in season 2, 3, and 4. (Not at all season 1) It wasn’t until Season 5 that I started watching every episode (thanks alot, Taylor!) Taylor is the only idol that I have real memories of “using the stage”. I guess last year some made use of it but I think, more often then not, they pretty much stand there and sing.
The group numbers, however, are all over the place, LOL.
This former canadian is venturing back for one shot only you can skip it it is only a test…..This is a funny yet snaky look at the contestants for Kristens eye only:
Daivd C-turn or find rock style for song can do w/out the glory sing/shout note once in awhile—-Nigel and Clive thinking Daughtry 2.0 and wondering who is holding Clive back w/ eletric shaver in hand..
Brook W-Polyanna which is good for those cloudy days …preparing basket for her departure .
Jason C- I wonder if he held up a mirroe durring the preformance would he convince himslef to vote like mad for himself? Those dreamy eyes and face and uses them.
Carly- The Sally Field “I can sing I really can Sing” Simon .we know hon we know while patting on the shoulder.
David A-Cute little guy…I see “Krammer vs. Krammer part 2″ Carly and Paula going after him while Brook waits in the wings
Syishia-Good voice –does she seem like she is playing a contestnat on a singing show.
Kristy–I hear ya sing country..Are you the fith cylon fron BattleStargallatica? Say it is so because Starbuck please not her.
MJ–Still hot..I know technically youleft…but hey Knight Rider is on again next year…hint ..you would look great in black…..hint
Ace -I know season 5 I know –one word FNL
It is long complain if ya must…
I really wish M Johns had played guitar at least once. I wonder if he’s still be on the show? Hard to say.
I agree, and it makes me happy. The show needed to evolve.
I thought Amanda was really good at working the stage and getting the audience involved.
I am so irrationally pissed at iTunes for taking away the pretty little popularity bars! I really wanted to see how the boys did last night, sales-wise.
I wish they would evolve to the point that contestants could sing their own music. *cough* like maybe on finale night this year *cough.* Even Archuleather mentioned that he has written some songs and I imagine they would sound like the coronation ballad anyway, no?
Hee!
I loved the Micheal Johns interviews on the Entertainment Weekly link! OMG that was such a tease with the first few words of Vision of Love. I would sacrifice my firstborn to hear it. *looks at her bedroom… YES I would sacrifice my firstborn to hear it*
I didn’t read the David C articles today because I didn’t want to sniffle.
I know right? I bet it went down like this though:
1. Cook
2. Archuleta
3. Jason
4-6. Carly, Kristy, Brooke
7. Syesha
I’m having a hard time finalizing my pick the pool this week.
Which is stronger: Brooke’s Mormon/folky votes or Syesha’s African American/R&B votes? Granted, not every one who votes for either contestant falls into these categories, but I do think they make up a significant part of their fanbases. I think Carly and Kristy will be safe for another week. But who knows, I may change my mind…especially if Nigel does a press conference. lol
Thanks pop. It was amusing and inciteful. Especially this:
That’s exactly what the problem is. The girl never stops acting. She would connect more with people if she’d just stop with all that. She’s actually a very good singer. She just needs to connect with the audience and the material.
I’m loving this game of cat and mouse that Idol fans are playing with iTunes. They must have had to re-write half their search software by now. Everytime they think they have us beat, we find another trick. LOL. I wonder how many PAs Nigel has scanning the blogs/forums to find out our latest tricks so they can close the loophole. Either the blue cast he’s sporting is from slamming his fist through the wall at the iTunes leaks or it’s because Ryan broke his arm after he was made to be the villian last week with the Evil Shock Boot.
Seriously, Nigel, why do you care? According to you, the Idol Internet fans are just a tiny number of loons. What harm could possibly come from us knowing how well the Idols are doing? It’s not like that kind of info saved Michael Johns or hurt Kristy Lee.
I didn’t get to watch the show until this morning. Here is my quick review for each of them in 10 words or less:
David A: Melinda-level consitency. Good thing or not? No lip licking. Yay! 9
Carly: Simon-Daddy will never like you. Relax! Cringe-worthy belting. 5
Syesha: Beautiful dress. Great song choice. It worked for me. 8
Brooke: Not as bad as I was led to believe. Aa’ight. 7
Kristy: She’s so passive aggressive. I can’t stand her. Sorry. 5
David C: Crying was sweet. Song was okay. Hair steadily improves. 9
Jason: Has been taking gasping lessons from Archie. Crappy vocals. Meh. 6
OhMyGod the whole interview is hilarious! The two female editors are practically drooling and Michael Slezak jokes about how they’ve been crying for a week.
MJ: “Girls its just a TV show, it ok! Life goes on!”
Female: “God *giggle* you’re so smart”
I would welcome them singing originals, too. It was one of my favorite parts of Rock Star. Sadly, I don’t see it happening this year.
EW interview was great!
So, I didn’t know the whole Carly background thing cuz I didn’t watch the auditions this year. As I was searching for DCook on Amazon, Carly Hennessey pops up. Her album released in 2001 has “Just Missed the T :ponder_tb:rain” on it which is one of my fav songs from Kelly Clarkson’s Thankful album of 2003. I’m intrigued.
Archuleather. Lmao, cheese! I didn’t know little Archie wrote songs, though — but yeah, even if TPTB let the finalists sing their own song, it’d just be as if they held the competition but let the Idols join in and Archie inevitably won.
I enjoyed Slezak’s article, as well. IMO, the belters are starting to get swallowed up in their own voices this year. Syesha and Carly would probably have done relatively well in any season besides last (I don’t know how they’d have fared last year just weighing in the Top 3 of Jordin, Blake, and Melinda). That’s what I think, anyway.
Damn. Maybe I shouldn’t have gone off clicking articles on Cookie left and right. My heart aches.
ETA: …Carmen, dear, please don’t dye your hair. You’d possibly end up scaring the kids more than Carly’s husband does.
Since the song was just “okay”, is the 9 for the crying or the hair?
In future, please make sure to watch the show in a timely fashion. Me no likey abridged Kirsten reviews.
I agree with Metta, Kirsten. What, do you have a life or something?
Is it too early to talk about ALW song choices? LOL If not:
Cookie’s take on Phantom of the Opera would be smokin!
I can see a catfight over Cat’s *Memories* between Carly, KLC, Syesha (whichever does not leave tonight).
He got a 5 for the song. A 3 for the crying. 1 for the hair. This is like the GCS or the APGAR scale, though. You get a minimum of 1 point just for having hair. Even dead people get a GCS of 3.
I swear, it was not my fault. I had every intention of watching it on schedule but external forces intervened. Darn you external forces!!!!!!111!!ELEVENTY-ONE!
LOL. So even if Cookie comes out dead next week, he’ll still get at least a 3?
How do you put your scores together, by the way? If he got a 5 for the song, I’m sure everyone else couldn’t have gotten much more than such, if a 5 even.
http://www.variety.com/VE1117936818.html - Interesting take on last night - emphasis is mine
Lack of singer personalities concerns Cowell
A non-remonstrative Simon Cowell had a simple explanation as to why Michael Johns got the boot last week from “American Idol” - and it appears conspiracy theorists get it but the contestants do not.
“You cannot deliver an uninspired performance at the top of the show,” Cowell said in an interview that mostly concerned the chart success of Leona Lewis. “And you can’t be up there imitating another singer.”
As our conversation turned toward song selection, I noted that Aerosmith’s “Dream On” did not fit the definition of inspirational, just because the word “dream” is in the title.
“I couldn’t agree with you more,” Cowell chimed in.
With the one judge on the line who keeps the proceedings close to level, it was hardly surprising that Cowell, who considers talents shows in the U.S. and U.K. “the luck of the draw,” would be willing to pinpoint a collective flaw in the season 7 cast.
“Personality,” he said, a little more than an hour before Tuesday night’s all-Mariah Carey show. “They are giving very safe answers to questions, making safe song selections. We are not getting a sense of who they are. We have to try to pull it out of them more.”
That seemed like a marching order to me going in to Tuesday’s show - let’s play “Where in the World is an ‘American Idol’s’ Personality?” ……
ETA: Wasn’t this the year we were supposed to get to know the contestants?
Yeah, Simon pulls out the contestants’ personalities by calling DCook pompous, KLC wallpaper, Syesha unemotional, Jason uncaring, Carly wound-up, MJ wanna-be, Brooke meat-less….
Very helpful, Simon.
Yes. If he’s wheeled onto the stage on a gurney and then dumped out at center stage where he lies during the entire performance, he will get a 3. So, that just underscores how terrible Kristy was during EDAW when I gave her a -2.
I am the pentimulate Russian judge. I give whatever score I like and there really is no basis for them. If I hate a contestant, they will have a tough time achieving anything more than a 5. So, me giving Kristy a score of 5 this week is actually very high praise. If I like you, I will probably spot you a few points even when you suck.
My score is just my general impression. A contestant improves their score by singing well, making good song choices (song itself and arrangements), performance and cohesiveness. I’ve toyed with the idea of becoming a total Russian judge and giving different scores for technical and artistic merit. LOL. But, Nigel would either just call me an internet loon or copy me on DYTYCD. (and no, I am not actually deluded enough to think he reads this or cares one wit). There is no real breakdown for my scores.
Bobbi: That’s what I’ve been writing all season long and the reason we don’t Know them is they are scared sh**Tless of the judges and being judged badly. You take Sanjaya last year, kid didn’t give a sh**T what they thought of him. We got a sense of who Sanjaya was. We got a sense of who Blake was….but this group, they are so closed mouth, don’t want to talk back, and just stand there at the piano singing or strumming their guitar. I blame the producers. I remember Mandisa speaking back to Simon, and even Mindy Doo had a few words….but this group, they just stand there. They don’t have answers to anything.
And Simon, bless his heart, knoweth what he speaks. But — if Simon criticizes them and they talk back, then it’s a bad mark against the contestant, so this year the contestants just stand there and don’t say anything….or they agree….I have no sense of who these last few are at all because they do not have strong personalities.!?/! They act like they’re programmed!
Simon keeps saying they’re forgettable and you know what? — THEY ARE. Esp. Syesha. I know there’s a personality somewhere but she acts like a timid mouse after she sings. No sense of who she is.
And poor Brooke, she comes off as a nanny. A coffee house singing nanny. Because that’s her personality. The “personalities” like Amanda and Chikezie were voted off…but they would have made for more interesting conversation than what we have now.
They have to start acting like stars….to quote Simon.
@Kirsten: I should have re-worded — I meant, “I’m sure everyone else couldn’t have gotten much more than a 5 for their song.” But I get where you’re coming from, basically. I’ve rated the performances on some nights, although I try to be as fair and as un-biased as possible. I rate on an A-B-C-D-F scale, though, and I haven’t given anyone lower than a B- and higher than an A so far. Then again, I’ve only done rated recaps twice this entire season. Kristy would have gotten at least two grades in the C range from me already if I’d done rated recaps during the first two weeks of the finals. Maybe a D for EDAW, even. Lol.
LOL. I must be watching a different show. Lots of them have “talked back” this season. It isn’t helping them, either.
I don’t. LOL. I see no reason to be un-biased at all when it comes to music. Play on!
I’ve never put much stock in the Grammys. How on earth does one compare songs/singers objectively? If it’s based on vocal skills, shouldn’t Opera win all the awards? Those guys are off the scale on vocal skills. Yet, they don’t move the most units.
Should the songs be based on popularity? Well, the AMAs and the Billboard awards are, but Alvin and the Chipmunks had the number 5 album last week. Are Alvin and the gang really that much better artists than everybody else who came out last November? No, not really. Do they deserve a Grammy? Probably not. Is the Macarena fine art? No, certainly not.
With a song, what matters? The lyrics? The complexit? The message? It would be dire indeed if all the Grammy award winning songs were socially relevant and too complex to hum along to in the car.
To me singing has so much more depth to it than its basic building blocks. It’s like baking a cake. All the ingredients are important. Using good ingredients help, but it’s no guarantee of success. How you combine them helps. Using too much of one thing and not enough of another leads to disaster. And sometimes, the fanciest cakes aren’t necessarily the best.
So, my scores are simply based on how much I enjoy a performance. I think David A has the best vocals of the competition. I question his song choices and some of his performance querks, but I can’t deny the vocals. Meanwhile, David Cook has vocals that aren’t quite as good, but he makes up for it with great song choices and performance skills. So, they end up both getting a 9 from me. They could have both done a little better last night IMO, so neither gets a 10.
But, I am biased. I personally don’t know how I could not be. There are just some styles I like. I don’t care for overuse of melissma. I love melodies. I can appreciate a good glory note. Scooping annoys me. I generally prefer simplicity. I want texture, vocal variety and connection to material. And, I like a contestant who has a little fun. This show is cheesy, so embrace the cheese and laugh at yourself.
Now, I know that everybody will not agree with me. Some hate the glory note. Some love runs. etc. They aren’t wrong. They just have different preferences and that’s why I enjoy reading the review threads. It’s interesting to see why other people like or do not like a contestant. I think it’s great and gives new perspective. Even if that person likes Kristy (hey, she does have her some good qualities. Even I can admit that).
Kirsten, I just love your take on the Davids, pretty much crytal clear. Oh and Syesha too. She is waaaay better than she’s getting credit for being. It must be difficult to be in her shoes right now. She can’t win that’s obvious. But to be obviously bashed for performances that in most cases are quite good, even exceptional must be discouraging.
Oh, btw, Brooke was taking breathing lessons from Archie as well. She is so nervous now it’s getting uncomfortable to watch. If both Carly and Brooke are in the bottom three tonight I hope the paramedics are standing by, those girls are wound so tight, the grief counsellor is going to be working some serious OT.
Chris Sligh’s take on the show last night. I love me some Sligh.
abbysee, I agree with you that Syesha is a much better singer than they give her credit for. That said, I think her problem is musical identity. She is gorgeous, she can sing, but does anyone really know what record she’d make? Other than Whitney part deux, I have no idea who the girl is. I think she is a couple of seasons late, because past Idol groups have been full of Syeshas. The irony is, of course, that if she hooked up with a hot producer she would sell a ton of R&B product.
Wow, Sligh put Archie in his bottom 3! That’s the first time I’ve seen Archie be put into the bottom 3 since a few weeks ago when a correspondent from Foxes on Idol did the same when he had that semi-trainwreck performance of “We Can Work It Out”. I can’t blame him, though. Just like Chris, I am repeatedly bored with the kid no matter how nice and pleasant his voice sounds.
Personality factor is lacking for me this season..or should I say FUN personality factor. That group number on Dolly night really showed some goofiness. I’ve watched it several times for the chuckles. The “fun” characters for me this year are all gone - Michael and AManda and Chikezie. Now, David C and Jason have a goofiness about them but you have to reeeally look for it. Michael would do some of the the funniest damn things on the sidelines on results night. And his moonwalk on Dolly night…priceless. Would it be a surprise that I miss him - too?
LOL, thesherriff. I thought this was pretty goofy, and by posting it I guess I’m revealing my cctardishness, but I’m sure that’s already obvious.
http://thumbsnap.com/v/sBFMvaIm.gif
LMAO, pj! I LOVED that clip. Loved it. :D
Awesome clip, pj! I am a cc fantard as well, not to mention a big fan our own pj!
From Andrew Lloyd Webber’s official website:
“Following the announcement that Andrew will appear on the hit US TV programme “American Idol” we can confirm that the episode featuring Andrew will be transmitted in the USA on FOX (Tue. 8/7c) on April 22nd. Andrew will be guiding the contestants and as they perform a selection of his songs from the set of “Phantom the Las Vegas Spectacular” at the Venetian Hotel, Las Vegas.”
http://www.andrewlloydwebber.com/news/article.php?ID=135
Phantom Las Vegas musical numbers:
http://www.phantomlasvegas.com/
Forgive this post, k? k, lol.
I loved the Michael Johns interview with Idolatry. They were embarrassing him with the comments but I enjoyed it. Interesting what he had to say about 19 and the songs he was going to sing. sigh….