Archuleta delivers a knockout blow on ‘Idol’
From the moment Michael Buffer began the show with his trademarked “Let’s Get Ready to Rumble,” it was apparent that “Idol” was going to milk its battle of heavyweights for all it was worth. David Cook and David Archuleta came out in boxing robes, the theme from “Rocky” blared, and the show got down to the business, in its own hokey way, of selecting its champion.
For the first time in the show’s history, neither finalist had ever been revealed as a bottom-two finisher. Because the order of finish last week was kept secret, it was anybody’s guess which of the two entered as the favorite.
”American Idol”: Boxing Day
‘As far as I’m concerned, the competition’s over, and we’re just having fun.”
While those are the exact words David Cook used to describe his feelings about the final performance episode of the American Idol season, they also describe my own approach to looking at the evening’s indisputably entertaining festivities.
Because, really, let’s have a show of hands: How many of you came into tonight’s telecast undecided about whether David Cook or David Archuleta deserved the season 7 crown? And how many of you actually changed your minds by the time Ruben Studdard’s ”Celebrate Me Home” segued into the screaming and yelling and sautéing of Hell’s Kitchen?
Former ‘Idol’ Contender Luke Menard Diagnosed With Cancer
Carpet layer-turned-one-time “American Idol” hopeful Luke Menard has been diagnosed with cancer.
The handsome Season 7 contender, who was kicked off as “Idol” whittled their top 24 to a top 10, has Hodgkin lymphoma, a rep for his a capella ensemble Chapter 6, confirmed to CBS news.
“Luke had a lingering cough and was having trouble breathing deeply, so he went to the doctor to have it checked out,” Jane Victor told CBS News. “The suspicion was walking pneumonia. But after a chest x-ray doctors saw a mass and did more testing, which is what led to the stage II Hodgkin diagnosis.”
Though he was booted out of “Idol” earlier in the season, Menard made several appearances in the audience of the show, as recently as last week.
Menard, 29, and his wife remain hopeful. The disease has one of the highest success rates of treatment for any type of cancer.
‘American Idol’ Q&As: The Davids Speak!
After the American Idol performance finale Tuesday night, EW.com got a chance to speak briefly with David Cook and David Archuleta about song choice, being in it to win it, and what each thought of his competitor’s performances. First up, like on the show, David Cook.
‘Time’ is now for American Idol Songwriter winner
Whether David Archuleta or David Cook prevails in Wednesday night’s American Idol finale, Regie Hamm will be having the time of his life.
In the closing four minutes of the two-hour show (Fox, 8 ET/PT), the newly crowned David will sing Time of My Life, Hamm’s winner in the second American Idol Songwriter contest.
Yep, it’s inspirational, says the Nashville singer/songwriter, who calls Life “a midtempo anthem, no surprises. (Fans) can wave their arms and light their lighters, all that cool stuff. We’ve all heard those finale songs, so you know the parameters and almost by osmosis what the moment is all about.”
The song was among “tens of thousands” submitted and combed through by 19 Entertainment’s more than 60 Artists & Repertoire staffers, who winnowed the list to a manageable pile before Idol creator Simon Fuller and his team pruned to 20 semifinalists, says Jeff King, 19’s U.S. head of digital entertainment.
The task is “daunting,” he says. “Not unlike the show, you get a wide variety, from comical to genius.”
‘American Idol’ In 60 Seconds
MTV News’ ‘Idol’ expert Jim Cantiello boils down a week’s worth of stunning performances, pitchy notes and shocking eliminations to a bite-size minute.
David Cook’s Brother Will Attend Finale!
The “Idol” battle rages on tonight as the Davids sing it out to see who will take the title — and David Cook will have one of his biggest fans in the audience! “Extra” has learned that despite recent reports, the singer’s brother Adam will be in the “American Idol” audience to watch the two final shows.
Adam, who is battling brain cancer, made the trip from Terre Haute, Indiana to watch perform David earlier in the competition — and now, sources have learned that Adam has made the trip to Los Angeles again! The elder Cook flew into California yesterday morning accompanied by a nurse. Due to Adam’s cancer battle, it is an unexpected surprise that he is able to attend the show.
Inside ‘American Idol’ Finale: David Cook Was The Fan Favorite … Until The David Archuleta Show Began
After checking out the 10-row studio that housed the other “American Idol” top-12 shows, being part of the Nokia Theatre’s 7,100-person audience was a serious change of pace. The vocal crowd instantly judged every move made at the “Idol” finale’s new home — and it was a David Cook-leaning bunch.
When the warm-up comic polled the fans before the show to see which David they were backing, Cook got the loudest response by far, while David Archuleta garnered the most high-pitched squeals (go figure). Plus, our unofficial survey of Nokia’s “Idol”-swag vendors found that the “Vote Cook” T-shirt was the booths’ best-seller, topping generic show merchandise and the Archuleta tee.
But as anyone who watched at home can confirm, that all changed when the prolonged boxing metaphor — er, show — kicked off. The same audience that had been in Cook’s corner preshow (pugilistic puns are unavoidable for us too!) apparently didn’t want the sun to go down on Little David just yet. Archuleta had the Nokia JumboTrons partly to thank for the sudden support, since every squinty-eyed close-up was broadcast for even the smitten teen girls in the last row of the balcony to enjoy. (Another JumboTron observation: Cook’s faux-hawk made him look a lot like ’90s heartthrob.
Tinfoil Hat Time: Did the Producers Turn up David Archuleta’s Screaming Girl Chorus by Accident?
I’ve had a sneaking suspicion for most of the season that the producers have been sweetening the screeching-girl noises during David Archuleta’s performances, or at least enhancing it a bit—blame a childhood spent preferring Guns N’ Roses to New Kids On the Block. But! During Archie’s second song tonight, I swear I heard some evidence that there was at least a little bit of producer manipulation. Watch the clip above; when you hit the 20-second mark or so, listen to the “crowd noise” that comes in. Does it sound oddly muted, and oddly timed, to you? Especially since it’s accompanied by a pit full of stock-still young ladies who should have had their hands set to “sway” during this frenzy-inspiring moment?
Archuleta delivers ‘knockout’ at ‘Idol,’ feels the love
LOS ANGELES - If we stuck to “American Idol’s” theme of pugilists duking it out musically on the Nokia Theater stage Tuesday, the referees believe Murray’s David Archuleta delivered a “knockout” punch in the final round.
“At the end of the day, this show is about finding a star,” the usually gruff Simon Cowell said. “And tonight, I think we’ve witnessed one of the great finals.
“But here’s the difference, in my opinion,” he added. “David [Archuleta], you came out here tonight to win, and what we have witnessed is a knockout.”
David vs. David: Judges like Archuleta’s ballads, but Cook sings well too
The producers of “American Idol” framed Tuesday night’s final showdown as a boxing match — a title fight between undefeated heavyweights.
They would carry the gimmick far (too far, really).
To open the show, the two finalists first appeared in the Nokia Theater dressed like prize fighters, wearing robes and boxing gloves. They were introduced by Michael “Let’s Get Ready to Rumble” Buffer, who knows a thing or two about carrying a gimmick a long way.
Cook’s future looks as bright as it does uncertain
Wednesday night, David Cook or David Archuleta will be crowned “American Idol.” On Thursday, both will face the first days of their careers in popular music.
They will pursue stardom in different directions, but Cook, a native of Blue Springs, and Archuleta will face similar decisions about their career destinations and how they intend to get there.
The winner of “American Idol” gets a $1 million recording contract and will be beholden to 19 Entertainment, the highly successful management team founded by Simon Fuller, who invented the “Idol” concept. But in the volatile music industry, even an “Idol” title and all its rewards guarantee nothing.
American Idol: I Know Why David Archuleta “Won”
Still, that didn’t stop Flat-Top Fly Boy (Simon Cowell) from declaring a “winner” after each round, giving a victory each time—and at the very end of the night—to David “Archie” Awwwwrchuleta.
If you happen to be a diehard David Cook fan who’s screaming “Bastard!” at your telly, because you can’t possibly fathom how Simon considered Archuleta better than Cook, I can tell you exactly why…
In real life, Archuleta’s voice booms and reverberates throughout every inch of the theater–even a 7,000 seater like the Nokia. You just have to be there to really experience it, but suffice to say it’s hard to not feel all tingly from your nosehairs to the tip of your toes when he’s singing. [It makes David C. (whom I love) sound a bit…stifled by comparison.]
The American Idol Poll You’ve Been Waiting For: Which David Delivered Tonight’s Knockout Punch?
The first third of the American Idol finale is in the history books everywhere in the country! (Except maybe Hawaii, although maybe not—after all, since the weather there is so nice it would make sense to have “prime time” at 5 p.m. so as to maximize the enjoyment of their evenings.) The three songs have been sung, the songwriting contest has once again been exposed as a way to get America’s worst songwriters more screen time than they ever deserve, and the judges have seemingly abandoned David Cook—or decided to engage in major reverse psychology with his fans in hopes of really giving Jeff Archuleta a Montreal screwjob-type finish to his super-meddlesome “guardian” tenure. Who knows what sort of mind games the producers are trying to play! I’ve watched pretty much every second of American Idol since January and I still don’t. Anyway, after the jump we have the official Idolator “Who Will Win Idol?” poll, along with a few predictions from other corners of the Internet and clips from tonight’s show.
Reality Check: Archuleta’s a Knockout on ‘Idol’
While there have been brief interludes this season where we’ve entertained the notion that David Archuleta may not be crowned the “Idol” winner, those days are now long over.
This isn’t to say, of course, that David Cook hasn’t put up a noble fight and scored some terrific performances. But while I’m not one to get overly dramatic or excited about these things, I have to say that in Tuesday night’s final sing-off, Archuleta blew him out of the water and more than did justice to his (er, his dad’s?) lifelong dream.
First, he went along with the silly boxing analogies the producers seemed intent on hammering home, gamely calling his first song a “match.” Then he showed just how likable he was by blurting out how “awesome” David Cook was right after Simon announced that they’d have to hate each other to win.
Cook out? Nope, rocker deserves to win by Ayla Brown
Who do you think is going to win?
I have been closely watching “American Idol” this season and I have developed favorites, just as everyone in America has over the last few months. But it is finally time to predict a winner, and I think it is going to be David Cook.
Cook has developed fantastically over the course of the season and has transformed into a full-blown rock star. Each week the judges have given him encouraging reviews because they recognize that he is original. Can you say the next Chris Daughtry? Cook can sing the songbook and has proven himself to be a professional.
‘Idol’ producers reportedly want Cook to win
In the battle of the Davids, there is already a clear winner, at least behind the scenes of “American Idol.”
According to a source close to the judging panel, “The producers are really hoping that David Cook wins.” The reason shouldn’t come as much of a shocker: “David Archuleta cannot be managed the way that 19 Entertainment wants to manage their winners.”
David Cook & Archuleta React to Finale & Judges
LOS ANGELES, CALIF. — David Cook seemed to disagree with Simon’s comments on his final song Tuesday night. But, Cook said it is ‘just an opinion and a matter of taste’ and he accepts that. David Archuleta said he’s looking forward to forgetting the competition and just focusing on the singing. Both singers spoke after the American Idol finale performance on Tuesday night. We’ll find out the winner on Wednesday.
American Idol: Top 2 Perform
American Idol, don’t do that. Don’t start your show that way. Granted, it’s always fun to see Michael Buffer introduce anything, but the faux boxing theme throughout the show was cheesy even by Idol standards. The theater looks great but as I’ve not been all season I continue to not be impressed with the various celebrities they show us in the studio audience. It’s all about publicity and marketing. Why do you think Jason Priestley was there? Exactly. Nothing more to say.
American Idol Tracker: Final Showdown of the Davids
And so after a journey none could have foreseen three months ago, it ends before a crowd of 7,000 in downtown Los Angeles and tens of millions more at home.
In the annals of our day, this will certainly be remembered as a historic season –- the crowning of the incarnation of a decade of tween aspirations, or the cutting free the pop ballads party iron grip on the Idol throne with the rise of the first rocker champion.
Tuesday night at the Idoldome’s temporary home the full emotional weight of the journey was felt. Back in the crowd were the entire original twelve reminding us of every painful step. Both the combatants at moments let their cups runneth over with feeling.
Despite Judge Cowell’s quip that what is necessary to win is to hate your opponent, American Idol remains, especially as personified by the Davids, society’s last refuge of gentlemanly combat. When the norm on TV’s reality competition starts with hair pulling and quickly descends from there, to see two warriors with this much at stake as they enter the most important hour of their lives openly brimming over with good will for the other is nothing short of miraculous. (And confirmed as quite genuine by all observations of them offstage.)
American Idol Tracker: Which Idol Rules this Playground?
In a 2006 talk about America’s obsession with precociousness, “New Yorker” writer and noted Big Idea guy Malcolm Gladwell made an interesting observation about what it means to be an adult.
“What a gifted child is, in many ways, is a gifted learner,” he said. “And what a gifted adult is, is a gifted doer. And those are quite separate domains of achievement.”
I can’t think of a better summation of the difference between the two nascent stars who stepped into the “Idol” ring for the final time Tuesday night. (That, by the way, will be this piece’s only reference to boxing. Framing this episode as “Rocky VII” really didn’t work, though one understands why the producers found it irresistible).
David Archuleta is this season’s Wonder Kid, a prodigy so innocent he seems like he fell out of a book by J.D. Salinger. He’s awash in natural talent: there’s that gorgeous vocal tone, and his stunning instinct for finding a song’s melodic contours. But he’s also proven himself adept at absorbing guidance.
Allowing Andrew Lloyd Webber to persuade him to open those fluttery baby browns — a happy life lesson revisited tonight — was an obvious case. The influence of his forceful dad, Jeff Archuleta, has been more fiercely scrutinized. But Archie’s performances are what really prove that he’s a gifted learner.
From his breakthrough “Imagine” (also reprised Tuesday, as a show-topper), to his reverential readings of Dolly Parton and Mariah Carey, to the uptempo numbers that foundered because he’s just too uptight, Archuleta showed himself the ideal teacher’s pet.
‘American Idol’ Recap: David Archuleta Scores KO Over David Cook In Final Performances — According To The Judges
Never let it be said that the producers of “American Idol” are masters of subtlety.
For its first all-male finale since season two, “Idol” pulled out all the stops. The long-simmering epic battle between teen angel David Archuleta and twenty-something rocker David Cook kicked off with the hype of a prize fight, literally. Tuesday night’s performance show opened with a microphone descending from the rafters, as the theme from “Rocky” played and legendary ring announcer Michael Buffer intoned, “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Nokia Theater L.A. Live and the main event. This is the fight of the century, scheduled for three rounds of competition. So let’s get ready to rummmmble!”
Archuleta’s effective, Cook’s original in ‘American Idol’ finale
Another Idol chapter came to a close Tuesday night with a David Archuleta/David Cook showdown (lamely staged as a boxing match). Accepted wisdom holds that few minds are changed on American Idol’s performance finale — loyalties have long since been set in stone — but undecided or new voters might make a difference.
If that’s the case, those who favor the spark of originality will probably vote for Cook, who dared to sing probably the most upbeat song in the Idol songwriting contest file and for his finale chose a Collective Soul song he had never sung before on the show.
Are “The Davids” Crumbling Under The Pressure?
Twenty-four hours from now, David Archuleta and David Cook will be warming up and bracing themselves to deliver the performances of their lives. But unlike seasons past, they won’t be rehashing a number from earlier in the season as part of their final trio of songs — this year the finals are going to be all new, all the time.
For Tuesday night’s finale, each contestant will sing two brand new covers in addition to the original song that will end up being the winner’s first single. And those three numbers are in addition to the multitude of songs the final two will also perform with the rest of the Top 10 on Wednesday night’s results show. What does that add up to? Some very, very tired young men.
American Idol: It’s 2008 Randy
Words I could do without ever hearing again this year (or ever again): Phonebook, molten, and hot.
I could also do without boxing metaphors mixed into my American Idol. This is one of the least macho shows on television; and taking the sports metaphors too literally and too seriously just serves to highlight the extra make-up splashed all over Seacrest’s face at the Nokia Theater. Stop trying to butch up my Idol. The Powers That Be should’ve taken a cue from, I can’t believe I’m going to say this, Dancing With the Stars and should have done a SportsCenter parody like DWTS’s “DanceCenter.” It’s both cheeky and funny. This boxing thing was just…odd.
Also, one more request: Luke Perry, please join the 90210 spin-off.
Ding-Ding!
American Idol finale: The singers brought it, the producers blew it
In the end, David vs. David wasn’t David vs. Goliath exactly.
But by the time it was over, it must have seemed as if 17-year-old David Archuleta — aka “Archie,” or “Gaspy” to his detractors at Votefortheworst.com — had just slain the twin dragons of nerves and an older, more experienced opponent in David “Raspy” Cook, the 25-year-old rocker with the pipes to match and the laid-back attitude of an old pro.
By the time, the two Idol contenders worked their way through three songs apiece, it was, in the words of that noted sage Simon Cowell, “a knockout.” For Archuleta.
American Idol’s final performance show of the talent competition’s seventh season may also have been one of the worst produced hours of television of the 2007-’08 season — and that’s saying something — but why dwell on the negatives? This was David A. and David C.’s night to shine, and shine they did — to the best of their abilities, in any event.
Cowell Calls Idol Final a Knockout for Archuleta, but Was it?
After all these months, is it really going to come down to “the Chosen One” after all?
David Archuleta, the teenage crooner whose satiny voice and babyfaced looks have stolen the hearts of teenage girls, was all but crowned the winner of this season’s “American Idol” by judges Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson on Tuesday night. Playing on a boxing theme the show took on to highlight the showdown between two guys named David, Cowell called Archuleta’s performance “a knockout” of his older rival, rocker David Cook.
Hicks won’t make `Idol’ finale, says David will win
Taylor Hicks won’t be performing on tonight’s two-hour finale of “American Idol.” The Hoover-born singer is in Italy this week, playing dates that Hicks said were booked quite a while ago.
“It’s a vacation with some gigs,” Hicks said Thursday.
Although he was on the phone to discuss his Broadway debut in “Grease,” the Gray Haired Guy shared a few thoughts on the TV show that made him famous.
Yes, the 2006 “Idol” winner has been watching this season. Hicks, 31, was ready with a prediction on which singer would be showered with confetti and flushed with victory.
“I think David’s going to win,” he said. “I really do.”
Taylor Hicks exclusive interview – Taylor Made
GULF SHORES, Ala. — It’s been two years since Birmingham-native Taylor Hicks patrolled the winner’s stage at American Idol. Now the Alabama soul man is getting ready to turn heads again.
Winners: a David - and `Idol’ fans
As much as I’ve enjoyed covering “Idol” this season, last night’s finale pitting David Archuleta against David Cook came just in time.
Once the results are revealed tonight (check out dailynews.com), I can have my weeknights back and be free of this “Idol” addiction. With summer here, I’m sure there are many other avid viewers who feel the same way.
Before Tuesday’s show, I got a call from season-one runner-up Justin Guarini, host of TV Guide Channel’s “Idol Tonight,” and we gabbed about David vs. David.
“I think it’s going to be the smallest margin of victory in `Idol’ history,” Justin said. “It’s the first time we’ve seen two guys go head-to-head since Clay (Aiken) and Ruben (Studdard) and that was very close. Like in season two, their differences make the competition that much more exciting.”
7 ways ‘American Idol’ changed television
Love it or hate it, American Idol has changed TV and society more than any other television series this decade.
While industry watchers are constantly reading the beginning of show’s demise in every ratings dip, gaffe by judge Paula Abdul or the winner whose post-Idol career goes bust, the Fox juggernaut continues to flatten the competition night after night, averaging 27 million viewers a telecast.
As the seventh season of the Fox powerhouse comes to a close this week with a showdown between the two Davids (rocker David Cook and teen heartthrob David Archuleta), here are seven ways that American Idol has changed television and society - for better or worse - since its debut in 2002.
David Cook: A look back at Uptown Theater concert
Before American Idol, there was the Uptown Theater in Kansas City. David Cook’s band “Axium” was the headliner at a tsunami relief concert in April 2005.
Six bands agreed to play for free in order to raise money for the victims of the tsunami.
Anna Toms was in high school at the time she and her best friend, Natalie Bluhm, organized the concert. Their friend’s father, Larry Sells, owned the uptown theater, so he donated the venue. All proceeds for the day-long concert went directly to a worldwide relief agency for victims.
Chris Sligh: Christian, Rocker, and Christian Rocker
During his stint as a finalist on the sixth season of “American Idol,” Chris Sligh was infamous for his snappy humor and take-no-prisoners attitude. He remains a straight shooter with the release of his debut album, “Running Back to You.” He talked with Beliefnet about getting expelled from Bob Jones University, whether religion matters in the 2008 presidential election, and how doing “Idol” was simply “a means to an end.”
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My thoughts and prayers go out to Luke and his wife. I was glad to read that there’s a high sucess rate for treatment of his type of cancer.
I am also happy to hear that Luke’s type of cancer is very treatable. I said it in yesterday’s thread but it bears repeating - prayers and good wishes to Luke and his family.
I really enjoyed the MTV Idol in 60 seconds this week. And I totally missed Randy’s mix-up on the year last night! I must have been in my own fog last night.
Can someone answer this question? The winner and the 2nd place get the same prizes; correct? A car and a record contract? What separates them, is it the endorsements worth $500K? Or is there more to it?
Nuther question — how soon does the winner release their coronation song? Is it right after Idol ends?
I had the same feeling. Diane Warren sitting in the audience….don’t you know she has a slew of songs already written for David Cook?
So Taylor will not be on the finale he is in Italy..ok maybe he can be I will just take his place in Italy..No big deal right?
This season was a bit of a downer near the end an implosion where some trashed the contestant ,really nice folks, another lost his spirt and a bunch got steamrolled. Yes and I do think looks and sympathy votes played a small part..and both the judges and producers played up on it.David C would have no part in it and Brooke also Jason C did good PR proving thier not what was protrayed on tv after the show bravo.
On a serious note this is a tv show cancer is real and devestating my prayers go out to Luke and Daivd C family that is a true heart ache which IMO is private family matter and hope the media shows repect. This is not AI related but Kenedy was dianosed w/ Brain cancer I pray for him also…
With the exception of season 2 & 5, look at the difference between the winners and runner-ups. I’m sure Blake would agree it’s better to win given the difference between his and Jordin’s career right now.
Wow, so the Davids had to learn 2 sappy coronation songs, the one they each chose to sing last night and the winning song for tonight. Interesting twist. I thought they’d just reprise the same song they performed last night.
“I’m sure Blake would agree it’s better to win given the difference between his and Jordin’s career right now.”
I don’t think even Blake winning would have made his “80s mix tape” album a hit. However, Jordin did get excellent support as the winner. She probably wouldn’t have done very well if she came in 2nd. I think David A needs to win tonight more than Cook. Cook is already very radio friendly and as the article said “extremely manageable.”
It depends on what the songs are ,anyone can do bad with bad song choices .
Also whats with this new song ?What does this one sound like ?
This response from Archie in the EW interview, really gives me hope for the kid. It would appear, he has a little more backbone than I gave him credit for. And, that makes me happy for him, because between his dad and the AI peeps, the kid’s going to need it.
LOL - jpfan, this made me chuckle. I voted for Blake quite a bit last year, under the misguided idea that he would do something really innovative with his cd, but boy was I wrong. It was really pretty awful (to me anyway) and I didn’t even buy a copy. I officially handed in my Team Plaid membership card a few months ago. Although, I must say that I thought Jordin’s cd was equally crappy - so I agree that without the win - Jordin would have been in deep trouble.
Sad news about Luke. I hope they can cure him. He looked so happy in the audience last week.
In other news: Interesting to read what the professional reviewers are saying today.
I didn’t like the way they started the show. I felt embarrassed for them, having to wear robes and boxing gloves like they were getting ready to fight. Whose dumb idea was that, Nigel’s?
I want DC to win but I also liked DA’s performances, so I’ll be content with whoever wins. They both did really well, but I was hoping that DC would sing Hello or Billie Jean. I thought DA looked like he was going to faint everytime he looked at the judges. He looked pale. Good luck to both.
Sally, I think the winner gets a million dollar record deal and the runner-up gets a lesser deal. And I think the winner releases his song after the idol tour sometime before the end of the year. That’s what I remember from past seasons.
Chicago-sally:
Last year, they gave both Jordin and Blake a new car, so I assume they will do it this year.
The winner gets signed officially and he/she is under contract and that means that AI will spend $1M worth dollars to promote and to market them and their album when it comes out. They don’t get $1M personnally. In other words, AI spends $1M to get them launched on their career. They are managed by 19E and get a label suited to their kind of music/genre.
The other 9 of the top 10 contestants are still tied to a contract, which they signed in order to proceed with the competition, they of course have to go on tour. Depending on where you “finished” of the remaining 9, will depend on the number of solos you get to sing during the tour. I think a solo is about $1,000 per performance. The runner up gets two solos per performance and the winner gets 3 solos per performance. You also get paid if you do a duet or group performance.
After the tour is over, TPTB access the crowd’s response to each of the contestants. They obviously take into account the number of sales/downloads each of those contestants generated for AI during the season. They look a “marketability” of any of the runner-ups. After that, they decide whether to exercise the contract each of the other contestants already signed with 19E in order to proceed with the competition. In other words, they have first “dibs” and the other contestants cannot accept a recording contract from anyone else until they are released from their provisional contract with 19E. They can talk to interested parties, but can’t commit to them.
The runner-up does not necessarily get a contract. If they are lucky and do, then 19E manages them and gives them a label; however, they DO NOT INVEST the amount of $s in promoting the runner up (or any contestant). That person gets help, but not a whole lot of help.
The advantage for the winner is that person gets to release their album first, gets more radio play, etc. Their CDs are promenantly displayed either within the “New Releases” stack or somewhere where people can easily find it. They also get lots of help in getting the best album out.
Jordin was pimped big time after she won and they saw to it that Chris Brown did a duet with her to enhance that single. Her Tattoo was played over and over again on the radio. 19E wants to make a profit.
I never saw Blake’s CD prominently displayed anywhere and I don’t think I ever heard his single on the radio. His CDs were stacked with the rest of the CDs. He was promoted, but he was on his own. His “funk” single sucked and that’s what people heard first and never bothered with the rest of the stuff. He made his choices and his gamble didn’t pay off.
So in the end–it’s better to win because 19E will try their hardest to make that person a star and that means profits to them. However, you can’t ram the winner down anybody’s throat if people just don’t like the album or only download $0.99 to $1.98’s worth.
Unrelated to the above, (except blessings to Luke Menard, who I followed on YouTube before the show started), here is an interesting note: Someone said that coming out number 3 has a track record of stellar success. Actually, thougn, number four has the second most record sales and the most Broadway careers.
Season 1: Tamyra– didn’t sell a lot of her CDs, though she did duet with Kelly, wrote Fantasia’s I Believe and is making money off of that, and has appeared in both Bombay Dreams and Rent on Broadway.
Season 2 -Josh Gracin– his first album went gold, he had several country hits. Album 2 is selling, not necessarily at a super brisk pace, but it has an outside shot at going gold if it has some good singles.
Season 3– London, as she now is known. She’s in the national tour of The Color Purple and released a small single.
Season 4– Anthony. He’s starring in The Fantasticks (or was) which I believe is playing Broadway for the first time– or off-Broadway in a big house.
Season 5– Daughtry– Need I say more? Triple platinum, multiple number one singles and top ten singles. He is why this slot tops the CD sales.
Season 6– Lakisha had a role in The Color Purple on Broadway.
Season 7– Jason Castro– I doubt we’ll see him on Broadway, but I expect him to do as well as Elliot in record sales. The boy’s voice pops and sounds unique.
There you have it. 5 Broadway performers, two recording stars and two songwriters with hit songs. In general, these folks have had bigger careers than any other slot (including numbers two and three) that didn’t win Idol. (There is a caveat– who knows how many CDs Jasmine has sold in Asia. If she has sold close to Daughtry numbers, the number three slot may be stronger in CD sales.)
There you g
Nigel and the Davids were on Ryan’s show this morning. I posted this in the spoiler thread since Nigel gives some info regarding tonight’s show. Nigel called DC “Cookie” and DC could barely contain his disdain of the “boxing” theme. Good stuff.
http://kiisfm.com/main.html
Not true. Taylor released third in his year and Ruben released second in his year. Taylor didn’t get a radio single until over two months after his CD was released while Kellie and Kat both got singles released in advance. Taylor was the only contestant out of the four signed by Clive who did not have a video. Daughtry’s CD was kept at a discounted price of $9.99 from release until this very day (almost 2 years later). Taylor’s got that special rate for only two weeks (despite moving 200K units that second week). Daughtry and Kat had huge banners in Walmart noting that their CD was coming soon. Taylor did not.
The label and AI will promote who they like. Winning guarantees nothing when it comes to singles, release dates or label support. NOTHING.
Now, you may want argue that Taylor didn’t deserve any label support because his CD sucked, but that doesn’t change the fact that winning only means that you will get a recording contract and that it is likely you will put out a CD. It means absolutely nothing about what kind of support you might receive in comparison to anybody else.
And, if Taylor’s CD cost $1 million to produce, market and support, I shudder to think how much Jordin’s, Kat’s and Daughtry’s CD cost. So, it would appear that even the million dollars is a bit of a lie. It probably means “if we like you and your CD, we might spend a million dollars on your 3 album deal. But, if we don’t like you or your CD, you might not even get 3 albums and a million dollars is just a term we like to throw around”. That’s how record deals are typically created (and this wouldn’t be the first reality show that doesn’t deliver exactly what they seem to promise).
I’m not trying to revive any Taylor/Ruben whatever debates. I’m only pointing out that these claims are demonstrably false based on the 6 year history of this show.
The winner gets:
- a recording contract
- a lot of press
- to play at some private functions
The runner-up has always received
- a recording contract
- a lot of press
- to play at some private functions
Thanks for the link. Can’t wait to listen. That boxing set up was embarrasing for them, I’m sure. I can’t believe they had to go out in those ridiculous boxing robes.
deleted
I was embarrassed for him.
Nice slight lift in the ratings for last night - though I can’t recall previous season’s ratings on this night to compare?? -
26.07 million viewers overall, with 27.94 million tuning in for the second half hour (from Mediaweek)
ETA: I think we all share in Cook’s disdain of the boxing theme. The cheesy opening was bad enough, but to carry it through the entire show? ugh.
Jason and Chikeze talk about the David vs David finale.
MY Fox KC
Woo Hoo, Jason will be singing Hallelujah tonight. Did I understand Nigel correctly that Jason won’t have a duet? He said all the others.
http://video.accesshollywood.com/player/?id=253935
This is very cute!
The X-factor winner gets the equivalent of $250,000. They should do the same the AI American winner. makes it more interesting.
“That skin dangit” LOL
Thanks for the link! I don’t usually use the word ‘adorable’, but these two define it. They are both such class acts in their regard for each other and approach to the final night. What a fabulous last two standing we were treated to in season 7.
I know! I would love to have a dvd of just D vs D behind the scenes!
Archuleta, 17, of Murray, Utah, said he wasn’t expecting to be singing that tune — despite the judges’ overwhelming praise.
“I just feel like I accomplished what I needed to do. If Cook wins, that’s so great for him he’s such an amazing performer and he’s proved he also deserves the title of `American Idol,” Archuleta said.
Archie is an amazing, amazing kid and an amazing, amazing performer and I knew I had to come out with my A-game,” said Cook, 25, of Blue Springs, Mo. “I feel like I had fun.”
Being the show’s early front-runner wasn’t necessarily the best position, Archuleta told the AP.
“I felt I had a disadvantage getting so much attention in the beginning. But winning isn’t the big concern. It’s always doing your best. … That’s what’s important,” he said.
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iwXD4BoO2HF6nbttn2FU7Cw_ZtowD90PT5V80
I think Mr. Archie is more intelligent and mature than people have been giving him credit for.
MJ: Have tyou seen this ADORABLE video of the two Davids after lasts nights show:
http://video.accesshollywood.com/player/?id=253935&__source=hottest-videos
He is really adorable and quite honest as well. I like him. I like them. No matter what, congrats Davids, you guys put on a barn burner last night. The ratings don’t attest to that. But it’s still true. Great singers, great guys.
Great video, milajoy! Those guys are awesome!
(most likeable final two. evah.)
Kirsten….the thing I admire about you…as always…The FACTs MA’AM–just the facts.
Yes, the Boxing thingy…fully sucked.
Once again…..nigel comes off as a simple minded dweeb.
Here’s a cute clip of Jason’s little sister interviewing him for Fox.
TMZ is reporting that Fantasia will be there….performing? That should be interesting.
I beg to differ, but I am too lazy to dig up links. I remembered that in somewhere fans kept track of sales and pricing info on S5 idols, which contradicted the statement above….
From idol Chatter: Seems that Carrie is the queen of the Idols overall…the best selling artist to come out of the stable.
I hope the two Davids just have a blast tonight. Robert Rush, in the LA Times, mentioned what a “gentlemanly” and civil contest this was — and how refreshing, in a time of political dirty fighting, it is to see a really civil, good-natured competition.
Clearly, many posters here are highly partisan, which is fine by me. But the story today that came closest to my own feelings, and expressed it so eloquently, was by LA Times rock critic Ann Powers. She really, I think, captured the appeal and validity of both these talented kids, and put it in a larger context. Some choice bits:
“Cook did develop during this season….he figured out a way to negotiate success on “Idol” without compromising his commitment to whatever vision of “alternative” he’s living. (Given that he’s consistently chosen to cover songs by bands with a spiritual if not overtly Christian bent, I’d wager he’s not the super-decadent type.)
It’s important for Cook’s career that he has fully taken on the maverick role that the “Idol” judges thrust upon him early on. “For me, this whole thing has been a progression,” he announced in the face of Cowell’s criticism that he hadn’t reprised a past episode’s hit. “Why do something I’ve already done?” That is how a rock star thinks, at least when he’s young. There will be plenty of time for Cook to revisit past glories in a mid-life comeback, circa 2028.”
“But it was Archuleta’s night. Cook was credible singing U2 and enthusiastic with the songwriting competition number he chose…But this final contest just didn’t seem that important to him, even when he dropped a few tears mid-show. “I’m playing in front of 7,000 people,” he said. “I feel great.” You could feel his anticipation of many more thousands of fans to come, and that confidence somehow lifted him away from the role of “American Idol.”
Archuleta, on the other hand, went deep inside tonight, completely focusing on those ridiculously short performances, letting the world slip away…”
I’m at peace with whoever gets the biggest vote count, because I think both have a career awaiting (us and them), and both are worthy of one.
You can read the rest here:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2008/05/american-ido-17.html
Yes, and I know a certain legendary Idol record keeper who does the same and I recall differently than you (any errors in details are my fault).
LOL. Which third party source are people going to believe? Currently, Amazon has Daughtry for the bargain basement price of $7.99.
This isn’t a fan war. It’s a well recognized policy of record companies to reduce the price of CDs that they want people to buy. $10 is a price point that helps to move CDs. People figure $10 isn’t much so they won’t think too much about the purchase. Meanwhile, is $13.99 or $15.99 or $18.99 makes them stop and think about whether they really want it.
That’s the reason 99 cents is the price of iTunes songs around the world. Even in Canada when the dollar was worth much less than it is today, the price was 99 cents. People figure that a buck isn’t much. $1.25 would give more people reason to pause.
This isn’t the rantings of a crazed Taylor fan. Read some of the other general music boards for the reasoning behind $9.99 pricings for CDs and why some are priced that way for short periods and others for longer periods of times. Even deeper discounts are generally intended to get over a milestones in sales. When prices are discounted like this, royalties tend to be lower.
Now, this doesn’t mean that pricing CDs for $1 is going to guarantee success. It’s not (or Carly would have sold a lot more CDs). It’s just one way labels help to support artists they want to give a bit of a boost to. Nothing wrong with that. I was merely pointing out that winning doesn’t guarantee more label support. They will support who they like and who they think they can make a success. I can’t imagine why a Daughtry fan would object to him having label support. That’s a good thing (TM Martha).
Boy…this is interesting….I didn’t know the major labels did that — artificially keep the price low so that the product will sell. Learn something everyday.
Kirsten is a font of totally useful idol information. And she is diplomatic as well. I learned something as well.
I have loved watching these video clips today - of the 2 Davids being so refreshingly cute - of Jason and his little sis !
This has been a fun fun season despite all the pimping!
(Of course I didn’t feel that way last night - lol)
OMG. LOL! Archie really IS hilarious, even when he’s trying not to be. My fellow Cooktardians can slap me all they want right now, but it’s in interviews like these that I find Archie to be a really, really likeable kid. He’s just very honest, very earnest. I don’t think he’d be bitter at all if he didn’t win — I don’t think either David would be at all, whoever gets crowned tonight. They’re both so freaking likeable in their own ways, and I think both have definitely earned their spot in the Final 2.
That said, I’m still pulling DCFTW. Man, I’m getting nervous again.
I am excited to see David Cook announced as the AI-7 winner. It was a landslide victory for him according to Dial Idol. Not even close. I’m still thinking about the obnoxious over the top shill job by the judges for Archie. If that was not bad enough, they threw Cook under the bus. That was uncool.