Concert review: ‘Idol’ runner-up delivers winning set
Young girls let loose earsplitting shrieks. Little boys tussled with teens for space on the arena floor. Moms and dads waved their arms in the air. Security guards got prepared in case things turned ugly.
What inspired all this was the person in the Pop-Tart outfit and the accompanying mascots, who were firing T-shirts from air guns into the audience before the show.
The capacity crowd at HP Pavilion on Tuesday night was definitely excited about the American Idols Live Tour (presented by Pop-Tarts).
Once the show got under way, most of the enthusiasm was reserved for the two Davids, the past TV season’s runner-up David Archuleta and champion David Cook. The surprise: At HP, the second-place winner came out on top. In fact, Cook turned out to be arguably the weakest member of the cast, which featured the show’s other eight finalists, too.
Music review: Lackluster ‘Idol’ concert
The last season of “American Idol” was kind of a train wreck. The ratings dropped, Paula Abdul’s incoherent jibber-jabber started to grate, and, in the grand showdown between tongue-tied teen David Archuleta and trying-too-hard grunge stalwart David Cook, most viewers voted with an enormous shrug.
None of that kept thousands of preadolescents and their parents from filling out Tuesday’s “American Idols Live!” concert at the HP Pavilion, which featured the 10 finalists from Season 7 reprising their well-worn karaoke routines. For most of those onstage, whose names and faces were already becoming hazy memories even before the 53-date tour started in Arizona last week, it was one last chance to belt it out in front of a sizable crowd before moving onto the corporate party circuit or busing tables. For the final two, it was an opportunity to show that they were capable of repeating the crossover success of Kelly Clarkson rather than the humiliating fall of Justin what’s-his-face and that other one, with the gray hair and the bad Joe Cocker imitation.
American Idol contestants talk about fame, life and upcoming tour
Until the latest season of “American Idol,” David Archuleta wasn’t even the most famous David Archuleta in the entertainment world from the West. That would have been David Archuleta, the successful professional kickboxer, who was born and raised in New Mexico.
But after the Murray teen finished second in May to David Cook in the seventh season of the Fox TV juggernaut, everyone knows who the effervescent, giggling 17-year-old is.
Archuleta, Cook and the eight other finalists will be in West Valley City Monday and Tuesday for the “American Idol LIVE Tour.”
In an interview, Archuleta - the singer, not the kickboxer - talked about what he has been doing since the TV show ended, his future plans and the process of learning to write songs.
‘Idol’ tour fills arena with adoration
American Idol fans got everything they screamed for — and more — last week when the “American Idols Live! Tour 2008†descended upon the San Diego Sports Arena on July 2.
The show’s top 10 finalists — Brooke White, San Diego’s Carly Smithson, Chikezie Eze, Jason Castro, Kristy Lee Cook, Michael Johns, Ramiele Malubay, Syesha Mercado, David Archuleta and season seven winner David Cook — hit the tour road on July 1 in Glendale, Arizona. San Diego was stop No. 2 and the Idols were fresh and exuberant about playing large venues on the exhaustive 52-city tour.
American Idol Tour Recap
Although I’ve been an avid AI fan since Kelly and Justin squared off in Season 1, this was my first Idol concert. There would never be a more talented Top 10, in my opinion, so the time was now.
The Staples Center filled to the rafters. The crowd was quite diverse. In front of me sat a family with two darling little girls ages 8 and 10. A couple rows below were ‘grandmothers’ screaming and dancing.
Jordin Sparks Loves Orange: The Repeat Edition
Jordin Sparks made an appearance at “Energy In The Parkâ€, a concert held in Berlin on Saturday. Now normally it is ok to wear an outfit more than once, as long as it is not to a well publicized and photographed event. Her stylist needs to be fired for allowing her to wear the same dress twice.
For the Record: Maria Carey, Jordin Sparks, The Game & More
After resting her voice following some medical issues earlier this year, former “American Idol†Jordin Sparks is hitting the road for a 16-date North American tour with Jesse McCartney beginning August 5.
Jennifer Hudson’s New Album Cover: First Look
Here is the self-titled debut album for singer/actress Jennifer Hudson, set for release on September 30.
If you haven’t already, check out her album’s first single, “Spotlightâ€, which was written and produced by Ne-Yo and Stargate.
Other rumored collaborators for the 26-year-old former American Idol contestant’s album include: Akon, R. Kelly, John Legend, Jack Splash, Christopher “Tricky†Stewart, Robin Thicke, Timbaland, T-Pain, The Underdogs and Diane Warren. That’s a lot of big name contributors!!
Tony Romo’s Summer Vacation With Carrie Underwood & Jessica Simpson
Here we go again. Award winning country-singing sensation Carrie Underwood is back front and center of what appears to be an Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt like triangle that refuses to go away. A report planned for this week’s Star Magazine will ask if Jessica Simpson and Carrie Underwood soon be vying for Tony Romo’s attention in the quarterback’s home state, reports Celeb TV.
The website reports that Simpson, 28, is set to give her first official country concert performance on July 19 at the Country Thunder USA festival in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin. Jessica’s boyfriend, Tony Romo, will be at her side for her big concert debut, according to Star magazine.
‘Idol’ star rocks out with fans
Brookfield resident Jen Falci was not a devoted fan of “American Idol,” but at the beginning of season four, her husband said she had to see a contestant named Bo Bice.
A fan of rock ‘n’ roll, Falci became hooked.
“He wasn’t just standing there singing,” she said. “He connected with the cameras. He seemed like a seasoned singer.”
Now Falci is a member of the Bo Bice fan club and has been to 10 of his performances, including Tuesday’s show at the Ridgefield Playhouse.
Bice looked just like he did on “Idol,” with his signature long hair and contagious smile, but the audience at the playhouse could tell he was in his element performing songs from his new album, “See The Light.”
Kellie Pickler: Dancing Idol?
An American Idol on Dancing with the Stars?
It could happen!
Season five finalist Kellie Pickler wants to put her vocal cords on rest and put her feet to the test, she tells OK!.
The country singer confided in her friend and DWTS pro Julianne Hough — who is attempting to make it in Nashville herself — that she would like to kick up her heels on the ABC hit.
Trailer Hitch
College – Opens August 29th
First-time scribes Dan Callahan and Adam Ellison tackle every high schooler’s wet dream in sex comedy College, a film originally scheduled to be released in January. In it, Drake Bell, Andrew Caldwell and Kevin Covais play prospective college freshmen who pay the local college campus a visit for (at most) the best weekend of their lives. There, the boys connect with the campus’ craziest fraternity, which offers the pre-frosh all-access passes to wicked parties in exchange for endless hazing and humiliation. If the funniest parts – Ryan Pinkston detailing his sloppy college weekend, Caldwell showing some cleave, Covais receiving the most unfortunate of blow jobs – aren’t just in the sneak peek, than I’d say this little MGM project could be a sleeper hit. The film also benefits from its August 29th release date, which is just about the time its target audience is back at school/raging uncontrollably.
‘Music in the Rockies’ to Equip Aspiring Christian Artists
The Gospel Music Association’s Music in the Rockies will hold its 34th annual series from Aug. 3 to Aug. 9 in Estes Park, Colo., with over 30 renowned Christian artists to take the stage.
Music in the Rockies is a weeklong Christian art festival designed to allow Christian artists to experience unique opportunity to compete, attend concerts, and receive trainings.
American Idol finalist and Music in the Rockies alum Chris Sligh will be returning this summer as a performer and a judge and said during an interview with GMA, “Seriously, in today’s culture you need all the tools you can get, whether you are an indie artist, a signed artist or someone who aspires to either of those.”
John Rich Returns With a Second Season of CMT’s Hit Series ‘GONE COUNTRY’
CMT’s highest rated series ever, GONE COUNTRY, returns with Nashville hitmaker, John Rich, as host for a second season of antics with a brand new cast of characters who are each vying for a chance at country success. Featuring a cast that includes performers from various facets of the entertainment industry, GONE COUNTRY indoctrinates seven celebrities in the ins and outs of the country music business for a chance to break into the country music genre, and premieres on Friday, August 15 at 8:00 p.m., ET/PT on CMT.
The cast for GONE COUNTRY includes Sebastian Bach — singer, songwriter, Broadway actor, former lead singer of Skid Row; Irene Cara — GRAMMY(R) and Academy Award(R) winning singer, songwriter, actress, “Fame”; Mikalah Gordon — singer, host, actress, 2005 “American Idol” finalist; Jermaine Jackson — television personality, lead singer of The Jackson 5; Chris Kirkpatrick — television personality, music producer, member of *NSYNC; Lorenzo Lamas — musical theater actor, actor “Renegade” and “Falcon Crest”; and Sean Young — actress, “Blade Runner” and “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective.”
Eliminated So You Think You can Dance Finalist Matt Dorame Plans to Do a lot of Sleeping
Last week, Matt Dorame became the fourth male dancer eliminated from So You Think You Dance 4. In a conference call with media, Matt Dorame talked about his experience on the show. Among other things, Dorame revealed that the best advice he received was “reality TV is not reality.†Who told Dorame this nugget of wisdom? Keep reading to find out.
When asked if he felt having so many contemporary male dancers made this year’s competition more difficult, Dorame said, “I do. I feel like each season has had great dancers, for sure. I don’t think you can say one season was better than the other. This season, they were looking for more of a hip-hop-type dancer, so I felt like that’s why it was harder for us, but I don’t think it was really any harder than any other season, it just seemed like they were harder on us because we knew what they were looking for from the beginning.â€
So You Think You Can Dance: Best and Worst
Cat Deeley wore a hippie dress with bohemian earrings tonight, but that doesn’t mean the atmosphere at “So You Think You Can Dance” studios was one of free love. In fact, the judges were extra harsh tonight, dreaming up colorful metaphors to bash not only perpetual denizens of the bottom three, but also, crowd favorites.
Nobody was safe from the wrath of Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy, and Mia Michaels tonight. Here are some of the best – and worst – moments from the evening.
‘So You Think You Can Dance’: Almost halfway there
Two familiar faces and a totally new dance style highlight tonight’s So You Think You Can Dance. We’re just one set of eliminations away from the Top 10. Some dancers excel while others…well…sadly, not so much.
Following last week’s triumphant pieces, Mia Michaels joins Mary and Nigel on the judging panel. And, as we’re down to so few couples, we continue with two numbers a week.
So You Think You Can Dance: Top 12 Perform
Tonight’s “jidges” included the return to the panel of Mia Michaels. In a reversal of Kristin’s thinking last week, I’m actually disappointed to see Michaels joining Nigel and Mary on the dais this week for two reasons. First, I think she does some amazingly bizarre things with the dancers and I find myself always incredibly curious and mesmerized by her choreography, even if there are those times where I don’t get it. But even more importantly, I hate hate HATE her as a judge. She’s completely subjective and criticizes the most nonsensical things.
Canadian Idol Recap: And we’re down to 10. No really, it’s only 10
To kick off the show, Ben’s still pimping this whole top 10 business, though I do think he protested a bit too much on Monday and Tuesday, so I’m not quite sure I’m buying it. After the credits, he reiterates six are going home, so maybe he’s telling us the truth. Before we get to the results, we get the judges opinions on the what the top 24 have brought to the table, and what the top 10 must do to go forward. Then we get a look back at the show up to this point, because three weeks worth of performances is just too much for viewers to remember.
We start the results. No encores this week (which I guess is what happens when you kick off six people in a half an hour - there’s no time to waste).
Pop Tarts: David Archuleta Having Trouble Finding Sane Girlfriend
“American Idol” runner-up David Archuleta is the new teen/tween pin-up, but the talented 17-year-old is struggling to find that special someone who doesn’t start screaming when he’s around.
“I’m not dating anyone. I’m still pretty young but I would still … nah, yeah,” he stammered as we caught up with him backstage before the Idol Tour concert in Los Angeles on Monday.
“Right now it’s a matter of focusing on the right things, and that would be distracting for me. But maybe afterward when things start to settle more, I’m sure I will run into someone. But I’m meeting all these girls now and they’re like, ‘Hi, David!’” he said with a mock gasp. “How do you really get to know someone when they’re all loopy like that?”
Chris Daughtry talks about his upcoming album
Expect an American Idol retail blitz this fall as season 7’s David Cook, David Archuleta, and Kristy Lee Cook all plan to release their debut albums. Adding to the pileup, Kelly Clarkson is also hoping her fourth effort, which she’s been working on in various locales, including Australia, will see a pre-Christmas bow. But one Idol alumnus currently in the studio is opting for a slower course. “I don’t want to put out anything that is second rate or be accused of going through a sophomore slump,” Chris Daughtry told EW.com at the Hollywood premiere of Hancock. “So we’re taking our time on it.”
http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20210536,00.html
Kellie Pickler on Dancing With The Stars would be a delight! Can you see her interacting with Bruno?
I didn’t watch Gone Country first time around but that cast sounds like such a train wreck, I might just have to tune in to see what happens.
Wow, the critic from the SF Gate sure loves AI. Why do they send these haters to review the shows? And, the reference to Justin and Taylor was uncalled for in an article about this year’s tour.
I watched “Gone Country” when it premiered, and, like everyone else, was upset that John Rich chose Julio as the winner over the obviously more talented Diana DeGarmo. I don’t think he’s heard the end of that yet. He needs to have Sanjaya on his show. That would be worth watching!
Wonder what happened to Kellie Pickler’s tv show they wanted her to do? She wanted to focus on her singing career, so, nixed the idea. Now, she wants to get a rest from singing. Fickled little girl!
Yeah, but DWTS wouldn’t be the time commitment that a sitcom of her own would be, you know? It would just be a few months. It would also probably expose her to an audience that might not see her any other way. I think she’d be great on it!
The SF Gate rock critic is generally snarky about nearly everything, FYI. That’s his shtick, and he made no exception for “Idol.”
I can take snarky, but, not downright nastiness. Which is how the review came across to me. Of course, it could be that I didn’t sleep very well last night, and, am in somewhat foul mood. IDK.
Here’s another article that I somehow missed. It’s from the critic at the Las Vegas Journal Review:
http://www.lvrj.com/news/24058889.html
Jeen AI Fan
Thanks so much for posting the pic of DC from his recording session!!! Boy-oh-boydid I get excited…I CANNOT WAIT for that album to drop!
Please let him call it Optimistic to a Fault (perfect title for his journey thus far…and include that song!
Here is an interview with some of the Idols last night in Sacramento. Sorry, couldn’t get an actual direct link for it. Just scroll down a bit and where you see the “Fox 40 News” tab, click on the one that says: “7-9 American Idols Tour: The Idols”. You should see a short snippet of DC performing My Hero at the beginning. Apparently Archie sings in his sleep.
http://fox40.trb.com/
My brain is having a real hard time proceessing this tidbit.
A blog from Archie’s myspace team…
Thursday, July 10, 2008
TEEN CHOICE AWARD NOMINATION - MOST FANATIC FANS
American Idol Favorite David Archuleta has been nominated for a 2008 Teen Choice Award! On this years’ summer ballot David has been nominated for having the Most Fanatic Fans! Be sure to cast your vote and look out for him at the Teen Choice Awards on Monday, August 4th on FOX!
http://www.teenchoiceawards.com/
From MTV:
Who it Taylor Hicks Mystery Megastar?
Yikes, I don’t care that Jordin wore the same dress twice but what’s with the icky flipflops? LOL. I am considering seeing her when she comes into town on her tour.
LOL at Archie mildly snarking on his overwhelmed fans. This is “Amanda is scary, but I wouldn’t say it to her face” Archie, yes? He’s so cute. :D
Interesting article on the Pigotts/Canadian Idol
http://www.insidetoronto.ca/News/Etobicoke/article/51481
This MTV article says Taylor is close to signing with a new label. I haven’t read that before. It also says he was asked to be in Hairspray before Grease.
http://www.mtv.ca/news/article.jhtml?id=9754
Archie cracks me up. How do you get to know someone when they’re all loopy like that? Bwaaaaaaaaaaaaa! That kid is hysterical!
He wouldn’t tell Amanda to her face that she was scary, but, told it on national tv. ROFLMAO
Archie has something in common with Clay Aiken. He, too, sings in his sleep. Josh Gracin was his roommate on AI2, and, told this.
Hint to the future girlfriend of little David. Don’t faint, don’t scream, don’t gasp, and for heaven’s sakes don’t cry like that silly goose Ashley Ferl. Did you see his reaction to that? He was slightly humoured and slightly squigged out! Approach with caution and calm. LOL!
Wow, my little boy sings in his sleep, maybe in 7 years he can be the American Idol runner up?
Announce the new deal Taylor, it seems pretty obvious to me that it’s done. And leak the name of of the woman who wants your song, please!
Michael Johns drunk, lol. That is something I would love to see.
Oh yes, poor Clay. He can’t get work anymore [/sarcasm]
Since the taping for that Christmas Special for NBC (his second) Clay has headlined his 8th solo tour, hosted his first annual charity Golf tournament at the Miramar Resort in Florida (the second will be Jan 2009), gone on 2 Unicef missions as an Ambassador (he just got back from Somalia), Starred on Broadway for 4 months in Spamalot, recorded and released his 4th CD, been on numerous TV shows and most recently a world wide CNN Special presentation on Child Survival.
All of that in just 7 months.
That guy from SF Gate was a jerk but this : The shrieks filled the room well before the first spike of Archuleta’s hair rose from beneath the stage.
was fricken funny!
Go Taylor!!!!!
Poor Clay, maybe we should take up a collection to aid his faltering career. You mean, that’s all he’s done in 7 months?? What a slacker. Not to mention, there might be a new baby (if reports are true) next month. Let’s see you top that, MJ!
I love how Taylor keeps his fans in the dark. I think he took the song, “Dancing in the Dark,” way too seriously. j/k He’s full of surprises!
I was thinking that Taylor was offerred the role of Corny Collins (dance program host). Yes, I can definitely see him in that role! He’s such a great entertainer!
gelfling, thank you for the brief summary for Clay. Michael would be so lucky if he has a career following Clay’s path. Actually, I found that comment to be a bit arrogant. Was this said on the day he was hung over?
There were Jessica Simpson and Tony sightings in Seaside last week (rumor has it they went to the Red Bar too but haven’t been able to substantiate it yet.) They did have bodyguards to ward off the fans.
haha jessica better watch her back…rotfl
although carrie is looking smoking these days
http://www.tmz.com/2008/07/10/carrie-puts-the-wood-in-under/
Syesha’s new blog
Thursday, July 10, 2008
07/09/08 - AI Tour Show 7
Current mood: excited
Last night was one of the loudest most hype crowds out of all the shows! And I was able to get through the entire crowd outside and do a double check. Yay. I felt so accomplished..LOL:). It is a horrible feeling when you are signing outside and the security comes by and whispers in your ear 5 min. and you aren’t even half way through everybody.
So, just to let everyone know I’m a dancer even if it doesn’t seem like it on my first number “Umbrella”. I don’t have a dance break :(. SO, I’ll just keep trying to incorporate some dance moves. When you go to the “Syesha Concert” there will be dance moves, dance breaks in the music and wardrobe changes, so I can dance in stuff I would normally dance in. mmmm….lo lo.
Back home I use to perform in jeans and a t-shirt. I’m a simple girl. But I must say it isn’t too bad wearing that sparkly dress and fancy shoes. LOL. I like it a lot. oh lo!
So, now we are in Portland. We have the day off and it looks like a minnie New York here (where we are). It’s very nice and a ‘lil cold. Oh lo :). From my hotel window it appears to be a peaceful town, we shall see. I plan on doing some shopping with the girls today. Well, not sure if I want to buy anything, but I do want to get out and take it all in!
I’m feeling great today. Oh, I started reading this book called “Happy for no Reason” by Marci Shimoff with Carol Kline. I am really enjoying it! It’s a book that gives you seven steps to being happy from the inside out. I love positive, self empowering, uplifting and motivational books. They keep me happy!
Syesha’s Thoughts:
Remember to smile
Loosen up! There is so much life to live. Live for today in this moment, because tomorrow isn’t promised.
Give someone a compliment. It’ll make you feel good and put a smile on someone else’s face
Practice love and patience
Go see The Idol’s Live Tour 2008 :)
Such a great reference for a positive life. I like Syesha’s thoughts and hope life is continues to be good for her!
This was in reference to the ‘Hair Spray’ offer Taylor received prior to Grease.
I guess I’m slow or something but I didn’t know these existed. Idol Secrets from Tvguide. This was a good one. It’s kinda funny about people fainting for Archie!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=xRgqz0MMnVg&feature=user
ooh this one is better!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=HRynfC15jZ4&feature=user
CD news:
According to amazon.com, Archie’s CD is scheduled to be released on November 4th.
“They see David Archuleta and down they go” LOL…that is so funny!!
skylight1219, I don’t think that SFGate reviewer even watched a single minute of this year’s AI. Otherwise he would have known that Simon Cowell and the general AI audience loved DC’s covers of the Lionel Richie, Michael Jackson and Diane Warren songs. And the Diane Warren one wasn’t even his own choice but a producers’ pick. I don’t mind legitimate negative opinions but I can’t stand ignorant so-called reviewers who are simply too lazy to do a little prep work - like watching a few YouTube clips - before writing their nonsense.