Upfronts: A New and Improved American Idol?
When “American Idol” returns for its eighth season in January, it will still be a singing competition. But get ready for some significant changes in terms of how the show is produced.
Acknowledging that he’s not pleased with the performance of the show this year, Fox Chairman Peter Liguori told reporters during a conference call Thursday that he has met with the show’s producers and “everyone is really committed and excited” to revamp the show next year.
Let’s put it in some context. …It’s not like it’s in the death throes here,” he said. “There’s some real charm in that cast. Whether it’s caught the world on fire, I don’t know. Some of it is just natural maturity of the show. It’s been a phenomenon, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t go through some natural aging just like any other show. We’ll do some of those creative twists next season, and we’ll see what comes out of it.”
Liguori also said that the Wednesday results show will, at least on most weeks, go back to a half-hour. One thing that won’t change: the people sitting at the judges table.
“We love Paula,” Liguori said, responding to a question. “She’s coming back.”
Taylor Hicks prepares for Broadway role in ‘Grease’
Taylor Hicks will make his Broadway debut on June 6, playing Teen Angel in “Grease” at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre.
Taylor Hicks said being in New York for three months will allow him to continue working on his next CD. He’s been writing songs and recording demos in Nashville, Hicks said, and hopes to release a new single in the fall.
The Hoover native and former “American Idol” winner, 31, will perform in the musical through Sept. 7. Hicks plans to announce his Broadway run on television this morning, on NBC’s “The Today Show.”
“I’m honored for the opportunity to experience Broadway,” Hicks said Thursday. “I feel blessed and excited.”
He’ll appear in one number in the musical, singing “Beauty School Dropout.” That’s traditional for his character, a hip guardian angel who makes a showy appearance in Act II, offering advice to a teen named Frenchy.
“This particular part, Teen Angel, really allows me to put my toe in the water and test the waters,” Hicks said. “I’ve always been a little over the top, so this is perfect for me.”
‘American Idol’: How to Fix It
Something is wrong with American Idol, and here’s the surprise: American Idol knows it. It’s not the ratings; they’re down, but after nearly six years, a plunge was inevitable. And it’s not the contestants: Some past seasons may have showcased more talent, but this year’s final sing-off on May 20 will almost surely be livelier than last year’s Jordin-Sparks-vs.-beatbox-guy minor-league championship, or 2006’s clash of the titans between Soul Patrol and McWhatshername.
‘American Idol’ In 60 Seconds
Flame-haired Fantasia delivers the only real surprise in a predictable penultimate week.
David Squared Equals Bigger Idol Numbers
The impending battle of the Davids put a little spring in American Idol’s flagging step last night.
Fox’s hit show—which, despite showing signs of deflation, still exhibits juggernaut behavior—attracted nearly 24.3 million viewers Wednesday, a 1.4 million-strong bump from last week and its largest audience since April 2, when Michael Johns and Carly Smithson were still singing for their supper and little Ramiele Malubay got the boot.
Idol also saw viewership jump by more than 4 million people in its second half-hour, ensuring that Fox would flay the competition in its time slot—although CBS’ Criminal Minds put up quite a fight, averaging 12.7 million inquiring minds—and win the night in total viewers.
Although it’s unlikely the expected showdown between David Archuleta and David Cook will bring the millions who have gone missing this season back in full force next week, Fox has to like the fact that its (yes, still dominant) numbers are creeping back up.
David Cook Inspires Local Girl During Battle with Cancer
American Idol contestant David Cook has a lot of support from fans in the Metro, but a Lee’s Summit teen says Cook is supporting her in her battle with cancer. (Watch full report)
The 15-year-old is fighting for her life and gave American Idol finalist David Cook an orange leukemia bracelet that says “Pray for Bay.”
Bailee Woods thinks David Cook wore her bracelet during the show.
David Cook - A look back at Omaha Auditions
As the world watched David Cook sail into the American Idol final Wednesday night, they learned something many in Kansas City already knew … David’s path to Hollywood started with a push from his brother, Andrew.
“I’m more here just for moral support,” said David at the American Idol auditions in Omaha. “It’s something he wanted to do, and I knew if there was any way to make it a little bit more comfortable for him, obviously I’d want to do it. So I’m just down here helping him out.”
That’s when Andrew Cook spoke up.
‘Idol’ finalists Archuleta, Cook soaking it all in
LOS ANGELES — When Ryan Seacrest announced the names of American Idol’s two finalists Wednesday, each thought he was going to hear another’s name.
“I couldn’t believe it. I thought he was going to say David Cook,” says David Archuleta, 17, named the first finalist as Cook and Syesha Mercado awaited their verdict.
During an interview shortly after the show, Archuleta said: “I just feel like shock. Am I really in the top two of American Idol?”
Cook, 25, says he thought he would be going home. “I thought my ticket was punched. I honestly did,” he says. “Syesha is an amazing performer, and she really hit her stride in the last two, three, four weeks.”
American Idol Finalist David Cook’s Prom Date Cheers Him On
“American Idol” finalist David Cook has a lot of fans cheering him on, including his 2001 prom date.
“At the time, I was just excited to be asked,” Molly Hastings told MyFOXKC.com. “I was just a sophomore so it was great to be asked by a senior, and he was my friend. So I went, and now it’s definitely — it’s exciting now, too.”
Hastings, now a sixth-grade English teacher at a middle school in their hometown, said she is constantly answering questions about her prom date, who has shot to stardom nearly overnight since appearing on the show.
Now it’s the Battle of the Davids: Utah’s Archuleta moves on to ‘Idol’ finale
Even “American Idol’s” singing prodigy, David Archuleta, wasn’t sure if he sang well enough to make it to the grand finale of television’s most-watched program.
Right after he sang in Tuesday night’s episode - in which two of the three judges heaped him with glowing praise - the 17-year-old Murray teen sent a text to his friend Adam Ruben with sneaking doubts.
“My songs are all boring, FYI. Ha, ha,” David texted his friend. “[Contestant David] Cook dominated entirely and was amazing. But I’m glad they didn’t criticize my singing.”
He’ll compete against Cook, the bed-headed rocker from Blue Springs, Mo., in the finale next week. Syesha Mercado, the 21-year-old actress from Sarasota, Fla., was booted from the competition with the lowest number of votes.
Television: Scoff if you will; Archuleta is more than an ‘Idol’ pastime
The Archuleta story is about an amazing rise in the entertainment world. It’s the story of a humble Murray kid becoming a true icon in the music industry - one who can make teen girls cry just by walking onstage. He is not a Paris Hilton or Lindsay Lohan.
For one, he’s talented. He undoubtedly will sell a lot of albums. He’s in the finals of America’s most-watched television show. Five to 10 times more people will see him perform on one week of “Idol” than all the concertgoers who see U2 in a whole
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year. Unlike Hilton and gal pal Nicole Richie, David’s accomplished something of note.
Second, his story and singing have inspired a lot of people. I’ve gotten tons of e-mails and phone calls from people who claim his music has moved them.
I, being a natural cynic, can’t possibly understand why. But that doesn’t matter. All I know is people say he has touched their souls with song. Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker and Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman can never stake that claim. Frankly, I can’t think of a single Utah politician who can.
Idol in Iraq: Awkward Song Choices Hurt Syesha, Cook Ready to Grab the Crown
Editor’s Note: It’s crazy serious and difficult for the U.S. Armed Forces in Iraq, but our soldiers still find time for a little fun and escape: just like many of you, they love their weekly dose of “American Idol.” We made friends on the Internet with some members of the Army’s 82nd Airborne division (Fort Bragg, what up!), who will be sending us their review of each “Idol” installment.
They get “Idol” a day later than we do, and their reports might not arrive until well after the show has aired (because, of course, things like communications blackouts do happen when you’re in the military taking care of URGENT BUSINESS). But you don’t mind because they are helping give you the freedom to watch “Idol” in the first place.
Inside ‘American Idol’ Results Show: David Archuleta’s Dad Takes Control From The Crowd; Coin Toss Determines Finale Order
LOS ANGELES — A couple of key things one learns at an “American Idol” taping: The “big stage” is way smaller than it looks on TV, and the typically tortoise-paced results show goes by way faster. You also see a lot more than the wildly tracking cameras could ever catch, so MTV News hit up Wednesday’s show to be your eyes and ears behind the scenes.
Before the broadcast began, the crowd (complete with a mosh pit of gussied-up local high-schoolers) went crazy for the mostly “Idol”-related celebs who made their way into the studio, including season-six finalist Chris Richardson and this year’s top 12. The night’s biggest preshow applause was reserved for the guy whose early elimination was this season’s biggest shocker: Michael Johns. While his fellow finalists were welcomed with a smattering of screams from the pit, the Aussie heartthrob’s entrance earned a standing ovation from the entire audience.
Chris Sligh Has Highest Debut On Christian Soundscan
As his debut CD,”Running Back to You” holds steady as the No. 2 best-selling Christian album on iTunes ®, the project that has wowed critics from USA Today to CCMmagazine.com has the highest debut on Christian SoundScan this week as well. On top of that, his single, “Empty Me” continues to garner praise from Christian radio all across the country and climb the charts (currently No. 15 AC Indicator; No.18 AC Monitor; #23 CHR – all R&R). Here’s what some of the top radio PDs have to say:
Next week Sligh returns to LA to celebrate the season finale of this season’s American Idol, where he’ll attend several Idol events, including Fox TV and Radio press junkets and performing at LA’s massive KIIS fm IDOL FINALE party along with Season 5’s Ace Young and more.
Breathcast.com
American Idol: Syesha Mercado faces the Idol Extra Reaper
As soon as an “American Idol” contestant is eliminated, before he or she even has time to cry, scream or kiss their mother, JD Roberto appears. He is the host of “American Idol Extra,” a behind-the-scenes “American Idol” post-show that runs Thursday nights on the Fox Reality Channel.
“Idol” alums Constantine Maroulis and Gina Glocksen serve as JD’s co-hosts on the show, conducting interviews with a lively mix of celebrities, “Idol” judges and “Idol” experts. It is JD’s portion, however, that truly sets the “Idol Extra” apart from other “Idol”-themed after-shows. Because JD meets each contestant for the first interview of their post-Idol career, he is like the grim reaper of “Idol” lore. When JD approached Carly Smithson after her ouster, she reacted by shielding her face in mock-horror. “Oh, it’s you!” She exclaimed. “I never wanted to see you!”
On the Scene: ‘Idol’ Top 3 results night
Gosh, PopWatchers! I can’t believe it’s over! I mean, we’ve worked hard all season to bring you the Idol action from behind the scenes, and it’s just been so great to know you guys appreciated it. Gosh! Oh… I didn’t expect to cry…
Okay, so it’s not technically over: The Cook vs. Archuleta Ultimate Idoldome will soon be upon us all. (Two men enter A boy and a dude enter, one man boy/dude leaves…) But for my purposes, this season sure feels done, since I’ll be on vacation during the finale. And anyway, they’re moving to L.A.’s Nokia Theater for the big show, which gave everything at CBS Television City tonight a serious last-day-of-summer-camp vibe.
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I like “All You Will Need” somewhat better. Rickey still has them up if you want to give it a listen.
http://www.rickey.org/?p=7627
Thanks, Lisa! That’ll cheer me up for a few hours. Hit you back.
Not at all. He’ll get a pass, like he does everywhere.
All You Will Need is plainly a WTH??? song.
No Turning Back is the best out of the whole group and would be a hit.
MJ, Just LOL at your comment above. LOL.
I hope he does get a pass. Same for Dave C. I’m just sick of so much negativity because the Taylor/Daughtry thing is STILL going in the press. It gets boring after awhile and gawd, all of this is going to start in less than a week.
2008-05-16
Nielsen Reveals Data Trends for American Idol
These are the numbers to beat. The whole article is full of facts and stats. Very interesting!
Tyson said All You Will Need is false.
MJ I am glad you had a great time and I can’t wait to see your recaps.
You know they say that admission is always the first step…..well here goes peeps. When ever I read the title to the “spoiler” for the coronation ballad…Here I Am….all I can think of is….( I can not believe I am admitting to knowing this song…GAH!!) The song by Airsupply, The One That You Love. THere is a line in the song that goes…Here I am, the one that you love…..And I start to freak out thinking Cocky McSmugFace is going to sing Airsupply next week. Granted the actual Coronation Ballad of Suckiness is going to rival the pure ick factor of Airsupply, but I really need to get that song out of my freaking brain.
So if I must suffer, so shall all of you…..Ladies and Gentlemen…..for your viewing pleasure
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfbzrrvVhZs
If they have to sing the same song, it’s Archie who’s scr*wed, not Cookie. Me thinks they will have 2 different songs, a la Ruben v Clay.
Cookie has more range and more power plus a sweet falsetto. Archie is a lovely vocalist but he’s more limited.
here’s how to arrange a coronation song:
ttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tE_Nl3aDTWA
I actually think there will be a backlash against David A. if he wins that is similar to the one Taylor received. I am a Taylor fan and while I am not a David A. fan, I would not wish that on anyone.
I am basing this partially on comments made by radio DJ’s in my area. (There is also the fact that it seems bloggers who think he will win say they wish that he wouldn’t.) I live in Ohio (not exactly the stomping ground of either finalist). I listen to various stations (depending on my mood -
) and I offer you a sampling of what I have heard this week alone.
Rock station: “Send the freak and his dad home already.”
Country station: “I’ve tried to like the kid but he’s just…weird. I’m lining up six land lines and six cell phones to vote for David Cook.”
Hot AC station: “Please tell me we don’t have to listen to any David Archuleta songs. It’s entirely too mind-numbing. I don’t have my Prozac.”
Pop station: “I hope the Claymates are having a blast voting for this kid because he’s gonna get about as much airplay as Clay.”
These were just some of the downright nasty comments on my radio this week. I remember nasty comments being made about Taylor before the S5 finale, but as a fan, I blocked them out and voted like mad. If I could go back in time, I don’t think I would have. I hate that he has become a punch line.
I know that there are rabid fans of this child (no offense, I was a proud Soul Patroller) who just see a win regardless of the cost. I don’t think the boy is ready for the pressure and intense scrutiny that he will be under if he wins. He doesn’t seem to have the thick skin that Taylor and Clay have to handle becoming punch lines. His i-tunes performance (or lack thereof) shows a lack of interest in him as a recording artist (similar to Taylor and Daughtry in S5). Perhaps given time away from his father, time to find out who he is and wants to be, time to mature into the type of music he seems to lean toward, he could have a successful career. If he records an album as the winner now (I still can’t imagine what that would be - teen lite FM?) and it flops, how does that win benefit anyone?
I am not presuming to tell anyone how to vote. I am simply offering a realistic perspective and asking you to consider what is best for him and the show before picking up the phone.
The Billboard Q&A: Michael Johns From ‘American Idol’
How easy or difficult was it to compete on “American Idol”? How did the actual experience match up with your image of how you thought it would be?
It was tiring. The singing was the easy part. Our days are so long between shows. I love to sing but all the other stuff was a little much for me to take sometimes.
What was your experience of performing on stage and then having three people judge you?
I knew what I signed up for. I didn’t really let it affect me. I took the good with the bad. I was doing my thing and knew I had an audience. It wasn’t my goal to win – meaning I would have liked to win but it wasn’t the end-all.
sherryw
were there itunes available from the show during season 5? i only remember them from last year but i didn’t have an ipod back then and probably didn’t notice.
Re coronation song:
I entered a song but it didn’t get picked it was called:
“This is my Boo” i don’t know why.
what does “Boo” mean anyhow?
weelassie
After S5 ended, there was a best of CD available featuring one track from each contestant. The individual tracks were available on itunes. Chris Daughtry’s cover of Wanted Dead or Alive was the biggest selling track from that CD. When that happened, the ill will toward Taylor Hicks came out in the media, (even more so than during the show) saying that the wrong person won. When their individual albums were released and Daughtry far outsold Taylor again, it really hit the fan.
Last year, after S6, the download totals from the AI website were released, it showed that Jordin and Blake had bounced back and forth between being the top seller each week. They were pretty much on even ground in that sense and when their albums came out, it all came down to radio play as there was not much difference in initial sales. It has taken a Chris Brown duet to get her album to outsell Taylor’s (who was dropped from the label due to poor sales). She also took a good deal of heat in the press for having the worst opening week sales numbers from an AI winner. She had the thick skin to handle it and carried on.
This year, David C. has outsold David A. consistently on itunes since the top 10. This week, after viewers were reminded that performances would only be available for download until the finale, 8 David C. songs outsold (including the newest one hitting #2 on all of itunes) outsold anything that was offered by David A. There is a strong possibility that album sales will be like the Taylor/Daughtry situation and we’ll be right back where we were after S5. I don’t think that is good for the show or anyone else involved.
Just my two cents.
sherryw, your first post is EXACTLY why I asked the question about the media. I have been sensing it. I just kind of dread it all because he’s such a sweet kid. Taylor was a big boy and he could handle it.
baxter, I thought of the very same song when I first heard that title. LOL I had their greatest hits album*blushes profusely* and played it on my record player and sang to my pet dinosaur.
sherryw
so it was only one track that was available on itunes from season 5 and not every week like this season?
I am not saying this because I would prefer DC to win.
Considering DA’s father situation and general lack of maturity, a win could be very bad for him. Right now he is way to easily manipulated. He would turn out a schlock of a first (last) cd and may fade into obscurity. Being second would mean less pressure, and maybe hitting 18 when he has more of a chance to shed Daddy. Also, expectations of second place finishers are much lower (generally).
weelassie,
The performances may have been available on the AI website during S5 (I don’t recall). But there was only one single available on itunes for each of the top 12 after the end of the season (save for the winner and runner up singles).
From those 12, Chris Daughtry led the bunch…..
New video of Brooke, Jason, KLC, and Michael on ABC News…they all couldn’t or wouldn’t say which David they think would win.
ABC News
I loved this. Too bad Melanie didnt make it farther this season.
psst- edit your link and add a “h” at the beginning
jordin took a good deal of heat from the press and from idol fans
as for no air being the one to pull her up tattoo has sold just as many copies as no air
and her next single is already playing on the radio stations in my city and its not an official single. (tattoo and no air are also aired just as much as ever)
jordin is a star! she has consistently been in the top 50 and for the past while the top 20 on the billboard 200 since her album came out and it still has legs… that doesnt spell failure to me!
i agree with nigel that the voting public are not the record buying… and that to be successful you have to gain fans o/s of idol and i think jordin is doing that
it will be interesting to see if this years “fan voting base” will back up their chosen one
DCFTMFW!!
Baxter, when I read the supposed coronation song I had the same exact thought about Air Supply. Sigh, that totally shows my “maturity level”.
Near the end of Season 5, AI experimented with selling performances from their site. IIRC, it was just the videos though.
Yes. All of the top 12 had 1 except for Kat and Taylor. Kat had 3 and Taylor had 2.
Taylor and Kat also had Commercial Singles. Taylor’s Commercial Single included both songs (”Do I Make You Proud” and “Taking it To the Streets”) while Kat’s did not include the compilation album track (”Think” was on the compilation CD while “My Destiny” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” were on the Commercial Single). would have sold on it’s own.
The Commercial Single could be downloaded from iTunes or purchased as physical copies. Because they bundled “Taking it To the Streets” in with two other purchase options, it’s difficult to determine how much it actually
Here are the download stats from August of that year:
Taylor/Do I Make You Proud 114,000
Chris/Wanted Dead or Alive 94,000
Taylor/Takin’ It to the Streets 69,000
Katharine/Somewhere Over the Rainbow 67,000
Katharine/My Destiny 47,000
Elliott/Moody’s Mood for Love 23,000
Katharine/Think 21,000
Ace/Father Figure 11,000
Paris/Midnight Train to Georgia 9,100
Kellie/Walkin’ After Midnight 8,400
Mandisa/I’m Every Woman 7,400
Melissa/What About Love 6,400
Bucky/Superstition 4,000
Lisa/Signed Sealed Delivered 3,700
Kevin/When I Fall in Love 2,600
I think thae interesting one is Kellie. She had relatively dismal compilation CD download sells and she went on to have the second highest selling CD of the entire gang.
Thanks for the numbers. I’m not downplaying iTunes at all. It does have a lot of interesting info. But it still can’t predict who will sell albums. Judging by the downloads Katharine should have outsold Elliott, Kellie, and Bucky pretty easily. The key is matching the album to the appeal of the person on Idol.
Plus once they’re not on TV, performance skills, originality and eye candy don’t factor into sales much. It’s all about good songs.
47,000 people bought ***’s My Destiny???? WHY????
To use it to torture people?
OT: I am a stupid, stupid girl. I was up all early, happy to have fast connection for ticket hunting at 10 and somehow forgot to check until 10:25. I guess I’ll console myself with the fact that Sunrise is generally awful about releasing good seats early on… =(
Ticketmaster.com has been offering me the same two pairs of mediocre seats for an entire hour now. When I called, they said the best they had was last row floor. wtf? Sigh.
It’s interesting that MJ and KLC possibly have record deals in the making, but, not so with Brooke and Jason yet. That is very disappointing.
It seems that Jason has come out of his shell a lot during interviews. Good on him.
MJ was saying exactly what Jason did, that the other stuff besides singing was a bit much to take.
Don’t buy tickets on the day they are released. Wait until the last minute and you will get much better seats. They hold some good seats and don’t release them until right before the show.
http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/movies/954529,hudson051708.article
Jen-Hud news.
How wonderful that Taylor will be experiencing a taste of Broadway! What perfect casting in my favorite production. Knock ‘em out, Taylor!
Actually, I don’t get all the nostalgia for S3, S4, S5…if anything people should be talking about S6 and S7….I can’t even remember half the people who were on S2-3-4-5. Honestly, and as for the ratings….it’s a natural thing for TV shows to dip in the ratings after 5 years….Even Seinfield and Mash had to end and they were most popular.
I think the Fox people are panicky. It’s still the top rated show…what needs to change are the judges….they look bored, esp. Simon…..I don’t know what Randy is looking for in an artist….since he’s a producer….what exactly is he looking for? They want a POP Idol, but they keep getting Broadway Idols and Country Idols….maybe they should change their focus.
The nostalgia goes way back to S1 with Kelly Clarkson, and, also S2. I absolutely hated seasons 3 & 6. If you’re a fan, you’re a fan for life.
Skylight: what I mean is everytime I come to these boards, people are comparing all these different seasons, and it’s not fair. You wouldn’t compare 2000 to 2008….times change….music styles change….even the contestants change….people need to move on….this show is going to change and just take it for what it’s worth: a variety show contest. On the side there are businesses looking for the next best “star”….but it’s just a variety “reality” show.
I wonder if the Survivor people talk like this, comparing Season 1 Survivor to Season 4, or Amazing Race 1 to Amazing Race 3. I certainly don’t look back at DWTS and talking about Kelly Monaco — I betcha didn’t know she won S1? But DWTS this season can only be compared to last season.
And because Fox is acting nostalgically like the fans, they can’t seem to get that old magic back….they need to give it up….it’s just a variety reality show.
Hmmm. IMO, they’re looking for recording artists who can be a viable success in the marketplace. That’s not specific to a certain genre of music, to me.
Sarah, in the beginning the original show was called “pop” idol….and they wanted a pop recording artists….it has evolved to include all genres of music and even produce actors….I think the producers have lost their focus and they’re still looking for a pop singer who will sell records, but even record sales have changed.
I suppose since the blog is AI, then all seasons are included, since the headlines feature all current and past contestants. And, some of us still hold on to our faves from seasons past.
“I wonder if the Survivor people talk like this, comparing Season 1 Survivor to Season 4, or Amazing Race 1 to Amazing Race 3. I certainly don’t look back at DWTS and talking about Kelly Monaco — I betcha didn’t know she won S1? But DWTS this season can only be compared to last season.”
The answer to that question is yes, they sure do.
I’m sure they do. Just like Simpsons fans bitch and kvetch about how the new seasons aren’t as good as the old seasons. I know this as a veteran of many fan boards.
It’s not wise to make assumptions about things you don’t know anything about.
The ABC interview was nice but Michael Johns talking about a big list of stars makes me hope we aren’t going to be treated to another Gwen Stefani concert. I’ve never quite gotten over the stupidity of that.
Thanks for the link to that video, Purplesmile! I enjoyed seeing Jackie Hyland again. She was here in Dallas for a while. Very interesting to hear that Michael has had positive talks with people in the industry and said “it’s going to happen”. I’m sure Brooke and especially Jason haven’t had time to really get into any talks. It was fun to watch.
Don’t forget that Michael Johns has been off the show for a number of weeks. He has had a lot more time on his hands to make some connections and start talking to labels. Brooke and Jason are just coming off their post-Idol interview circuits and are now in rehearsals for the Finale.
Don’t take lightly the fact that Jason met with Chris Sligh this week, either. Sligh is very smart and knowledgeable (he parlayed a #10 finish into a successful record deal) and may be able to provide the guidance Jason needs navigating the industry. Although I think he (Jason) has broader mass market appeal, Christian music would probably be very interested in him if no one else is.