‘Idol’ ratings dip exposes feet of clay
It had to happen sometime: American Idol is showing signs of mortality in its seventh season.
Ratings for TV’s top show are down 7% to an average 29 million viewers for regular episodes and down 10% among adults ages 18 to 49, the main currency on Madison Avenue.
That marks Idol’s first significant year-to-year decline, and it echoes similar falloffs for some other long-running reality series: CBS’ Survivor is down 10%.
Fox isn’t panicking. For the season to date, Idol still towers over the competition and remains bigger than it was in 2005. Because of it, the network will win its first season among total viewers, and its fourth among young adults.
But the show has been on a steady ratings slide in recent weeks. It lost 6 million viewers from the first top-12 episode March 11 to last week’s low 23.7 million, which marked its weakest Tuesday since 2004.
On the Scene: America Loses Its Mind And Votes Carly Off ‘Idol’
I’ve been stalling, PopWatchers. This is not a blog post I want to write. You already know the results, of course: On tonight’s episode of America’s Embarrassing Lapses In Judgment American Idol, Carly Smithson was sent packing, despite a rendition of “Jesus Christ Superstar” that Jesus himself would have been hard-pressed to top. And if you’ve followed my occasional recaps of the in-person Idol experience, you know that Carly was head-and-tattooed-shoulders my favorite contestant this year, if not ever. So it was not a good day for me. And what I’d really like to do is slap down 5000 or so words explaining what I perceive as a buttery national malaise involving fear of anything passionate or unique and expanding on my now-confirmed suspicion that the reason the music business is dying has less to do with the Internet and more to do with a lack of intellectual curiosity combined with an generational sound palate deadened by an endless stream of mediocrity masquerading as the “next big thing.” But instead, I think I’ll just write up the notes I took from my seat in Section D of CBS Television City tonight, watch The Daily Show, and go to bed. After all, tomorrow I head to Coachella, and there will be real music there.
American Idol: I haven’t been having fun
What can we conclude from Carly and Syesha’s placement in the Bottom Two this week, along with Carly’s surprise elimination? Quite possibly that American Idol — either the viewing audience, the producers, or both — has grown tired of the big-voiced diva that has been the show’s stock in trade since the beginning, the kind of singer who patterns herself after Whitney, Celine, and Mariah. Ironically enough, Simon’s X Factor discovery Leona Lewis — as clear an early Mariah clone as there ever was — was given her inevitable showcase spot on this week’s results show but Lewis’ reserved ease only points out just how twitchily desperate Carly has been throughout the show. That was her Achilles Heel, as she could always sing — maybe her mainstream taste was at odds with her tattooed image, but she could always sing — but she seemed so determined to seize her second chance at the big time that she never let us forget it, even interpreting “Blackbird†as an ode to artists’ rights. When Carly didn’t try so hard she was far more likable, and even after her rejection materialized at the end of the show, a cloud seemed to lift and she seemed at ease, making it hard not to wonder whether the season would have turned out differently if she had been that relaxed throughout the season. But that’s all “might have been†conjecture — maybe now she’ll get another crack at another record and finally live up to all this potential that she’s been showing for so many years now.
Smithson’s exit proves ‘American Idol’ isn’t just about talent By Carmen Rasmusen
I think by now we’ve established that “American Idol” is NOT just a singing competition. It’s also a popularity contest.
It’s rather like running for student-body officer in high school. You have to have a lot of friends vote for you. In this case, it’s a lot of fans.
This week, I think it’s safe to say a lot of “American Idol” viewers were shocked to see a talented singer like Carly Smithson leave the top six — especially after she brought down the house on Tuesday singing Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Jesus Christ Superstar.”
“It was one of my favorite performances of the night,” judge Simon Cowell said. But, shockingly, the viewing audience didn’t agree — or simply didn’t express their enthusiasm in votes. Cowell even apologized for giving Smithson the “kiss of death” by complimenting her.
Perhaps that’s why he’s been so cold the past few weeks?
American Idol: Irish eyes aren’t smiling
Erin: Color me shocked. The talented Carly leaves us and I’m sad, but not devastated like when Michael left. All and all, she took the news like a champ and I’m looking forward to her Apple.com release of power ballads due out in about two years.
Kathy: I can normally gauge the outrage level of America by the number of emails I get from friends and family at 10:01 p.m. on Wednesday night. (Unfortunately I sometimes don’t watch til later so some of those loved ones are ruining the show for me but, oh well.) Anyway, last night several in my circle were quite upset so I’m predicting Amercia at large isn’t going to be happy with this decision. My mom says she’s never watching again. Oh Mom, I’ve said that before. But just when you think you’re out, they pull you back in.
Paula’s ‘Idol’ Commentary
Were riding along with PAULA ABDUL to find out what she thinks of Irish lass CARLY SMITHSON’s early departure from “American Idol” tonight. And what did she make of the fact that that both of this week’s bottom two, Carly and SYESHA MERCADO, got rave reviews last night, while BROOKE WHITE and JASON CASTRO made it unto the top four vote-getters despite being panned by the judges. Find out by watching our brand-new vid!
The girl who called Cowell a ‘butt’
Kristy Lee Cook goes down in “American Idol†history as the only finalist to have called Simon Cowell “a butt†on national television.
“He has certain remarks that are not very nice [and] over time, these build up,†said last week’s “Idol†casualty during an exclusive phone interview hosted by Star World.
Her choice of words, explained Cook, “was, like, telling him [that] he can be a little butt sometimes, a goofy little brat… I figured I’d just say ‘butt.’â€
What Would You Do If I Sang Out of Tune?
“Stop! In the Name of Love” is a golden oldie, a classic song by the Supremes that skyrocketed to the charts in 1965 and is still adored by fans today, whether they can carry a tune or not. Idol Wannabe
Would you be embarrassed if you were singing the song badly in public? Not if you were an an actress hired by ABC News to purposely sing poorly for a hidden camera experiment.
If our actress, Ambre, was a contestant on “American Idol,” Simon Cowell wouldn’t mince words. But will ordinary people be equally honest? We decided to find out.
Clay Aiken Defends His Busy Schedule
Work is keeping Clay Aiken busy – as he pointed out to a reporter in Washington, D.C., who asked him if he was doing enough as a member of the Presidential Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities.
The second-season American Idol runner-up and current Broadway headliner, 29, blamed his busy schedule when a reporter from The Washington Post confronted him. “The last time I had two days off in a row was October,” said the crooner. “I was on tour throughout the country through Christmas, then I went straight to Mexico for UNICEF. [Then] I went straight to New York for Spamalot.”
Carrie Underwood says she’s been cheated on
LOS ANGELES - “American Idol†champ, and singer of infidelity anthem “Before He Cheats,†Carrie Underwood opened up to InStyle about her own experiences with a cheating man.
“I’ve been cheated on a time or two. It’s tough,†Underwood said in the May issue of the magazine. “I wouldn’t recommend doing any property damage, though,†she adds, referencing her Grammy-winning song about a woman who seeks revenge on a cheating boyfriend by trashing his truck.
Carrie Underwood’s Opry Induction Broadcast in LIVE National Telecast
As country music’s reigning ACM and CMA Female Vocalist of the Year and recipient of numerous other awards, multi-platinum selling artist Carrie Underwood will receive one of the highest honors in the country music genre with a LIVE national telecast of her induction into the legendary Grand Ole Opry on May 10 (8 pm ET) when Great American Country (GAC), the exclusive television home of the Grand Ole Opry, broadcasts the “Opry Live” celebration to its audience of more than 52 million.
Africa: Congressman Payne, First Lady Laura Bush Raise Awareness Global Malaria Epidemic
Today, Congressman Donald M. Payne, was joined by First Lady Laura Bush, at the official launch of the Congressional Malaria Caucus, which he will co-chair. Other participants in the event with Representative Payne, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health, included caucus co-chair Congressman John Boozman (AR-3), Admiral Ziemer, Coordinator of the President’s Malaria Initiative, Ray Chambers, United Nations Special Envoy on Malaria, and American Idol finalist Melinda Doolittle.
‘American Idol’s’ Anwar Robinson coming to VBC
But the dreadlocked soul singer from New Jersey, who bowed out as the seventh finalist during season four of “American Idol,” hasn’t stopped entertaining crowds.
For the past six months, somewhere in America Robinson has been on stage singing about the struggles of living with AIDS in New York’s Lower East Side. Robinson is in the musical “Rent.”
He plays Tom Collins, a philosophy professor and anarchist with AIDS.
DAUGHTRY MOVED TO MELBOURNE
Tuesday’s Daughtry concert, originally scheduled for Capt. Hiram’s Resort in Sebastian, has been moved to Melbourne’s King Center because of the high demand for tickets.
An additional 1,000 tickets went on sale Thursday morning and were gobbled up in no time. That brings the total for the 8 p.m. show to 1,998.
The Capt. Hiram’s date was an immediate sellout, says resort manager Timothy Michaud. Lots of folks weren’t able to get tickets.
“So we took it directly to Chris Daughtry himself,†Michaud says. “His big issue is his fans, and we’re very aware of that. He knew he was disappointing thousands of fans, so we started trying to work out a way to get more people in.â€
“American Idol” slips further in ratings
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - “American Idol” posted its lowest rating among adults 18-49 in five years Wednesday, continuing its seasonlong slide as it edges towards its grand finale next month.
The Fox talent show drew 22.6 million total viewers, and an 8.2 rating, 21 share among adults 18-49, a demographic coveted by advertisers. Last Wednesday’s results show drew 23.3 million viewers.
Nevertheless, Fox easily won the night, also helped by the comedies “‘Til Death” and “Back to You,” which rebounded after taking a hit last week from ABC’s Democratic presidential debate. Overall, Fox averaged 14.7 million viewers
A guide to this summer’s most anticipated film (with trailers)
“The House Bunny” — When a Playboy Bunny (Anna Faris) is kicked out of the Playboy mansion, she moves in with a local sorority and teaches the sisters what guys really want. Though the film is co-produced by Adam Sandler and features Katharine McPhee (”American Idol”), don’t expect too much.
Webmaster’s advice for ‘Idol’: Let the bad in
Something’s wrong with “American Idol” this season, but that’s all right with Dave Della Terza.
The DuPage County resident and webmaster of votefortheworst.com — a site that encourages people to vote for the TV talent show’s least talented contestant — is somewhat pleased by the program’s lack of hoopla this year.
It’s too late this year, but Della Terza has some advice for the producers to salvage future seasons: Bring back the bad.
“People like the train wrecks,” he said. “They like awful performers, the scandal and other assorted drama. They went out of their way this year to try and legitimize the show, and in the end they kind of shot themselves in the foot with these boring people.”
‘Idol’ finalist coming to Indiana Theatre
TERRE HAUTE — “American Idol†season 5 finalist and Nashville recording artist Bucky Covington will be joined by special guests Emily West and Katie Armiger at a June 20 concert in the Indiana Theatre at 683 Ohio St., according to a release Monday from country radio station WTHI HI-99.
After “American Idol,†Covington signed with Lyric Street Records and in January 2007, he released his debut single “A Different World.†His self-titled debut album came out on April 17, 2007, and it debuted at No. 1 on the Top Country Albums chart, the release states. Covington had the best opening week for a male debut album since Billy Ray Cyrus back in 1992. His latest single, “It’s Good To Be Us,†is still climbing the charts and can be heard on HI-99, the release adds.
American Idol Season Six Finalist Phil Stacey’s Debut CD in Stores Next Tuesday, April 29th
American Idol Season 6 finalist Phil Stacey will release his self-titled debut CD on April 29th, 2008 on Lyric Street Records. Phil will kick off his CD release week with a live appearance on NBC-TV’s Today Show on Monday, April 28th. The Today Show is broadcast live on NBC-TV from 7-10 a.m. (ET) and on NBC affiliates nationwide from 7-10 a.m. in all other time zones.
On Tuesday, April 29th, the day his album releases, he will spend the day in the Big Apple doing numerous television and radio appearances via satellite interview tours. Later in the week, Phil will appear on Fox Business, and Good Day New York, and will do interviews with AOL Music and other entertainment outlets before flying to Florida on Thursday night for a weekend of tour dates.
Feet of Clay? Not for Aiken, who’s proved to be a malleable singer, Broadway actor
The conversation starts with a subject that might be considered trivial, but is of great interest to Clay Aiken’s fans.
His hair.
You can see it on the cover of Aiken’s next CD, “On My Way Here,” and in his most recent publicity photos. The color catches the light and shimmers with golden highlights.
And why not? The singer’s geek-to-chic transformation was part of the reason he did so well on the 2003 season of “American Idol,” coming in a close second to Birmingham’s Ruben Studdard.
David Cook’s Pre-Idol Music Still for Sale
Despite being pulled from Amazon.com, American Idol contestant David Cook’s pre-Idol music is still for sale online.
After topping the Amazon.com mp3 charts, Cook’s CD, “Analog Heart,” was pulled from the website on Tuesday.
But, you can still find the Blue Springs, Missouri native’s CD on Fuzz.com. The site is selling individual songs from Cook’s album “Analog Heart” for $.99 or you can buy the whole album for $9.99. You can also buy CD’s from David Cook’s old band, Axium, for $9.99 and $5.99.
‘Idol’ Song Choice Courts Controversy and Finds It; Singer Is Voted Off
Carly Smithson might be the first “American Idol†contestant to be voted off the show for blasphemy.
Online chat boards devoted to “American Idol†have been abuzz since Ms. Smithson performed the title song from “Jesus Christ Superstar†— the 1970 rock opera, which many Christians consider offensive — on Tuesday’s episode. Ms. Smithson received the fewest votes of the six remaining contestants following her Tuesday performance. Her elimination was announced on Wednesday night’s episode. The week’s performances were drawn from the works of Andrew Lloyd Webber, who wrote “Jesus Christ Superstar†with Tim Rice.
Since its debut, and particularly following the release of the 1973 film version, “Jesus Christ Superstar†has been railed against by some Christians for its portrayal of Jesus as confused and at times unwilling to accept his role, and because it hints that he had a sexual relationship with Mary Magdalene.
Last Words: Fallen “American Idol” Carly Smithson bids Chipper Farewell
“Hiya!†exclaimed recently axed “American Idol†contestant Carly Smithson in a conference call with the media this morning. During her exit call, Carly was more chipper than any Idol who fell before her, and one sensed more than a little relief on her part to be out of the competition. “No more theme songs,†Carly noted gleefully, adding that she’s looking forward to focusing on her own material.
Carly’s Most Memorable Idol Songs
Relive performances by the tattooed Irish singer
totally agree with you about how they treated Taylor but they also really changed their methodology since then to insure they get the result they want
That was my point , at least that was what I was trying to say. Given that it serves TPTB right if they kill their own show.
I would love to know what went down between TPTB and Taylor It must have been horrific because as popular as Taylor was I can’t imagine there could not have been a common ground to make Taylor happy and make lots of money for AI or 19E or whoever. Everything doesn’t have to revolve completely around a quick cd They could have come up with something to capitalize on at least one of Taylor’s many talents.
I actually missed it. I only saw the one about it still being for sale. My apologies.
MJ- Could you help me out?? WHere is the article about DC’s ablum being pulled from another site?? Is it sitting right in front of me and I don’t see it?? HELPPPPPP.
Seriously???? I’ve been listening to him since I was 10 or 12. He has had over 50 songs in the top 100 and over ten top 10. He’s sold over 120 MILLION records and he’s right up there with Elton John and Barbara Striesand. (source- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_Diamond
Yikes. Sorry. My bad…
They are two different articles.
…sheepishly walks off…
Neyo - “Because of You” and “Hate That I Love You” (with Rihanna) have both been big hits on the charts. I know Pharrell as a producer, not a singer.
Oh, just “Rock Your Body”, “Cry Me a River”, “Sexyback”, “What Goes Around Comes Around”, “My Love”, “Lovestoned”, “Summer Love”, etc…
The themes this year have been a bit too much. I might not be saying that if they had actually been allowed free reign for song choice in the semi’s, but when they do themes for those weeks TOO, it’s really led to a lot of dreariness this season, for me at least.
I’m crossing every available appendage that top 4 will FINALLY give us some sort of current theme. Please, Nigel? Pretty, pretty please??
I love N.E.R.D. You should check them out! :-)
ETA: I’m in no way suggesting a Pharrell theme, however.
Here’s an article from today’s edition of the LA Times about the balloons the Dreadheads sent Jason last night. It also mentions the fact that he was sick last week.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2008/04/american-idol-j.html
I just found something - Stephanie Edwards (season 6) has put out her 2nd single, called “Here I Am”.
All this time when I heard/read that Neil Diamond would be the guest mentor I had a completely different person in mind until they showed his picture on one of the entertainment shows tonight. Now I have to figure out who’s face I thought was his.
Now I really don’t have a clue what he sings other than the duet with Barbra S. I hope it’s not like the Beatle weeks when I did not recognize most of the songs. *sigh*
Yay! Jason got his balloons. We waited hours for Sooner to track him down. Darn Brit Week party. LOL Now I will go read the article. Thanks for the link, Skylight.
Interesting article. I had no idea Jason’s fanbase was so… organized. $450 for balloons? I’m sorry, but that’s like Taylor and his couch. That money could’ve gone to charity or something useful.
That said, I hope he’s feeling better. I watched the top 5 interviews on the official site and his was barely a minute long (compared to 3-5 minutes for everyone else). He seemed pretty listless (not laid back, but really listless). I wonder when they were shot. I hope he’s getting well and has A-game on for ND week.
I agree with you PJ the money from some could be spent on something else –like a good cause or to actually help someone who needs it….not to a contestant on a tv show…..I just think it is wierd .
Yeah I hope he feels better but Jason did not want it to be used as an excuse so niether will I. I just hope some fans do not use the excuse if he underpreforms next week . Funny thing it is some fans and LA times making a big deal out of it not him..Which is disturbing to some point..When they start camping out on his doorstep then Jason run..
Apparently, there is controversy surrounding the whole balloon gift too. Soonerlover posted a picture of the balloons, claiming that it was taken by Jason (and attributing the blurriness to his iPhone). Consensus on IDF is that the picture was clearly photoshopped. So, here we have a bunch of crazy Dreadheads, donating money online and trusting this mysterious “soonerlover.” I agree with both pop and pj, money should be spent on something more meaningful. But what is Idol without the crazy fans?
Maybe that’s why Jason came out with his girlfriend story, Pop. LOL.
Anyway, to be fair, I did check out the website they referenced and they do have a lot of charity stuff listed. I still think $450 on balloons is OTT.
The only Jason blog I read is Castrocopia b/c McLovin and Liz Lemon are funny, if fangirly (can’t blame them for that). I’m tempted to check out the forums, but have resisted. LOL.
Interesting, PM. Was Sooner the money collector? Ah, the drama. LOL.
LOL. Yes, the drama.
Soonerlover was not the money collector, I believe. The role was taken by another anonymous poster who did not print a receipt of the money collected in his/her paypal account (hmm….). However, sooner was the one who posted a picture of the balloons, claiming that Jason took it with his iPhone. People are wondering, why post an obviously spliced picture? Why didn’t he/she just say that they couldn’t get a picture? Oh well, they’re referred to as the scaries for a reason, heh.
Yeah, the writers at castrocopia are hilarious– especially their know-it-all posts. LOL.
I seem to recall the couch money did go to charity. I remember reading an article or was it a blog that said half the money went to Kid One and the other half went to Studio by the Tracks. I realize how f’n sad it is that I remember this. Going off now to find a life.
That’s really weird, Prime, because that looks pretty lame for $450, spliced or not.
Neonorange, you’re probably right. I just remember hearing that the SP bought Taylor a couch, and I thought it was funny and a little ridiculous (albeit more practical than $450 worth of balloons). Good for them if it went elsewhere.
Although the balloon thing may have been a little strange/OTT, I have no doubt that those girls had nothing but the best intentions in mind when they did it. They even took time to think out the fact that sending flowers to a sick person probably isn’t a good idea.
In general, Jason’s fans seem like courteous people (which is nice) who will do anything for him (which is sometimes scary). But, what nice looking young male celebrity doesn’t have fans like that? I think that’s exactly what it takes to become a star. More power to the fangirls!!!
Myself…I prefer to be a fan from afar. Posting on this board is pushing my limits!
I also love castrocopia but have not been to the forum there, either, except maybe once (too much to read!). I think their lolcastros are hilarious. :D
Oh yez. I luv ze pantz. Sy-mon iz jealus of da pantz.
LOL.
And not to mention the chatting… ;) Hey, it’s been fun!
Ahh methinks some are getting a little worried about Jasons popularity and all these OOOH big scandals are coming to the surface.
Balloons and a goofy cute college party video Wow - Jason is bad Oh brother
On the Neil Diamond “one hit wonder” PM posted a link to a site for him and I did not realize how many hits he did have - I liked a lot of them - amazed
PM - this is the only board I post on - a guy (or girl) who knows led me here from Jasons videos on Youtube and look at me now - big ole blabber mouth
It’s funny that a semi critical post about Jason’s balloons turned into a love fest. Heh. I’m not complaining. I like the dude. Heeeeh.
I don’t disagree with the balloons. Jason got thrown under the bus Tuesday night. If that wasn’t bad enough, ALW backed it up and ran over him again. He needed a little boost. And, as far as charity, until fans are aware of which charities Jason favors, its senseless to donate to one in his name at this juncture. There is a charitable drive going on too. But, why do people have to rain on other’s parades when they wanted to lift his spirits after the thrashing he received? And, lots of people donated money, so, if it was just a $1 or $2 per person, it didn’t take long to add up.
Personally, I didn’t donate, but, I really think it was a thoughtful jesture. Speaking of the money going to charities reminds me of someone in the Bible who criticized another for giving an expensive gift, because he thought the money could’ve been better spent helping the poor. He later hanged himself.
I don’t think using Scriptures to back up your point is appropriate. First of all, Jason Castro is not Jesus Christ (even though the initials are strikingly similar, er, the same). Giving him balloons is not the same as pouring perfume on his feet, although I wouldn’t doubt that the dreadheads would love to do that. And as you yourself pointed out, it was probably just $1 or $2 per person, and not the equivalent of 2 months wages like the perfume was.
Finally, I’m not trying to play Judas. That would be Carly Smithson, heh.
Here’s the deal. I don’t tolerate fan wars. Please read my guidelines and follow them:
http://mjsbigblog.com/?page_id=1172
If you can’t keep yourself from lashing out at posters who criticize Jason, I would suggest not posting.
I try to keep things civil here. Please respect your fellow posters and their opinions.
I’m pretty sure (hope) Jason isn’t so fragile that he can’t handle the pressure and needs $450 worth of balloons. Didn’t meant to cause a stir by saying it was a bit OTT. I still think so. No biggie.
I went to that site in the LA Times article and there were a few charities identified. And, I get the impression (totally projecting here) that Jason is the type of guy who would appreciate anyone giving to the charity of their choice.
I’m sure the fans had the best intentions, but what happened to those balloons once they were delivered? I hope they didn’t go to waste.
Anyway, my various fangroup experiences have led me to a no-gift policy with the Idols. Or any celebrity, for that matter.
Here’s the deal. I don’t tolerate fan wars. Please read my guidelines and follow them:
I was not lashing out at the people on here, I was referring the the articles coming out about balloons and videos just recently one after another. This is my take on the balloon deal. At work when someone is sick we all chip in a dollar or two and come up with enought to purchase them something to make them feel better. I jasons case they have a lot more people than we do at my office so it added up to a lot more, thus the 450.00 for balloons but they and my work also do other good deeds with our monies. For the Big Give we gave out 10,000.00 to the community and brought that up to about 200,000.00. So, I think getting all these people together for Jason or whomever (my favs are cook and castro after mj left) they got all these people to get up 450.00 for just balloons, I can just imagine how much they have gotten together to give to charities
Oh, you made my night, PM.
Sorry, MJ. Didn’t meant to cause a stir. I agree that the intentions are pure, but the reality is that VFTW will find the article and make fun of him making helium voices with those balloons. More power to them. LOL.
Hopefully, he’ll be their next choice.
I think Idol gifts are all about getting the Idol to notice you. A fan group spends time supporting their Idol. They want that person to know they exist, to validate them in some way. Hence, the gifts that may seem a little OTT. I mean, the balloons sure got his attention, and the mention in the paper must have been heaven.
So, it’s like a little game. The fans give the gift, the Idol acknowledges the fans in whatever way. If it’s a t-shirt, he might wear it onstage. The fans get all excited. It creates a relationship of sorts between the fans and the idol. The gift-giving thing is a very ingrained part of the Idol ritual at this point.
Things can go wrong, though, if the fans don’t get the reaction they were hoping for from their Idol. There is a downside sometimes.
Ok, sorry if I misunderstood you, I thought you were reacting to PJ.
It’s that time of the year when things begin to get a little snarly in the idol fandom! I’m a little touchy these days, hoping to keep the peace around here.
ETA: But I would say in general, that we all respect each other’s right to an opinion without being judgmental. Criticism is an opportunity to spark conversation, not lectures from the Bible. Ok?
I’m sorry if someone else mentioned this, but why are people acting surprised that this isn’t just a singing competition all of a sudden? Helloooo, it never has been. It’s about singing and likability and marketability… just like every other artist in the pop music arena.
Also, concerning JCS- I’ve never seen it so I don’t know why it’s considered blasphemous to some people. My mom was taught that rock and roll was evil when she was young, so she said that she thinks that had a lot to do with it. How DARE they mix Jesus and rock music?! *gasp*
And those balloons are creepy. I’m glad Jason has security around him. Eek!
I’m with everyone else on the themes. I don’t like them at all (although, to be fair it has given us the chance to see how creative some of the contestants can be).
I also think $450 for balloons may be a bit too much. However, I also agree it may have been just $1 or $2 per person, which added up to a lot because of the number of people who chipped in. I wonder, too, though, where all those balloons ended up.
I confess I am guilty of contributing to a fund for Idol gifts. Heh. :p We, some of the Pinoy fans of Elliott, once contributed a few pesos each to get him an inexpensive “mini-me” doll, which we handed to him when he came to Manila for his shows. Thankfully, Elliott really appreciated it (and he even put up a picture of it as his myspace profile pic for several weeks, which, of course, thrilled us to no end). :) More recently, too, we pitched in and came up with a couple of hundred dollars, which we donated to the Richmond JDRF chapter in the name of Claudette (in lieu of flowers, per Elliott’s request).
On second thought, I don’t really feel so guilty, after all. It wasn’t an exorbitant amount of money I gave freely and I’m sure it was appreciated by the recipient. Besides, I know I (and maybe others) spend a lot of money, too, on other (what may be considered) non-essential things, which I could have given to charity (but didn’t).
Thanks Mj - I wouldnt ever attack PJ
I wasn’t giving a lecture from the Bible, just making an analogy. Since I don’t get involved in donations of any kind to the idols, it really doesn’t matter to me. I just thought it was a nice gesture. And, MJ, you may be right, it could be a way of the fan bases getting noticed, or making a connection with the idol. Anyway, I will leave the motivation up to those who came up with the idea, and those who contributed.
This will become the norm when the tour hits. The idols will be bombarded with gifts, mostly useless ones, I think. Heck, I don’t even hang around to get autographs. I see this as a talent show, nothing more, nothing less, and, don’t actually recognize the contestants as stars for some reason. With the exception of Carrie Underwood. And, I’m not even a fan of hers. Go figure!
Ok, the Judas remark = Carly was funny!
I’ve also wondered where all those balloons are going to end up. They will deflate quickly, and, probably not even be useful to be given to a children’s hospital. But,w hat do I know?
I know money was given back to some who made later donations for the balloons. Also, money has been collected for David Cook’s brother. Yes, the Jason fans may have been OTT but their hearts were in the right place. Maybe a dozen balloons would have been better?
I post on Jason’s threads but I am not sure if they were able to donate the balloons elsewhere. His fans just love him so much.