‘Idol’ wins with all-David finale
The dueling Davids vying for American Idol’s crown share an aim and a name. The similarities end there.
David Archuleta, 17, is the squinting, boyish crooner with an aw-shucks demeanor and a penchant for dreamy ballads.
David Cook, 25, is the gel-coiffed, unshaven emo-rocker with quiet self-assurance and versatility.
Archuleta and Cook are locked into the tightest sing-off since Season 2’s Clay Aiken-Ruben Studdard bout, Idol’s most-watched finale and the only other to feature two male finalists.
‘Idol’ Hopeful Josiah Leming Signs To Warner Bros.
Seventeen-year-old Josiah Leming — known as the teary-eyed “American Idol” contestant who just missed making it through the show’s Hollywood audition rounds — has signed with Warner Bros. Records for a record and publishing deal.
The Morristown, Tenn., native saw a surge of interest in his performances after his abrupt elimination, including appearances on Ellen DeGeneres’ talk show and a story on MTV News.
Leming will start recording his album this week, according to Warner Bros.
It’s a split prediction of ‘Idol’ winner
Idol’s final showdown is here, and the consensus is that either contestant could emerge victorious. Never without an opinion, our coaches wind up a season of sage advice, candid commentary and the occasional busted prediction by each picking a David (conveniently, it turned out to be a 2-2 deadlock) and explaining why he should and will win Wednesday night.
The Davids Speak Out About the ‘Idol’ Finale
It’s DAVID COOK vs. DAVID ARCHULETA when the “American Idol” finale takes place tonight — live from the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles, airing at 8 p.m. on FOX. This will be the first time the two Davids sing on the Nokia stage, so how do they think it’s going to affect their performances?
“You know, it’s interesting,” Cook comments. “I’ve always been really kind of confused by the idea, like the smaller the crowd for me, the more nervous I tend to get. Having the Nokia full, should be great. But you know, win or lose; I think we both win, so for me now, it’s just kind of enjoying the moment.”
Archuleta chimes in, “I don’t think it’ll be too different because the audience is still going to be big on the other side of the camera, watching on TV, so while there’s more people live … I don’t know. I guess I’ll have to see once I go and rehearse and stuff.”
The Best and Worst of the Dueling Davids
Before we gather around the tube to watch the battle of the Davids on AI next week, we thought we’d take a trip down memory lane and discuss each contestant’s best and worst performances from this season. I know you all love David A. and David C. and balk at any mention of a “worst” performance, so let’s just say these songs weren’t their brightest moments. Today, we begin with the 17-year-old who we lovingly refer to as, “Archie.”
Forget ‘Idol’! ‘Dance’ perfects the formula
“So You Think You Can Dance” is, on paper, very similar to “American Idol.” Both shows are talent competitions that air twice a week on Fox. Both let viewers select a winner with guidance from panels of judges who offer both biting and crazy feedback to people of varying degrees of talent. The two series even have the same producers.
So why is “So You Think You Can Dance” so much better than “American Idol”? The answer lies in subtle but key differences that separate “Dance” from its sibling reality competition series.
Four ways to improve ‘American Idol’
It may feel as if “American Idol” has been around forever, its format set in stone since the Jurassic period, but that’s not really true. The show has made changes. Upping the age limit resulted in an entire new field of possible “Idols.” Dropping Brian Dunkleman as co-host resulted in, well, a whole lot more money for Ryan Seacrest.
But “Idol” is slow to make changes, and some viewers are impatient. Four of our writers share their suggestions on what the show should do to stay fresh and improve. Note that no one has suggested Simon try a different color T-shirt.
Seven Ways To Fix ‘American Idol’
Lopping off 30 minutes is a start, but isn’t nearly enough. At FOX’s up-fronts last week, the network’s executives made the startling announcement that “American Idol’s” results show will be limited to a half-hour next season. A great cheer rose up from “Idol” nation at the news, as this will surely limit the time for ex-contestants pretending to have music careers on the nation’s biggest show.
Of course, this news was met with a drop of cynicism. Lisa de Moraes of The Washington Post wrote that FOX’s announcement of the time reduction was simply the executives’ “way of reminding us the network still has a sense of humor.”
It’s not surprising that the news would be taken with a grain of salt. After all, “Idol” is such a money machine that to reduce the amount of airtime advertisers can buy during its airtimes would be like tearing up a license to print money. It seems that is precisely what “Idol”’s producers are doing, and the result should be a much tighter “Idol” season with far more suspense.
Why has ‘Idol’ fallen into predictability?
In retrospect, don’t you miss Sanjaya Malakar?
As this season of “American Idol” hurries to its end, I’ve been thinking about last year’s bugaboo, the twiggy teenager with the enterprising hair who got so many people talking. And when I came across a recent magazine picture of Sanjaya, hoisted in a chair as he visited a fan’s bat mitzvah, I had a small “Idol” epiphany. This kid still is - and always was - willing to do anything for entertainment. And the great deficiency of “Idol” this year is that it largely forgot to entertain.
Kimberly Caldwell Discusses the Final Two Contestants
Even though the talent this year has been outstanding, I think all of America has known since the Top 24, that the finals would come down to David versus David.
David Archuleta has been pegged to take the crown since his very first audition. That infectious smile and innocence was just undeniable. Every time he opens his mouth, it’s like a choir of angels rise behind him. For 17, or any age, he has handled this crazy experience in front of America with such poise and humility.
And now, on to David Cook. He possesses every part of the formula to becoming a true Idol. His intensity, his passion, and his drive to deliver not only unique, but consistently unforgettable performances, is the reason why he deserves to own his spot in the finale.
David, the next ‘American Idol’
There may be two Davids in the “American Idol” finale, but there’s no Goliath.
Either would be OK as a winner. Both are good singers. One doesn’t overpower the other. The hip choice is David Cook, 25, because he’s older, has a rock edge and is less likely to flash a nervous, squirmy smile than sweet boy wonder David Archuleta, 17.
‘American Idol’: David vs. David, Week to Week
Who was more impressive during auditions? Who did the better Mariah Carey cover? Watch Archuleta and Cook go head to head, then vote for your favorite.
The year in ‘Idol’
Ratings down. Paula using a cheat sheet. Ryan wearing out his welcome.
“Ominous Signs for ‘American Idol,’ †was the headline over a Los Angeles Times story in mid-April that pretty much summed up the media elite’s impatience with TV’s biggest show. “Could it be that the singing smash, which has entirely reshaped television over the past seven seasons, is finally proving mortal?†the writer asked.
The only proper and polite response to this question, posed over and over this season by “Idol’s†critics, is as follows:
You. Wish.
Who will (and who should) win season 7 of ‘American Idol’?
Dawnie Walton, Annie Barrett, and I ponder the two most important questions of the modern era the week while chowing down on Central Park vendor treats. Watch for yourself, then join the Great Idol Debate in the comments section below.
‘Idol’ events planned around Utah
“American Idol” fever is burning up Utah with Murray sensation David Archuleta in the finals.
Murray High School is hosting an “Idol” viewing party during Tuesday’s performance show at the school’s auditorium, 5440 S. State St., beginning at 7:15 p.m. The event is free to the public.
A free viewing party for Wednesday’s two-hour finale is at the EnergySolutions Arena in downtown Salt Lake City, where “Idol” will cut to during the live show.
Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday. The show begins at 6 p.m., which means the crowd will see the finale on the Jumbotron an hour before the rest of Utah. Food kiosks are expected to be open in the arena. No tickets are necessary.
Official David Cook American Idol Watch Party at Power & Light in Kansas City
American Idol has announced it will broadcast live from the Power & Light KC Live! area on Wednesday night for the Idol two hour finale.
The Power & Light District has been hosting American Idol watch parties Tuesday & Wednesday nights.
Report: David Cook’s Brother Unlikely to Make Idol Finale
According to people.com, David Cook’s brother, Adam Cook, is unlikely to attend the American Idol finale in Los Angeles.
Adam Cook suffers from brain cancer. Donations allowed him to take a medical flight to see David perform earlier in the season. And, fans have been raising money for his return trip ever since.
However, people.com reports Adam will stay home this week because of his health. Adam lives in Terre Haute, Indiana.
‘Idol’ forecast
Was this the most balanced batch of Top 10 “American Idol” finalists ever? Or the most boring?
Frankly, there hasn’t been one defining “wow” performance all season. There hasn’t been one contestant whose talent demands a big-time recording contract. No one truly deserves to be an American Idol.
Still, these 10 singers have captured America’s attention for four months, creating some kind of fan base for future endeavors. Here are some predictions on what each will be doing a year from now:
Local ‘Idol’ debate: My David will beat your David
We here at Seacoast Media Group are passionate about “American Idol.” We just don’t always agree on it.
And so The Truth About Dating columnist Steve Penner and Features Editor Gina Carbone are taking sides on which David should walk away with the “Idol” title on Wednesday, May 21.
Related Stories.
Archuleta’s Fame Won’t Fade Anytime Soon
Win or lose, life is going to change for David Archuleta. “After being on a reality show, especially if it’s a popular show like ‘American Idol,’ life is never the same. Every aspect of my life is different,” said Carmen Rasmusen, the Utahn who finished sixth on “Idol’s” second season. “I will always be Carmen Rasmusen from ‘American Idol.’ That will always be what people know me as first.”
At this point, Utah’s “American Idol” finalist has had only a glimpse of how different life will be. Even though he’s been performing in front of 20 million to 30 million people a week for months, Archuleta and the other finalists have been leading a life sheltered by the “Idol” machine that restricts and controls public appearances, interviews and just about every other aspect of their lives.
Cynics Just Back Off Archuleta is the Real Deal
The next time I hear somebody say that David Archuleta is somehow practicing false humility, I’m going to scream.
Anyone who makes such a pronouncement is telling us more about himself than he is about the 17-year-old Utahn who, improbably enough, is one of the final two in this year’s “American Idol” competition.
The kid is for real. And not just a real talent, but a real nice teenager who is clearly and genuinely touched — even overwhelmed — by his newfound fame and his newfound following.
I happened to be standing just a few feet away from Archuleta when he made an appearance at The Gateway during his triumphant return to Utah on May 9. I saw his face as he surveyed the screaming fans; I heard his voice start to break as he tried to thank them.
Those who knew David Cook in his pre-‘Idol’ days inundated with interview requests
So, Fredalyn Gentry, how many interviews have you given since David Cook made it big on “American Idol?â€
“Oh, good grief,†says Cook’s grade-school music teacher in Blue Springs. “I can’t remember.â€
But she gives it a shot anyway.
People magazine interviewed her. She’s been on TV several times. And radio stations keep calling, wanting to talk to her on air. During the day.
American Idol Adds Second Tour Date in Kansas City
KANSAS CITY, MO. — The American Idol concert tour has added a second date in Kansas City. You can now catch the top 10 Idols including Blue Springs native David Cook at the Sprint Center on August 29 & 30. Tickets are available now at ticketmaster.com.
‘Idols Live Tour’ adds a second show
A second show has been added for the “American Idols Live Tour” performance in July at the E Center, a center spokeswoman said Saturday.
Tickets for the first show July 14 sold out in less than an hour with 11,000 seats, said Julie Hoffman, the center’s director of marketing. The second show will be at 7:30 p.m. July 15 in the E Center.
Tickets are available at the E Center Box Office and all TicketMaster outlets, by calling 801-325.SEAT or at ticketmaster.com.
Snap judgment: Jennifer Hudson’s ‘Spotlight’
I’m not gonna lie: I was a little worried listening to the opening verse of Jennifer Hudson’s new single, “Spotlight.” True, the pretty piano riff is reminiscent of Alicia Keys’ “No One,” and the lyrics about dealing with a suffocating relationship — “Are you a man who loves and cherishes and cares for me?/ Are you a guard in a prison, maximum security?” — are more interesting that your average pop-R&B clichés. But it all seemed just a wee bit, well, low-octane. I mean, we didn’t fall in love with J.Hud back on season 3 of Idol because of her vocal restraint; we want big, unabashed belting from the woman who won an Oscar for hollerating “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” right through the theater walls and directly into that 2 p.m. screening of We Are Marshall next door.
Former ‘Idols’ are finding success
When thinking of past “American Idol” competitors, it’s often confusing trying to remember which ones actually won the televised singing competition and which have found their own fame merely by being on the show.
Here’s a list. Some seasons were better than others. The breakdown:
AI Aftermath: 3rd place finishers - VIDEOS
Welcome back to “AI Aftermath,” where we explore Idol’s past. Each installment, as one more American Idol hopeful is eliminated from the competition, we take a look back at contestants past who were eliminated at the same point. We’ll examine how they did on the show and what they’ve been up to since their eliminations. In honor of Syesha Mercado’s elimination this week, we’ll be looking at other fourth place finishers.
FBLA Exclusive: Rabbi Richard Rushfield Explains the Importance of Being Idol
2. You often employ literary (and biblical) allusions to your stories. Is this a tongue-in-cheek effort to add gravitas to the subject matter? Not a bit! How dare you. I spend months tracking what is an epic journey for these contestants from their table waiting jobs in middle America to the pinnacle of American reknown. I am constantly striving for analogies that can capture the immensity of that journey.
American Idol Scott Savol Shares Chicken Soup
Today we continue our interviews with the contributors to Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul as we talk with Scott Savol. Scott made it to the Top 5 in Season 4 on American Idol and has a brand new single “Don´t Rush” (featuring L´il G from Silk), which is available at iTUNES.
Thanks for joining us today, Scott. It´s great to have you with us.
Let´s get started by finding out a bit about you. Where did you grow up? What is it you loved best about your hometown?
I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. I loved the fact that it was the city. Not the quiet, laid back country (that I enjoy now in Tennessee).
Casting call: Ryan Seacrest has a new dating show
Are you a “momma’s boy”? Or are you a mother who is really overprotective about who your son dates? Well, if you are, you might want to try out for Ryan Seacrest’s (American Idol) and Andrew Glassman’s (Average Joe) new show Momma’s Boys. NBC’s new reality series will air after the Summer Olympics in Bejing. The show will center around a group of mothers choosing the perfect woman for their sons. According to the press release, “drama ensues when numerous mothers and their eligible bachelor sons are housed together with several single women.” So, they have to live together too? This sounds like The Bachelor meets Sister Patterson from I Love New York.
Go - Josiah - my kids and I were so sad for him when he didnt make it.
What crawled up their behind?
And yeah for Josiah!
Good for Josiah. He just might do better than some of the top 24. What am I talking about? He’s already doing better. I thought he was very good. Evidently so did Warner Brothers.
Way to go, Josiah! It’s nice to finally see an official announcement. I think I’ve read that he expects to release his CD in September (two months before the winner, ha!) I hope I get to see him live.
I’m so thrilled for Josiah! Yay! I was very upset when he got eliminated. Take that, TPTB.
However, I think it’s better he didn’t make it. I can only imagine the buses and trains that would have smacked him down.
Yeah Josiah, I can’t wait to see what he comes up with. It should be really interesting.
I listened to Jhud’s new song, it’s not bad cause the girl can sing, but it didn’t sound any different from the stuff she was testing out on her website after season three.
That’s great for Josiah. I’m looking forward to see what he will do. It’s great to see somebody from the auditions get a contract. I wonder if TPTB are secretly proud or secretly enraged that somebody unassociated with them managed to gain something from their exposure on the show.
I’m going to make a prediction right now:
MJohns is going to have a hit record because he’s already been approached by Amy Winehouse’s producers to record.
Carly will not be a hit maker, because she hasn’t found her “sound” yet.
Brooke will write Children’s books and record children’s records. I just don’t see how “pop” singer enters into her description.
Jason will go the acting route, perhaps on TV and cable.
Syesha: Jazz and Broadway, and a little bit of TV; girlfriend is VERY ambitious…and it’s rumored she’s been approached to revive THE WIZ
David A: Will record but will not be a hit maker; the teens will stick with him for a while, but he has to crack the adult audience.
David C: Will make hit records and follow in Daughtry’s footsteps, veering off a little with the same sound.
Chikezie: Back to the Government job
Amanda: Will struggle to crack the rock singer circuit, but could possibly make it as a performer vs. a recording artist.
Who is the most marketable of all the Idols this year? Who gets the endorsements, the calls to event concerts, the records, the acting jobs, the commercials? I’m putting my money on Syesha. (Note: See Jennifer Hudson)
I think this season, like Season 5, will have multiple success stories and I look forward to following them all.
LOL. Have you not read any of his interviews?
sarah bareilles, feist, colbie caillat, etc.
Actually, I agree with the writer. There wasn’t one moment where I was transfixed by a performance. Some of them came damn close:
David C: Hello
Syesha’s ALW song
Carly’s: Jesus Christ
Brooke: Let it Be
Chikezie: She’s a woman
But other than those above, there wasn’t a performance that just wowed me and had me running to Itunes.
And I can state that I luv luv luv Jennifer Hudson’s new song and that video on Youtube? Great song…great hook.
Two reasons why I loved Season 7 - Jason and Josiah!
Great news for this Leming Lover. Dare I hope for a Jason CD, too? Maybe one titled “Someday”? (wishin’ and hopin’)
I agree with Sally’s list, but would like to add Jason’s Somewhere Over The Rainbow. It wowed me. Had it in my head for days. I don’t think Jason wants to act, it’s all about the music for him. Although I would watch any show or movie he was in.
My Fox Utah
My Fox Utah
Carly was cute in that second one!
I’d like to see the interviews from David Cook’s hometown also if anyone has them.
I appologize if these have been posted already. I’m running uber busy this morning so I may have overlooked when I checked.
Do you actually think Jason has the work ethic to be a music star? Oh wait — I take it back — better he be a slacker musician than a slacker actor.
I absolutely believe Jason has what it takes to be a music star. Slacker? Hardly. I’d really give that title to Syesha since, aside from a handful of performances, she took the easy road with her song choices - a nice comfortable wannabe diva niche. Because he really is a wet-behind-the-ears amateur singer, I honestly believe that Jason did a top-notch job at proving exactly who he would be as a musician/singer/songwriter once Idol is over. That’s more than anyone can say for the majority of competitors on this show.
Gwendolyn: you and I agree to disagree…while Jason is cute and all, cuddly bear and all, he just doesn’t have it takes to make it in the “big time” music business….the drive….the ambition….the networking….he’s going to end up on a reality show (the Bachelor? Don’t forget the lyrics?) or he’s going to go TV acting route, which he’s done already. Honestly, besides his looks I just don’t see him doing much of anything but coffeehouse appearances.
For example: As much as I liked Sanjaya when he was on Idol last year and I would defend him to the nth degree, now we see where he’s headed: nowhere…..knocking on doors, trying to find an apartment in NYC to do what? sing? Act? Towing his sister along….they left LA and are now in NYC? I don’t get it …..trying to get a reality TV show….let’s be real people….Just because you have the Idol logo on your shirt doesn’t mean you are star material.
As the Idols do the tour, there are producers and agents sitting in the audience judging them probably more strict than the 3 judges on AI, because now it’s “show me the money” time.
Whatever happened to Sundance & Sabrina? — inquiring minds want to know.
I don’t think that we really know about Jason’s work ethic. Usually singers don’t have a couple of days to learn a new song. That is another talent in and off itself but not intrinsic or totally necessary to become a success. Jason has a great recording voice and a great look and good taste in music. I wasn’t a big fan because this contest is a popularity/singing contest and I thought he was a bit lacking in both (on teevee), but off the show is another thing entirely.
Frankly given the state of the record business right now, I would not buy stock in any of them at the moment. I could be wrong, but not too many folk are selling scads of cds, physical, or digital.
You would or would not buy stock? Explain, thanks.
Now something else people don’t want to talk about: The Idols need Clive Davis….yes indeed…love him or hate him, they need him and they need BMG because it’s the ONLY company that can give the artist the push they need to get to the top….example: Jordin, Leona and now Jennifer Hudson….there’s a big push, lots of $$$ and Pr to get them to the top….esp. Jordin — think about it — do you think her touring with Alicia is an “accident” or divine intervention by Clive? and only a BIG record company can do that.
The other companies can release a record and the AI singer can make the talk shows, but they still need that big record company support to make it to the top. Clive has the pocket book to buy the best writers and producers and put his money where his belief is.
There’s no guarantee either of the Davids will get a solid record contract or solid push by BMG….a lot of #2’s have gone by the wayside….Bo being the most obvious….of course, he’s re-emerging now, but without a major record company.
It’s the nature of the business. These comp’s are not going to spend money on somebody who’s not going to make them money.
Good for Josiah. I am certainly looking forward to his album.
Jason plays drums. He learned the guitar 3 years ago. He took the initiative to learn the ukelele in one week to perform SOTR….doesn’t sound like a slacker to me. We’ve heard for years how Idols is like boot camp. I really don’t think a slacker would have made it into the top 10 let alone to #4.
Chicago-Sally I fixed my statement. I don’t think that anything is guaranteed for any of them. I think nothing is guaranteed for JHud as well. I don’t think an Oscar equals record sales. If that song is any indication of what her full length cd is going to sound like, it sounds like generic urban pop to me. Ho hum.
While nothing is guaranteed, I do think that both of these guys will sell well initially. I think they will both do better than Jordin, but not Daughtry/Carrie/Kelly numbers. That is nothing to sneeze at, but it’s not what tptb want. What they should be hoping for is sustainability.
Yes, I think Jason has the work ethic. He got a scholarship to Texas A & M to study architecture science and worked with his dad in his business. You can’t be a slacker and do that. Plus, making it to top 4 isn’t too shabby either. I think Jason can do anything he wants and be successful.
Calimari, okay we disagree too….I like Jason, but I think he’s not a top-notch recording star…a good coffee house singer yes….but in the same class as a “Daughtry” or “Bon Jovi”? Nah. I see TV in his future, if that.
You know we can all love who we want to love, but honestly, if you do the statistics, less than 50% of the Idols have a recording contract, doing movies or TV, Broadway, etc. Less than 50%!!!!….but that’s good considering the industry today.
Let me add before I give this a rest until later. We buy into all of these stories, everyone has a role. Archie the naive kid, or the overtrained robot, or whatever the spiel is today. Jason the slacker, Brooke the slightly neurotic nanny, Cooke aloof and smug, Syesha the egotistical diva, Carly desperate, etc.
We only know what we have seen these last 5 months. Some of it may be true, but in real world scenarios probably alot different from what we have seen. All of the prognosticating equals naught, it’s all in fun, but mostly irrelevant.
Agree!
Now — ONTO the Presidential Elections!
I think the thing with Jason is that he was a little too honest and admitted (even while he was still on the show, gah!) that he was having a hard time coping with the schedule. I’m pretty sure he wasn’t the only one who was feeling that way…the others probably just weren’t saying it. Even Cookie looked (and even sounded) tired the past few weeks. Heck, Michael even said it in an interview and he was eliminated at 8th place when the workload was probably much lighter.
I always thought that regardless of how Jason would act or behave before and after performances, when it was time for him to sing, he would always put all of himself in the music. I guess that is the main reason I am as big a fan as I am of the guy with the “serviceable” voice.
Oh, wait…this isn’t the Jason Castro crack thread? Sowry. lol
Well, my impression of Jason is that he just wants to make music. I don’t see him doing another reality show. In fact, he said as much at the end of this interview. I don’t think he cares about “fame” as much as the music. I imagine if he isn’t able to pursue that professionally, he’ll go back to A&M and work with his dad’s swimming pool business.
Let’s hope we get a CD! :-)
Apparently Simon was on Ellen and said he wanted David Cook to win for the reasons MJ has stated. (He’s listening to you girl! ) I agree but I also think that David A has handled himself very well for the most part because look at Brooke, that girl was a mess! I think most of the girls were. Ramielle cried constantly, Carly sang in a desperate fashion for the longest time, I could go on and on.
Vote for the Worst
MJ, I hope this is wrong. Since it’s just on Myspace, I really hope this is a bad case of miscommunication. Does anyone know?
It’s a shame that some base their judgment of Jason upon untrue assumptions, never bothering to learn more.
Jason was an honor student in school; got a scholarship to college; worked actively in his church; made 3 mission trips to other countries to help others; since age 15 he has spent summers working for his dad and will miss doing that this year; he played drums for about 10 years; he taught himself to play the guitar about 3 years and taught himself to sing about 2 years ago; had only sung in public 5 times before he auditioned for Idol; stated that his greatest joy is being of service to others; stated that his faith and his family keep him grounded.
I guess to some, if Jason stressed out, talked back or cried on air, it would have made them feel better. He is who he is and more importantly, he knows who he is and that’s pretty darn good for a 21 year old, IMO.
Jason is passionate about music and wants to connect with the songs that he sings. One reason he has legions of fans is that they have felt the connection with him and the songs that he sings. I love his original music. Now that he has more experience, I think that his CD of original music will be amazing.
Well, I’m not sure I know what qualifies someone as a top notch recording star, so I can’t really speak to that. But, I do know there are plenty of people recording music, selling cd’s and touring who are not world famous, and are not moving millions of units, but who are still making a living.
Not every music career fits every individual. And, being as how all of that big PR push money costs them in the end, that’s not necessarily the right tactic to take with everyone.
Also - I thought they took away Clive’s purse strings. Isn’t someone else in the driver’s seat now? Regardless of any big money promotion - I don’t see J-Hud’s cd going anywhere. The world knows her as an actress now, and well, the song kind of sucks. She might get some radio play for being the “Oscar Winning former American Idol Contestant” - but I don’t see her moving millions of units.
I’m with PJ - if things don’t work out for Jason musically - I just don’t think that kid’s going to give a rat’s ass about fame. He seems so shy and kind of freaked out by too much attention, so I don’t think he’s one of those people who’ll say, well I didn’t sell too many cd’s, so in order to keep up my profile in US magazine I better get myself in the Big Brother house right quick. This isn’t Justin Guarini we’re talking about here. A musician who performs because he loves making music will not be satisfied with a TV gig even if he gets to talk about music.
Gosh, what a shock about Luke, if true. There really are things much more important than idol. Thoughts, love and prayers to Luke and his family.
Isn’t it a shame that some buy into the creative editing of American Idol? Casting Jason as a slacker. I know they only have 48 hours to learn their songs each week, and, have to cut them to 1 1/2 or 2 minutes for tv. Add in all the press, photo shoots, commercials, group numbers, side trips, etc., when do they have time to practice?
I believe this is what Jason was referring to, he didn’t want to be mediocre with his music, and, felt there just wasn’t the time to give it his best. Even Kristy Lee Cook said she was brain dead, sleep deprived, and, was sort of relieved when she was eliminated. So, does that make her a slacker too?
OF course, Jason isn’t going to be a Daughtry or Bon Jovi. That isn’t his niche, but, I do think people will be surprised by his success. And, for that matter, success doesn’t necessarily mean moving millions of units of CDs. There are other ways to measure it. Some call Taylor a flop because he didn’t actually move a million copies, but, is he a failure? I don’t think so. Idol opened many doors for him, and, it still is. He won’t be a starving musician ever again.
What you see on “reality tv,” isn’t necessarily real.
Terrible about Luke. Will he be in the audience tonight or not? Just terrible. Well Spense, you and I disagree about Jennifer Hudson….she’s a successful millionaire with the Avon product endorsement and three movies under her belt…and managed by Will Smith’s company….she’s under the radar you don’t read a lot about her, but she’s working hard for the money.
Wow, I have a LOT of issues with this article from MSNBC:
http://tv.msn.com/tv/article.aspx?news=314767
Who said Archuleta’s fanbase is all pre-teens and grandmas? Who said DC’s fanbase doesn’t have pre-teens and grandmas? This is very general, boring reporting if you ask me.
Um, that would be Top 20, and 1970s night. Not Lennon and McCartney. Thanks for playing though.
Bad, maybe (that’s a whole ‘nother topic if you ask me), but no way was “With You” forgettable! It’s one of the most memorable of the season, even if for all the wrong reasons.
Michael Bolton? Kid sounds nothing like him. Also, “mellow baritone?” Please! The kid’s a tenor! Do you know nothing about vocal ranges?
What feel-good story? He’s a kid with a good voice– what has he overcome? Dadchuleta? Please. DC’s story is just as “feel-good,” if not more. DA overcame little. DC overcame a seemingly inevitable Archuleta victory.
*
As for me, I’m a huge fan of both these guys– they’ve definitely been my two top favorites this season. I have slightly preferred Archuleta throughout, but I’d be very pleased (and expect to see) Cook win. I still haven’t made my mind up as to who I’m voting for. That’s always exciting!
Make no mistake, I want Cook to win. I personally would not be angry if Archuleta wins because I will still be able to get my grubby mitts all over Cookie’s music.
My concern if DA wins is the backlash factor. Every single poll I have seen online (AOL, MSNBC, EW, USA Today, even KOL and AOL Red [for teens]) indicate a desire for Cook to win with roughly 3/4 of the vote in all cases except KOL, where he only leads by 2%. I don’t know how many of those people are AI voters but I would venture that there are more music buyers in his numbers (if only based on his itunes performance).
When there is that much of a difference between views of who SHOULD and who WILL win, it reminds me of Season 5 all over again. The people who are voting for DA now are not buying his itunes performances. Will they buy his albums? It really is reminiscent of Taylor/Daughtry. I didn’t see it in Season 5 (turning a blind eye will do that). I only saw the win for the Soul Patrol. In the end, it didn’t accomplish all that much for Taylor except expectations he couldn’t meet and media ridicule when the person they said should have won in the first place did meet those expectations.
I would not wish the type of media scrutiny and backlash that Taylor received on anyone (certainly not a 17-year-old boy who has already been put through the wringer). But, if his fans are OK with that and just want to be able to say, “We did it!”, that is their business.
As any Soul Patroler (or Claymate at this point) should be able to tell you, that moment is fleeting, very fleeting. And the only one who will be worse off in the end is the person you now think you are helping.
I didn’t say he was going to be a top-notch recording star. (Not that I put Daughtry there either - I see him more as a one hit wonder). I simply said he is not a slacker and I do think he might have a career in music. Most of the CDs I listen to are NOT heard on the radio. Kenny Wayne Shephard. Grace Potter & the Nocturnals. Toby Lightman. They are all top-notch singers/songwriters, but not at the top of the charts. No reason Jason can’t have an excellent career there. I mean, seriously - Kellie Pickler? C’mon.
If Josiah is signed, then Castro will be. Josiah seems like a big question mark to me, I realize some people liked him, but he made nowhere near the mark that Jason did this season, not even close. Personally, I had no sense of who he was musically. It will be a shame if Jason isn’t signed in the next 6 months.
I totally agree with the Boston.com article: “As this season of AI hurries to its end….thinking about last year’s bugaboo, the twiggy teeanger with the enterprising hair….This kid still is and always was willing to do anything for entertainment….and the great deficiency of Idol is this year is that it largely forgot to entertain.”
Has anyone noticed that Syesha hasn’t been on any talk shows? What’s with that???
I must say that I have had an education the last two weeks. Let us recap:
1) Archie fans are clueless and couldn’t recognize good music if it bit them on the a$$
2) Archie fans are sheep. If somebody tells them that Archie is a good singer, they believe it even though it obviously is not true.
3) Archie has fans are rabid voters. They are ruining AI. No other fan group this year power voted until their fingers bled.
4) Archie fans are all younger than 14 or older than 64. (Side Note: And they say the older generation has nothing in common with the younger ones! I give them Archie)
5) Archie fans like junk food.
6) Archie fans are selfish and self serving. (Poor Archie getting fans that only worry about themselves winning even if it does subscribe him to a life of disappointment, drug addiction and bad mug shots).
We’ve also learned that Jeff Archuletta is a master musician, song selector and song arranger. He is a master manipulator who can undermine anybody’s confidence. He is also a master at trolling the internet to find and plant incriminating information about the competition. Does the man ever sleep? How is it not more successful himself? Why must he live his life through his child? These are questions that I must ponder.
Look, I agree that winning can be a double-edged sword that can cleave your head off. But, it is hard to predict at this point. Last year, when Jordin was singing songs older than Hades on the show while Blake was being all current, moving units on iTunes and getting all the fans at the tour stops, I thought it was a slam dunk that he would outsell her. But, it was not to be (I’m a terrible prognosticator).
I would hate for people to not vote for somebody because of some possible future scenario where the press is mean. One could easily argue that Cookie’s fans are self centered. Dude has blood pressure issues. He could die on stage if he’s announced as the winner. Would voters want that on their head just because they want to be the ones that “win”? Or maybe the truly caring fans should have sent him home weeks ago to spend time with his terminally ill brother. That’s not logical (and it makes me ill just writing this paragraph because it’s so the antethesis of what I think).
Cook has made the decision. He wants to be in the competition. I think it’s his call. I think it’s Archie’s call. They are willing to take the risks. Their fans should not feel guilty for supporting them. IMHO.
Disclaimer: I don’t vote for AI and I like both David’s but the rhetoric lately is killing me.
Side Note: I bought a bunch of songs on iTunes this morning. I really liked Cook’s ABMB (so thanks to those who kept mentioning it. I dislike MC so much I had been loathe to listen to any of the studio versions from that week). I wish that they would at least sell performance versions of the songs for which they don’t have studio versions.
showbuzz at cbsnews.com is reporting that Luke Menard has stage II Hodgkin Lymphoma. According to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (they report), this is considered one of the most curable forms of cancer. The 5-year survival rate of this is 90 to 95 percent.
http://www.showbuzz.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/05/20/tv_realty_tv/main4111244.shtml
I’m not buying the comparison between Sanjaya and Jason. I don’t think Sanjaya is really seriously pursuing the music thing these days, I think he is going more of the celeb route. I think if music doesn’t pan out for Jason, he will go work with his dad and sing in local bars/clubs; I don’t see him looking to host Idol Tonight or showing up at tons of premieres in LA, etc and mugging for the camera or pursuing reality show opportunities. I won’t even get into the comparison of the musical abilities of the two.
Are the iTunes songs only available through tomorrow?
panz, thanks for that link.
Prayers and best wishes to Luke M. Hopefully he will hook up with some good doctors in IN and have a complete recovery.
Aww, Luke. :-( Best wishes to him. I hope he makes a complete recovery.
She’s been in LA working with the rest of the Top 12 on the finale. She’ll do the circuit around the same time as the Davids, I think.
http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2008/05/aloha-mischeaux.html
Aloha — remember her?