‘American Idol’ Standout Josiah Leming Inks A Record Deal, Calls Show ‘Glorified Karaoke’
When we last saw Josiah Leming, he was sleeping in his parents’ basement in Morristown, Tennessee, hammering out otherworldly tunes on a rickety old piano and licking his wounds from his recent “American Idol” ouster.
He was “the kid who slept in his car,” the homeless scamp who cried buckets on a televised singing competition, the scrappy underdog with the deck stacked against him. He was a directionless, idealistic dreamer, the kind of guy you really want to see succeed but at the same time were relatively certain he wouldn’t. All you could really do was hope for the best.
Fast-forward three months. My, how things have changed.
Doubt not the power of ‘American Idol’
“American Idol’s” ratings might have fallen this just-ended season, but media planners and buyers see plenty of life left in the hit Fox talent show.
They believe it will still be the top show on broadcast next year, and again by very healthy margins, both in total audience and adults 18-49.
If “Idol” should decline at all, those declines will be in the range of what the show lost this year. This year the Tuesday and Wednesday editions combined slipped about 9 percent.
That’s the outcome of a poll of readers Media Life posted over the long holiday weekend, just after the show’s finale.
Asked if they thought the “Idol” phenomenon had peaked, readers were mixed.
Would-be ‘Idol’ contestant Josiah Leming still living out his musical dream
Some performers merely sing about life’s emotional roller coasters. Others ride them.
The improbable story of American Idol washout Josiah Leming — the would-be contestant who was living out of his battered Mercury Topaz and intrigued judges by auditioning with an original tune — is etched with both giddy excitement and unbearable sadness.
Last week, Leming, 19, stepped into the studio to begin work on his debut album for Warner Bros. He hopes to release it by the end of the year because his mother, Sharon, has terminal cancer.
“It’s a difficult balance between moving forward with my career here in Los Angeles, which makes my mom really happy, and trying to be with her as much as I can” back in Morristown, Tenn., Leming says. “I want her to be here when the album comes out.”
Sanjaya to Star in New Ad for Nationwide(R)
COLUMBUS, Ohio, BUSINESS WIRE — Nationwide announced today that the next star of the Life Comes at You Fast advertising campaign is Sanjaya Malakar, former contestant on “American Idol.” Sanjaya will follow in the footsteps of Kevin Federline, Fabio and MC Hammer, who appeared in previous Life Comes at You Fast commercials.
“I’m thrilled to star in one of Nationwide’s Life Comes at You Fast ads, because I really love the campaign,” said Malakar. “My experience on American Idol was is a great example of how life really does come at you fast. The ad is a funny take on the serious subject of planning for retirement.”
In the spot, Sanjaya visits a monastery in India to seek advice and he is told that he needs a retirement plan, and some work on his hair.
David Cook Rocks the Big Apple
American Idol winner David Cook and runner-up David Archuleta arrive at a New York City airport and head over to their Big Apple hotel on Monday, Memorial Day.
Cook, 25, recently shared about his upcoming album: “It’ll probably be a rock record. I just want to make a record that’s going to make the hair on your neck stand up. Even if it doesn’t do well commercially, as long as I can put out a record I am proud of, that’s the goal right now. And hopefully the success will follow.â€
After American Idol David Archuleta Can Still Beat David at the Grammy’s and Beyond
Sure, David Cook pulled off that jaw dropper over David Archuleta on “American Idol,” but David Archuleta can still beat David Cook by winning more showbiz awards in the future and by having a longer career.
Some people think David Cook has an edge right now because he’s more “cool” in that rocker way, but David Archuleta has a secret and maybe more powerful advantage: He’s a more romantic figure. Female fans ache for him. Even crazy ole Paula Abdul admitted getting “goosebumps” when he sang those I-gotta-have-you-or-I’m-gonna-die power ballads. In short, there’s an extraordinary, passionate connection between David Archuleta and female fans that’s obvious to see and I’m not convinced David Cook’s got the same thing going on.
Cook Won the Battle . . . Will Archuleta Win the War?
Reporter weighs in on Archuleta’s assets, but Cook’s edge still may have been his winning ticket.
While David Cook beat out loveable, 17-year-old David Archuleta by 12 million votes, crowning him this season’s American Idol, it is speculated that the loser may win bigger in the future. Los Angeles Times reporter Tom O’Neil feels the younger David has what Cook is lacking – the ability to seduce the audience.
While Cook is ingenuitive, with a rocker edge, and musical talent, Archuleta may fair better in the age-old congeniality category. Sources continue to praise his romantic angle – the fact that he has what puts any male pop sensation on top of the charts . . . female adoration.
Pop Tarts: Sexist Society? Carrie Underwood Explains Why She Wants to Be Single
LOS ANGELES — Carrie Underwood is certainly living the fairy-tale existence most young women can’t even dream about. She’s got the looks, the money and the career — but while she doesn’t have the man, Underwood says she is more than happy to stay single.
“If I found something worth finding by now I would have made time for it, but right now I’m so busy I don’t need a boyfriend,” she told Tarts. “This year is the year for me to be on the road and focus just on myself. That’s what I want.”
‘Sex and the City’: Exactly what you’re expecting
The other notable new addition to the proceedings is Jennifer Hudson as Louise, a recent transplant from St. Louis, who has come to New York looking for love. Her quiet wisdom and love of designer purses make her the ideal new assistant for Carrie.
While Hudson is just fine in her first screen appearance since winning an Oscar for her “Dreamgirls†debut, the rest of the cast has the advantage of slipping back into characters they played for years on cable, and that comfort comes through in the performances. The leading quartet pings and zings as well as ever, and even second bananas like Stanford (Willie Garson) and Anthony (Mario Cantone) get their moment as well. (Candice Bergen returns briefly as Carrie’s editor at Vogue, delivering a brutally funny line that will be quoted in bridal shops for years to come.)
The Kingdom Assignment Foundation to Host 2nd Annual WELL DONE AWARDSâ„¢ Benefit at The Grove of Anaheim
The headliners for the evening include American Idol Chris Sligh (www.ChrisSligh.com), who recently released his new CD “Running Back to Youâ€. Chris will debut the song written for the WELL DONE AWARDSâ„¢. In addition, appearing are inspirational speaker of “Life without Limbs†(www.LifeWithoutLimbs.org) founder, Nick Vujicic (recently featured on ABC’s 20/20), Adam Christing (www.adamchristing.com), founder of “Clean Comediansâ€, and performing Gospel singer, Zelda Mercado, Mother of this year’s American Idol contestant Syesha Mercado. Also, Darren King, Worship Leader at Crossline Church (www.CrossLineChurch.com) and backup Hip Hop Dancers (who have been featured on several dance reality shows) will liven up the stage.
NEW ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Phil Stacey
It was a tough climb, not a fast track, that Phil Stacey followed on the way to his place among the Top 6 “American Idol” finalists in 2007. Diverging paths confronted him; by following his conscience and sense of responsibility, he sometimes took the tougher road - but those decisions invariably strengthened him along the way.
His ascent began on rock-solid ground, as the son of a pastor. Moving from one congregation to the next, through Kentucky, Ohio and Kansas, Rev. Stacey encouraged his children to embrace music along with faith as sources of stability and assurance in their mobile lives. As a result, Phil joined with his brother and sister to form The Stacey Trio, whose victory in a statewide talent contest led to his first crossroads.
Reality show judges put on hot seat
At the ratings monster that is “American Idol,” disrespect is both a trademark and a delicious expectation. “Dancing’s” Len has nothing on the archetypal snarky-wit Brit that is Simon Cowell.
Lo these many seasons in, however, Cowell is not as mean as he used to be — not like back in the day when he described one singer as looking like a “bush baby.”
Depending on your taste, Paula Abdul is either unwatchable or you absolutely can’t take your eyes off her. She simpers and flirts and waxes on about contestants’ “souls” and “spirits” and “being authentic to who they really are.”
She might not be Carrie Ann, but she has her own “X” factor that is the element of Imminent Train Wreck Meltdown. She may or may not be functional on any given day — and she might not even know quite what day it is.
And then there’s Randy “Pitchy, dawg” Jackson, who is just … there. He’s a laid-back, wannabe hip-hopster. Put it all together and it works.
Ready to face the music
Seasoned ballroom-dancing champ and So You Think You Can Dance choreographer Jean Marc Généreux’s enthusiasm is just infectious. We’re sitting in a downtown coffee shop and it’s lucky he’s had only one café au lait because, with any more caffeine in his system, this guy would just go spinning across the room.
Actually, he had just been spinning and twirling, breaking out some stellar Fred Astaire-like moves a few moments earlier on Peel St., to the bemusement of the folks strolling by.
Généreux is getting worked up talking about the growing popularity of all forms of dance, partly powered by Hollywood movies like Dance With Me and Shall We Dance, which both featured performances by Généreux. But it’s So You Think You Can Dance, the American Idol-like contest/reality show from Idol creator Simon Fuller, that has really taken the art form to the top of the what’s-hot list.
TV review: Paul Potts has got talent
Only a grade-A churl could fail to be tickled pink by the footage of Paul Potts appearing for the first time on Britain’s Got Talent - now a YouTube staple, and source of inspiration for tubby guys the world over.
The rest of this journey, from heavily in-debt cellphone salesman to international opera star, was the subject of the highly enjoyable Paul Potts - By Royal Command (Prime, Sunday). What’s not to like?
An unassuming battler, chronically under-confident about his singing talent, puts himself on to a TV talent show on the toss of a coin, and steals not only the show, but everyone’s hearts.
Over the moonwalk
A MICHAEL Jackson tribute act and a moon-walking dog stormed into the final of Britain’s Got Talent last night.
Unlikely dance duo Signature gave the Jackson hit Thriller a Bollywood edge, which judges agreed was one of the ITV1 show’s most original performances.
Judge Piers Morgan told Suleman Mirza, 29, and Madhu Singh, 34: “You are two ordinary guys doing ordinary day jobs and by nights you do this crazy, crazy act.â€
Simon Cowell added: “This is one of the best acts because what you have is something so important – you have originality.â€
Critic’s choice - Britain’s Got Talent (ITV1)
Britain’s Got Talent (ITV1)
The current second series of Britain’s Got Talent can’t claim the same must-see compulsiveness as last year’s first run. But, as it starts its nightly run of live shows tonight, it’s still the UK’s top-rated non-soap TV show – as well as being the one most likely to leave you with a fond smile on your face.
Tonight’s line-up will only be confirmed just before transmission, but will likely include audition show favourites Kate and Gin (the 16-year-old girl with the dog that can dance to the James Bond theme) – who Simon Cowell, one of the BGT judges, has described as the favourites to win.
So You Think You Can Dance Guinness Record Setting Dance Dance Revolution Event
When it comes to auditioning before “So You Think You Can Dance” executive producer and judge Nigel Lythgoe, it helps to stand out. “Whenever you can attach a label to somebody, you stand a chance of being successful,†revealed Lythgoe during an interview last week. “So we’ll say ‘farmboy,’ ‘rollerskate girl,’ ‘big-boob girl,’ ’small-bum girl,’ you know, anything.â€
But on the season premiere of “So You Think You Can Dance†on Thursday night, being “underwear guy” wasn’t such a good thing. When a dancer took to the stage in tighty-whiteys and nothing more, Nigel was too distracted to judge and rejected the scantily clad contestant. “It was a bold statement,” admitted the dancer after hearing the news. “I’ll try something more – uh – clothed next year.”
And underwear guy was hardly the only stand-out at auditions. Returning rejects “Gold Inferno” and “Sex” also took to the stage again Thursday – and got rejected anew. The rejects were as wily as ever when they got sent home. “They’re racist against tall people,” insisted one especially livid reject.
Oh geesh. I really hope that’s not DC on the scary boards. 1. those people are CRAZY and 2. There is no way that will end well. LOL. DC, back away from the internet slowly and no one will get hurt. Don’t let us get in your head. We have no relation to reality! Run while you can!
I’m quite enjoying the “cuffedbyastar” fun at the AI board. they’ve been upset and angry about the Caldwell thing so at least they’re having a excitement now to distract them from the angst.
Maybe I don’t get out enough, but I’ve never seen an actual review, with stars, for a demo tape (or a set of demo songs).
At any rate, I have no doubt that these kids will all be better for having been on the show and having the opportunity to work with some real professionals. I hope to hear great things from all of them!
Yeah. The mood has definitely shifted.
Even if it isn’t him, it’s a fun read just seeing their reactions.
cheese, thanks for posting that review of pre-Idol work. I hardly think it’s fair to compare a few random youtubes of Jason to actual studio albums from some of the others. I think it was just another chance for USA Today to stick a fork in him, personally. Have they not listened to any of his AI studio recordings, or any of the other Idols, for that matter??? Why didn’t they critique some of Syesha’s previous work? I think time will tell who will be successful, hopefully USAToday will end up eating crow.
OK, I finally have gotten around to listen to Josiah’s stuff on his MySpace. Hmm.
First off, the boy definitely has a songwriting talent. At times it is a bit derivative, but who isn’t these days, really? He really sells the first song “They Say,” which is definitely the best of the them.
However, he’s going to need some help with making these really listenable to most people. The songs are not all that well constructed (IMO, of course!), they tend to have the same level of intensity throughout, and are a bit short on melody. I had to force myself to listen to the back half of the songs, even if I enjoyed the beginning. I can appreciate simplicity, but these songs are not simple, they are heavily stylized without really putting the style behind them. If he’s willing to listen to the input of others, though, I believe that these could be made into something really good.
Secondly. The fake British accent is NOT acceptable. Right out of the gate, you can’t BE a fake person, because then you’re selling a fake product. Sorry you weren’t born in Liverpool, babe, but you’re going to look like an asshole for pretending you were. I’ve never seen anyone be so obvious about selling a fallacy before. Well, except Madonna, but as much as I want to write her a letter and explain how ridiculous the fake accent is, she’s MADONNA…so I’m pretty sure she thinks all of her weirdo behavior is totally justified. I don’t know, I don’t think you can build longevity by selling someone that really isn’t YOU.
Just my opinions, of course. I hope he can get the right people to help him out on his album, and it could be really great if he’s given the right input. I was really put off of him during Hollywood week because the meltdown was so OTT and tantrumish, but I have no idea how much of that was editing, so I can’t say that I should hold that against him. Good luck, man. Try not to be a condescending asshole and I think it’ll work out better for you in the end.
New TV Guide picture… Enjoy.
Hey, Gwen - I actually got that TV Guide today and it’s not the cover, it’s just an inside page with accompanying article.
Thanks, Chachi. Edited….
Josiah has some growing up to do yet heh heh.
I can.
Thanks for the review, cheese. :) I had listened to all of those pre-Idol recordings (ok, except KLC’s) and think Cookie’s is the best, too, although I liked some of the material on Michael’s album. I also admit I wasn’t too crazy about Jason’s songs at first, but I recognize that he was barely starting to try out singing and songwriting when he did them so I also think it was a little “unfair” to rate his demo songs alongside the albums of the others.
BTW, Jason blogged on his myspace today asking if “we” have checked out the new Jason Mraz album yet. He says it’s great and that the Lucky duet with Colbie is “purdyyy!”
My Jason loving my other fave Jason…yay! I hope they can work together on something someday. *fangirly*
Oh, Josiah…how glad I was to see him cut before the top 24. I don’t care that he called AI glorified karaoke, because kinda yeah, but he cried his face off proclaiming what a lucky break/chance AI was for him, just to audition. So make a choice and get off your high horse.
I listened to his originals on MySpace, watched that pathetic excuse of an Elton John cover on YouTube, and saw his entire Idol run. I will give him that he can write, good job, but I do not get the love for him, based on what I’ve seen. I’ll be the first to say that imperfect voices are the best, Jason Castro was my Idol this season, but Josiah doesn’t even seem to care about hitting any notes correctly or interpreting a song. If he can get signed, Jason most certainly should because he has a better voice, can also write his own songs, and play multiple instruments. Of those two singer songwriters, they definitely made the right choice in putting Jason through to the top 24.
Hehehe, I saw that. He makes his MySpace so welcoming that it really feels like we’re all just friends of his that he’s met around town in Dallas are whatever. Looove him. I would’ve killed for he and Mraz to duet on “I’m Yours” for the finale…I’m more than satisfied with his reprisal of “Hallelujah”, but everyone else got a duet, haha.
ETA: 1.5 stars for Jason’s pre-Idol stuff? That writer must not have heard all his originals because they’re really good! I think only “The Other Side” has a video on YouTube, IIRC.
Word. It would be a tragedy if that boy isn’t signed. He is a very gifted performer, though I will admit to ignorance on most of his original stuff, he’s got a unique sound that the world could stand to hear more of.
Thanks for the USA Today article, Cheese! I am biased, but I think DCook’s is the best, too. It’s obviously a demo level CD, but I think it’s pretty amazing at times. It grows on you, too, which helps make it more hit-worthy, I think. I think it’s got a lot of catchy stuff that would really shine with a greater production value. No more 1995 Pumpkins guitar feedback, though. Especially in the age of iPods and headphones, lol.
Ugh- here come the David vs. David Who Will Do Better In the Real World newspaper articles…ugh, why cant people just say that they both will do go? Why does it have to be a competition beween the two fo them? I’m an DA fan, but i will be supporting Cook as well because he was on Idol and I want to see him do well cuz he is a nice guy.
I meant both do GOOD*…sorry im stupid
I don’t see anything happening with Josiah’s career to be perfectly honest.
Seriously it has to be an imposter, why would someone as intelligent as David Cook play that game. I don’t go over there, and even this won’t make me, lol. It reminds me of the old Bolt message boards, a Clay imposter would come and the Claymates would flood in from everywhere.
IMO Josiah has some major “issues” and his comment about karioke and idol is just sour grapes because he was booted. He seems to think he is more talented than he actually is. I can’t see him selling many cd’s at all. He tried to play on peoples sympathies to stay on idol but thankfully he was given the heave ho before we were subjected to more of his antics. I hope to never hear or see him again EVAH .
I just found twos new video of the Top 10 minus the Davids on Access Hollywood.
What a great bunch. As always MJ makes everyone laugh. He is hilarious.
Here you go, If anyone is interested:
http://video.accesshollywood.com/player/?id=0#videoid=256115
http://video.accesshollywood.com/player/?id=256045
Enjoy!
Josiah’s appeal was him living out of his car, people naturally felt sorry for him and wanted him to do well. (The underdog scenario) He sang one song half way decent and that’s because he practiced it probably before the show a lot. When he had to really prove himself he couldn’t hang. He in my opinion was the Karaoke Kid.
Why was he living in the basement? My guess he was bipolar or something and refused to take his meds. I’m sure he will sound great in a recording studio where they can dub and edit a lot.
Sorry to those that like him, but this is my opinion and we all have one.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/thedishrag/
Wow! Look at Jen-Hud at the SATC premier.
“Signed” to a Warner Bros. contract….does anybody know how much upfront money he got? If it was in the millions, they would report it. It’s probably a few hundred thousand.
Oh they can sign for nothing if the person is stupid enough to do that. What matter’s is what’s in the contract. I know a few local bands that got signed on with a contract but that doesn’t mean diddly unless the contract states that they will promote and pay for studio sessions.
Here’s a video of MJ singing the National Anthem at Wrigley Field, 5/27/08.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRkPN35PWC8
I believe they gave Josiah some front money, because he mentioned buying his dad a new truck, and, something about new floors for their house. I’m not sure exactly what he said, but, it sounded like new floors to me.
Josiah Lemming seems like he’s still bitter over not making it to the top 24 of American Idol. Jeez, you’d think he’d have a little bit more respect for the show that got his name out there. They producers could have easily decided not to showcase him at all, and then we’d still know nothing about him. He owes them, if anything. He’d probably still be riding around in that car crying his eyes out because he was stupid enough to drop out of high school. And come on, American Idol just picks the ‘pretty people’ with good voices and make them sing songs like kareoke?? Two words for you - David Cook. First of all, the man wasn’t all that ‘pretty’ in the beginning, and second of all - you call re-arranging songs and making them your own kareoke?? Did Josiah even watch the show after he got bumped off? Don’t think so. The kid needs a wake-up call.
chachi, I adore Josiah but I can see where you’re coming from with a lot of this.
When I went to his Myspace for the first time I wasn’t quite sure what to make of him as a singer but I could tell there was a huge amount of promise there as a songwriter. They may may not be perfect but after a few listens those songs really get under your skin - I’ve been known to have “To Run” and “One Last Song” on the brain for days! - and with some refinement I truly believe he will be a first rate songwriter.
As for the voice, I don’t mind his “fake” accent, perhaps because as a Brit I’m too used to British singers adopting a “fake” American accent
I can just accept it for what it is, but other people’s mileage may vary. What I do mind is the fact that he lacks nuance as a singer. It’s all-or-nothing, all the time and when he sings live he thrashes his vocal cords to bits meanng he couldn’t be subtle even if he wanted to be after a few songs. That is a MAJOR failing in a singer as far as I’m concerned and one that should be addressed before he attempts to make an album much less do any serious touring. He needs vocal coaching and he needs it soon, not to make him into some kind of perfect pageantbot singer like Archie (couldn’t happen anyway!) but to help him preserve the health of his vocal cords and to increase his range of expression. I’m all for a bit of rawness now and again, but without learning the fundamentals of voice production, rawness is all he’ll have, and that won’t do.
I really hope the kid has good people around him who will nurture his talent but if he’s rushing an album out this summer I’m not sure that that’s the case. I’d rather have heard that he’d been signed and that he was now in development for the next year or so…that I would have found much more reassuring.
Oh well…we’ll see what happens. I’m glad he’s getting a chance, anyway…