ETA: Great crowd tonight! New England loves them some Idols.. oh, except you a-hole, yes YOU sitting in Sec 2 Row I Seat 1…a simple “excuse me” would have sufficed. Jerk.
Ahem! I’ll have more on tonight’s show tomorrow…
….and I’ve already seen the show three times. I love American Idol.
There’s been some great conversation in the threads the past couple of days regarding this year’s American Idols Live Tour. Kirsten posted the boxscore numbers as of the half-way mark of the tour. Click the link to see the numbers–they aren’t great. Many of you decided not to see the tour this year.
Personally, I think this year’s concert is really entertaining, but then I’m a HUGE fan of the show…more so than any individual contestant. (Which, I’m beginning to think isn’t the norm). My love for the show might explain why I love the concert duets, trios and group numbers almost as much as I do the individual solos.
How do you guys feel? Does it take that special contestant to arrive on the Idol stage to make the show exciting, or do you just LOVE American Idol like I do?
Anyway. This Idol-ho has made a last minute decision. I’m going to the show tonight in Worcester. I’ll see ya later with the goods. Heh.
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I have not been to an idol show the reason is not the idols truthfully I am cheap . What I heard it was a very entertaining show to watch andThe format was diferent with more duets and diferent artists singing with each other. I think what makes a good preformance is the diferent parts of it working together the singer,or singers ,the band and drawing the audiance in also helps..This goes for a play also like Les Meserabla(spellling stinks) or the color purple. I know too long.
I’m a fan of the show in general, but I definitely have more fun watching it when I have a favorite contestant that I’m pulling for. Season 3 is my least fave because I never really found anyone to root for…but that said, I still watched each week and was entertained by the circus of it all.
Blake’s the reason I went to the tour this year. If not for him, I’d have sat this one out. But I ended up enjoying almost all of them! I think the group numbers on this year’s tour definitely work in favor of some of them, like, say, Sanjaya. A three song set from him might’ve been overkill, but a little bit of Sanjaya here and there onstage with others was perfect. The duet with Melinda is very cute.
Anyway, have fun tonight MJ!
I love the SHOW, mj, but I have never cared anything about going to any of the season’s TOURS. The shows each year are fun to watch (from the comfort of our home!) and choose a favorite to cheer along, but I would never have paid to see the whole group(s) perform, fight the crowds, etc. Each year I have picked a favorite or two, but there have only been two I really, really wanted to see win - and one of them did. :)
I never really watched any of the AI 1-5 from beginning to end. Yes I knew who Kelly was, Clay, Bo etc., but just watched bits and pieces here and there. For some reason I was watching the Hollywood rounds this season and when the guys did the song “How Deep is Your Love” I was completely taken, by Blake. So I started watching to see what he was going to do next. Now I can say that I almost stopped when Sanjayia kept making it to the next round, but I stuck with it. By the end I was hoping for a Melinda and Blake ending. Didn’t happen, oh well.
So yeah I went this year to my first AI concert to see my favorites, Blake and Melinda. Like I said before I was pleasantly surprised. Turns out Phil has a really good voice, as does Gina. Lakisha brought the house down with her solo. And of course Melinda was great, and Blake…well he really is a very talented and an amazing performer. I look forward to hearing what his CD will sound like. Oh, I almost forgot about Chris R. I didn’t really have an opinion one way or another with him. Turns out he is pretty entertaining live. It is a shame that people wrote this season off because they really are very talented group…for the most part. So I guess while some are hitting AI burnout, I just hoped on board. Well for this past season anyway:)
I was only a casual viewer of Idol before Season 5. I never voted or would even consider going to a show before Season 5. I became a huge fan of Elliott but I liked the whole Season. It was very competitive and exciting. So I got off my butt and actually bought a ticket to the tour. And I had to go alone because no one I know is into the show. The show itself was a great fun and I’m glad I went. However, it would take a special group to get me off my butt again and Season 6 wasn’t it for me.
So while I’m a fan of the TV show, I’m not so into it that I’ll pay $60 to see artists that don’t really interest me.
I am going to the show tonight.
So, I was just at UNO eating dinner, and sitting a few booths away from me was Chris Sligh and Shyamali Malakar. We paid for their dinner (man, they can eat) because we thought that would be cool. When they were leaving they came over to us to say thank you. I got an autograph from Chris and a picture with both of them. So that was awesome.
I’m a show fan more than and individual idol fan. I love the group numbers and feel cheated when they are cut from the show.
Enjoy the show MJ!!!
I would say I’m definitely a HUGE fan of the show, but always adopt a contestant or two each season. I love the group numbers, duets, etc., too, and I think the reason some of us like the show so much is it reminds us of the old variety show formats, and it’s wholesome and fun TV; we simply do not get enough of it, these days.
Have fun at the show, MJ. BTW, I saw Blake after the San Jose show and told him I read about him recording tracks on your blog, and he replied, “Oh, I’ve gotta go post on there, sometime.” lol, I thought that was cool, but I don’t think he ever did.
You pretty much already know how I feel, MJ. :)
I’m first and foremost a fan of the show, but along the way each season, I find someone to support (and I do every season). So it kind of shifts from loving the show to loving a contestant. But after that season is over, I’m ready to move on to the next one, even if I’m still supporting my previous favorite’s career. Does that make sense? LOL.
Like some others, I mainly went this year to see Blake (plus Melinda, Chris Sligh, and Phil) but ended up really liking a number of the other performers too - most notably, Chris Richardson, which is significant because I would not have bought any music from him just seeing him on the show. Now, after seeing him live, I will. It’s amazing how much better these contestants are when they’re performing without pressure and nerves.
I’ve only seen the tour for seasons 5 and 6, mainly because last year was the first time that timing, location, funding, and concert-mates all worked out for me to be able to make it to a tour stop.
Anyway, have fun at the show tonight, MJ!
I am big old AI junkie, watched all six seasons, usually every show although I did skip a few this season as well as in season three, both my least fav yrs. I began watching with my youngest son, who became a fanatic about AI as well (well, until he discovered sports and girls, lol) I always have a fav or two, or three, and have been to every tour until this yr (was completely and utterly bummed that Bo was sick for my tour in season four). Season five was all about Elliott, but I did really enjoy all the boys last yr. I enjoyed the cheesy group numbers and seeing all the kids dressed in their fav’s colors and all that jazz. It is a fun time, but it does really help to have your special “someone” to look forward to each yr. Enjoy the show, MJ
I only went to see Blake, my favorite of the season. Many ended up pleasantly surprising me, but nothing can top Season 5, the best in my opinion.
Mj, unfortunately I can’t go to see an AI concert this year, but trust me I would go three or more times like you, if I could.
Anyways I have to admit I always go because of one particular contestant and this year for me it was all about Blake. I can’t wait for his career to start and for his album to drop.
For sure I will be following him from now on.
At the same time I can’t stop watching the show every year. It really is addicting. I think Blake made a difference in this season, but this group is really a very talented bunch. They were just completely underrated, they all have potential to have great careers. JMHO.
I only saw a few random episodes of AI until season 4, when I started watching with a friend who was a fan. He’s given up on the show and moved to San Fran, but now I’m hooked. A Pox O’ Your Throat, Jeffrey!
Random episodes I remember watching include the finale of Season 2 (I made a few half-hearted attempts to vote for Ruben, but gave up quickly due to the busy signals) and one in Season 3 when I tried to vote for LaToya. LOL.
I dismissed the show at first because I had heard about the bad auditions and thought it was more about manufacturing a pop star than finding real talent.
However, when I started watching in Season 4 around the time of the top 12, I started to get pulled in by the likes of Bo and Nadia. Plus, it was fun to snark with Jeffrey (we used to call Anthony Trache-boy). I wish I still had some of his emails about Season Five. He is a riot. Hmm. I wonder if I do. Heh. Anyway, I never even considered going to an AI concert until Season 5.
I guess I consider myself both a fan of the show and a fan of individuals. I think what makes AI fun is that you get to root for your faves and there’s the drama of the competition. It never bothered me that so many out of Season 5 got signed by Clive because I still think the competition is fun in and of itself, regardless of the prize. I really enjoyed the tour this year because I do like group numbers and duos. And I loved Sanjy doing Michael Jackson. Would I have loved a whole set from Sanjy? Perhaps not. Besides, outside of AI I usually go to see bands rather than traditional singers, so maybe my love for the group numbers is because I really enjoy interaction on stage. Or maybe I just love the cheese.
ETA: Have fun, MJ!
MJ - love your blog. American Idol is the only show I watch on TV. I haven’t been to the tour because the ticket prices are too high. I’m also not a fan of the cheesy group numbers. It makes me cringe to be honest. But, A.I. is my favorite show and I can hardly wait for season 7 to start. Season 3 is my least favorite. Season 6 was good but had their problems, which I won’t go into.
mj, I LOVE American Idol. I have watched since season one, every show, went to every concert and have enjoyed every one. I’ve had favorites before, Justin/Kelly, Carrie/Bo, Ruben, Fantasia, Elliott, Taylor, Chris and now Chris R and Blake, Jordin. I’m mad that the tickets have gone up but I will continue to enjoy the cheesefest as long as they’re on. And I love this Blog MJ! Thanks!
Hi all! Long time no post! I love the show but, like jpfan, was only a casual viewer before season 5 - (just substitute Taylor’s name for Elliot’s in jpfan’s post). I did go see the tour in season 5 - using my nieces as cover - lol. I really did enjoy the show this year, too. I even voted for Blake - (hi Team Plaid!) I didn’t go to see the tour this year because I spent all of my concert dollars on Taylor shows and The Police; plus, my nieces now live in South Carolina so I can no longer use them as cover.
ETA: Have fun tonight MJ!
Intermission! So far, my best work yet!
Sligh is wearing a red sox shirt.
The crowd is pretty responsive tonight.
I love American Idol the show but I always find a favorite to root for and that makes it better for me. I went to the tour last year and found much the same as some are saying this year, there were some surprise stand outs..like Ace for instance. I didnt go this year even though I loved Melinda and Chris S. and my 16 year old loves Blake a lot..lol. I just didnt feel motivated like I did last year when I really wanted to see Taylor. I didnt go to the Season 4 show either even though Bo Bice is my all time favorite contestant ever on the show! I think I was too ticked he didnt win..lol! I have seen him since Idol alone and if Melinda ever tours alone I will go see her like I did Bo and Taylor. MJ…have fun tonight!!
Woot! I foresee some awesome treats coming!!!!
And to anyone who is letting ticket prices stand in your way, I suggest stubhub, ticketliquidator, and ebay for GREAT last minute deals. Especially since it’s not sold out!
I can only speak for myself, MJ. For me the beginning of my American Idol experience started with Taylor Hicks. It’s hard to say when the end came. I’ll reserve comment to avoid starting a controversy.
I got the real feeling the the PTB became a little too impressed with themselves during the past season, and their franchise and how much impact they have as a business model, and they seemed to be less concerned with whether the fans cared about the singers and performers. I would have liked to see more about the artists showcased on the show. I would have liked to have them respect my choice and not insult my intelligence.
Suffice to say, I’ve met some wonderful, intelligent, funny, thoughtful, snarky, interesting people here and in other places - both live and online - and that has made the experience wonderful. *waves to wonderful peeps*
I took some time off from the AI fandom over the summer for my own peace of mind, and found that I’m happier when I don’t have to read the nasty critical reviews and other negativity that comes as a result of interest in a pop culture phenomenon. I lived for 4 years without American Idol in my life, then had a love affair with it for a season, then the love cooled and now it’s over for me.
I have nothing against any of the talented performers that were on the show in season 6, and I like some them musically, but I feel no “emotional investment” for lack of a better term. Heck, the PTB even lost my daughter who is exactly the demographic they seem to want.
Again, I’m speaking only for myself, but for a variety of reasons, I really couldn’t care less about American Idol anymore. I do, however, stop by here every so often because I appreciate the people who contribute here.
Take care, and I hope season 7 is as fun for you as the other seasons have been.
Yay!!! I can’t wait to see! The only question is - is it THEIR best effort so far? :)
Did Sligh see you in the audience?? Hee!
Hi Jersey!
I hope everything went well moving your son into the dorm? We got back from the Adirondacks on Saturday, had a great time. Back to school tomorrow… that’s like New Years for us!
But I digress. *Ahem*
And now back your regularly schedule American Idol discussion…
Go Team Plaid!
I love, love, love this show. I have watched every season and enjoyed every season totally. Some more than others, season 2 and season 5 were my favorites. I am a AI junkie. I own all of Kelly’s cds and play the last two often. For the record My December is under-rated, it is an incredible piece of work. I hope she is proud of herself. She should be. Not all of an artists work is always immediately appreciated, hopefully when all is said and done it will be appreciated.
Season two was awesome, with Ruben and Clay going blow to blow. Incredible. Ruben was my favorite, and I got three votes in that night. Boy was I pissed as I thought that I would singlehandedly ruin his chances. Evidently not. I own his three cds, love them all in varying ways. The last was good, he is just better than his material. I have seen him perform twice, and attended a cd signing. He’s a cool, sweet guy.
Season three was Tasia from start to finish, even with revisionism taking place, she still deserved to win, she was the best performer on the idol stage that year. I have an autographed copy of her first cd, and I saw her in the Color Purple. I was actually worried when she was first chosen for the role. I didn’t think she could handle it. Boy she shut my mouth completely. She is one for the ages. If she keeps her wits about her, she will have an awesome career.
Season 4 was Bo! First time I actually purchased a ticket for an American Idol tour concert. Unfortunately, I had death in the family, so I couldn’t go! Waaaaa! His acapella song, In a Dream, I believe it’s called was the highlight of that season for me. Awesome!
Season 5, Taylor Hicks, nothing more, nothing less. Taylor effing Hicks. Blew me away. Lightened my load when I was facing the scariest time in my life. He is a consummate musician. I must admit that I would have been okay if Chris, or Elliott won. I loved them too. Elliott more though, cause I am an R&B kinda girl.
Season six was the first season my favorite did not win, or place. Melinda is my girl. I would pay money to see her perform. Hopefully she will get the chance to see what she can do. I think she might suffer from the same problem that IMHO Taylor does, not that his music is dated, but he is older than most budding popstars, as is Melinda. Still, she can care a nice career for herself. She has something special needed right now. A gentle, sophistication that few have at the moment. She is a songsmith. She shares that with Ruben, they really knew how to use their voices to make the covers they choose refreshing. I like that. I like Blake, I think he is interesting. The others, eh.
That being said, this show is still just as exciting for me as the first season. My children watch with me, and it’s one of the few shows that all of us can watch together. I haven’t been able to take the entire family to a poptart show yet, but next year……….
I know that some have a problem with the show. I see its flaws, but who, or what isn’t flawed? It seems that some people really want to see it fail. I am not one of them. Imho, the show has more positives than negatives. Enjoy the second half MJ!
Unless an unbearably cheap ticket for Manchester falls into my lap, I doubt I’ll see the show this year. I would enjoy the cheese and a lot of the singing, but there’s no one I’m dying to see.
Though I went to see the Season 5 show because of Taylor, one of my favorite numbers was “Patience” with Chris, Elliott, Ace and Bucky. Gorgeous harmony, voices blended perfectly, a magic moment.. For anyone who went to both Season 5 and Season 6 tour — Does anything in this year’s show come close to that level of vocal prowess?
Great post, abby! :) Great analysis of Melinda. I totally agree. She and Blake were my two faves this year. I wanted those two in the finale so badly I could taste it…
Oh, and I am really enjoying Kelly’s newest cd too. There are some real gems on that album, IMO.
I hope you and your family are able to see a poptart show next season. They really are a lot of fun, different formats and all. :)
*waves to MaryS*
ETA: Margaux - check ebay, stubhub.com, and ticketliqudator.com a couple days before the show and/or the day of the show. PJ got some really cheap (and good) seats that way.
7 words - LaKisha Jones - “I Will Always Love You”
Honestly, other than Blake’s set (which was the highlight of the show for me because I love him and his musical sensibilities), my favorite performances were Lakisha’s solo, Melinda’s solo (”Natural Woman”), Gina’s solo (”Who Knew” by Pink), Phil’s solo (”Blaze of Glory”), Sligh’s solo, Jordin’s “You Were Meant for Me”, Jordin and Chris Rich’s duet, Jordin and Melinda’s duet, and Blake and Chris Rich’s duet. Oh, and the trio of Melinda, Lakisha, and Chris Rich on “I Heard it Through the Grapevine” is well-sung and a lot of fun. But, as always YMMV. :)
Good question MJ…I had to think what came first the chicken or the egg? The show or the individuals?
I started watching AI at the very end of season 2 and really didn’t know to much about Clay or Ruben…just enjoyed being entertained. I didn’t vote.
S3 I started watching at the top 12 and it was the first year I started following individuals. Didn’t vote until the finals. This was also the first year I thought about going to the tour but not bad enough to buy a ticket. Though I did check out some internet stuff the first couple of weeks after the show ended and did buy Fantasia’s single.
S4 I started watching at the auditions but it was spotty viewership for the first 4 week. This would mark the first year of watching from the Hollywood week until the end twice a week for the entire season. Loved the show. I had favorites and voted heavily this year. While I liked Carrie, I would have been happy with either Bo or Carrie winning… I really didn’t have any big desire to see her in concert. Did no follow up after AI was over. Didn’t buy any singles. Finally bought Carrie’s CD, about 6 months after it was out, and discovered that I really liked it. Missed AI each week more than any individual. Couldn’t wait for the next season to start.
S5 I was so ready for the this year to start. Followed from the first week of auditions and discovered how much I disliked the audition weeks….until Taylor Hicks showed up. He was my pick from the very first time I saw him. I wasn’t on the internet much and didn’t realize this whole “other world” was in full discussion of each and every week of AI. This was my first year to vote like a maniac. First year to buy a text message package so I could vote without busy signals. First year to seek out more information on the internet about my favorite: Taylor Hicks. First year to find MJ’s Blog (the people on this blog were and still are hilarious…so much so, that I got hooked and still check this site, daily ) First year to join fan websites just so I could get more information about Taylor, past…current and future. First time I followed the artist appearance schedule. First time I went to AI tour show…not once but 4 times. First time to travel out of state to see the show for no other reason than I wanted to see Taylor perform and couldn’t wait until AI came to Houston. (It didn’t hurt that S5 top 10 were a talented bunch, but I went because of Taylor).
S6 Started watching at auditions…also started skipping weeks until top 24. Watched for most of the beginning rounds until the middle. I agree with MaryNJ that the producers started caring more about the show name and less about the contestants; and they totally ignored or dissed their S5 winner. I often felt that they were trying to manipulate and it totally turned me off, so I stopped watching the whole show. I would watch the contestants I liked, and would move on. Melinda was my fav this season. Would like to see her in concert but I am not willing to do the AI tour thing just to see her for a few minutes. Will see her in concert, if she comes to Houston.
So…I guess that decides it…I am artist driven not show driven. If you had asked me this question in S4 or early in S5, I might have answered differently because I didn’t know then what I know now….the impact of Taylor Hicks.
I watched AI here and there the first four years, but it didn’t catch my interest until Season 5 when I became wildly crazy over Mr. Yamin and loved the great mix of talent (except Katharine). Of course I went to the AI concert here in Denver (and the afterparty) to see Elliott and the other idols (except Katharine) and also flew to PA for the Wilkes Barre show since I enjoyed the Denver show so much which had me and everyone else wondering if I was crazy.
I was looking forward to Season 6, but was also quite nervous since I was really questioning my sanity about Elliott by that time (which I don’t do anymore since I’m comfortable with my obsession now). Yes, as silly as it sounds, I was terrified to watch S6. Since S5 was my first experience with the show, I imagined myself going nuts over an Idol every year like I did with Elliott and it scared the hell out of me!! What kind of life would I have chasing Idols around the country year after year??
Happily, this year’s group did nothing like that for me - there were a few I liked and enjoyed, but I wasn’t really invested in anyone. I did watch the entire season and it was much more relaxing than S5 - people could even talk to me during the show (which was not allowed during S5). I got tired of the bad auditions and didn’t really like the direction the show took with the focus on everything except the singing, but I still looked forward to the show each week even if it was just for snark-value a lot of the time. I liked judging the performances in a disconnected kind of way and seeing who stepped up to the challenge and who didn’t and, of course, all the cheesiness. The tour isn’t coming to Denver this year, but I couldn’t imagine myself going anyway and I certainly wouldn’t fly to another state to see it - this year anyway.
I’m still very invested in Elliott, but I am looking forward to the new season so I must be a fan, right? I think S5 was just one of those years that won’t be repeated and now I can watch the show and enjoy it like a normal person!!
Just have to say that this is a great thread. It’s fun to read everyone’s experiences with Idol. :)
I loved season six, but I will say this about why I think season five is so revered. I think the top five guys were stronger over all. Maybe a bit more charisma. I’m still mulling over it. This was the year of the “girls” but ya know, most Idol fans are female. Gah, I hope that doesn’t sound sexist, because that isn’t my intent.
I loved the group numbers this year, but I’m not sure they lived up to Patience in my mind. I think the Idol band concept is fun, but I don’t think it works as well as Patience did.
I love Idol and have watched every season (though I often skip the pre-hollywood shows) and devour sales stats and other intimate details with glee. But I don’t think I’ve ever bought an album or attended a concert unless I enjoyed the music and I don’t typically feel “proud” of a performer I don’t know personally. I admit to feeling emotional when Melissa Etheridge performed for the first time without hair after undergoing cancer treatments. I’m sure there’s another example or two. No one on Idol has made me shed a tear or given me goosebumps or chills. I can’t relate to the affection some people seem to feel for some Idols or any other quasi-celebrity. I have heard almost all the Idol albums and songs and have purchased the music I liked regardless of how I enjoyed them on the show.
The thought of going to see a cover band sounds really lame to me so I’ve never felt the urge to go to a Idol concert. That being said, I would go for fun if 1) I got free tickets; 2) could find someone to go with (none of my friends have any interest whatsoever in American Idol); and 3) could find a convenient way to get to the arena (I live in NYC and I don’t have a car). So chances are I will never go to an Idol concert. No regrets.
I have watched American Idol all six seasons. I voted the first four seasons but felt no vested interest in the contestants. I voted for the person I liked best on the night of the competition. I did not commit to voting for 2 hours very often.
That all changed in Season 5. That season I became invested, mostly because of Elliott. They barely showed him until Hollywood week. I voted more in Season 5 than I did in all of the other 4 seasons put together. The Season 5 tour was the first I wanted to see live. I did. Twice. Season 5 was the first season that I even entertained the idea of visiting American Idol message boards and blogs. I actually liked all of the Top 10. Loved the 5 guys.
Season 6, as I’ve stated was my least favorite. I rarely voted because I was not entertained very often. I didn’t participate at all in the final voting because I didn’t care. I had no interest in seeing the tour because there were only 3 Idols that I found entertaining and 2 of them only had 1 solo.
Although I watch the show, I can’t say that I’m a fan of the show the same way that some of you are. For me, it’s about the connection that I feel with the Idols and about the singing, not the show itself.
This is fantastic - it’s like a chapter meeting for American Idol Anonymous. :)
I must come clean about this: I’m not a huge fan of the show American Idol. When AI first aired, I thought of it as nothing more than a one-time novelty program. For the most part, I still view it as such; there are also a few other principled reasons why I don’t care for AI, and it happens that these principles are the bedrock of AI’s huge success. Anyways, that’s besides the point entirely… I’d seen bits and pieces of the first season, enough to know who Kelly Clarkson was and that she had a fantastic set of pipes. In a moment of weakness, I purchased her coronation single. (It was displayed at the register and it only cost $2, so why the heck not?) I listened to it once and never gave it a second thought.
I was vaguely aware of seasons 2-4 and their respective contestants. I didn’t watch the show, but you really couldn’t miss the media hubbub surrounding “Clay vs. Ruben.” By this time, AI had become a pop-culture phenomena in its own right. The acute frenzy that surrounded each finale and its emerging winner was enough to garner the attention of anyone - like myself - who followed the headlines with any regularity.
What changed in April of 2005 is that I started watching House. It soon became a habit to turn the TV to FOX on Tuesday evenings, even if House wasn’t set to air. When January 2006 rolled around, like many House fans, I was slightly irritated that my favorite show had been preempted by AI, yet my habit persisted; AI became background noise as I checked my email and worked on papers. Paris’ voice first caught my attention, but it wasn’t until I heard Taylor that I swiveled around in my chair and thought, “Oh that was really good. And I liked it.”
Little by little, I found myself tuning in earlier and earlier in hopes of catching the performances of both Paris, the gray-haired dude, and eventually Elliott. I didn’t care about the results show, and aside from a fleeting thought that went something along the lines of, “Oh, I hope one of those three wins,” I didn’t care about the results themselves. It wasn’t until Top 3 that I became overwhelmingly curious about two of the last three contestants (heh, you guess which two) and turned to Google for answers. I followed one link after the other, and shortly after AI5 ended, I found MJ’s. Not only was MJ’s informative, but the comments regularly had me doubled over in laughter. I kept coming back for more info and more laughs.
It wasn’t until after the move to Wordpress that I mustered the gumption to post regularly. (Actually, I chat more than post, but I digress…) Because this is an AI blog, I decided to watch the show so I could keep up with the happenings here at MJ’s. As such, AI6 was my first foray into the Internet fandom of AI. I’ve come away from AI6 with my opinion about the show unchanged. As for AI7, I’m still straddling the fence of viewership.
One is bound to wonder why someone who doesn’t have a particular affinity for show spends so much time hanging around an AI blog. Firstly, I’ve grown to truly enjoy the company of my blog buddies; I appreciate the laughs and the discussions, which range from contemplative to utterly random and excessively absurd. The musical tastes represented here are extremely eclectic, and it’s through posts made here at MJ’s that I’ve discovered some of my new favorite musicians. Also, just from lurking, I’ve learned more then I ever thought I’d know about contracts, royalty rates, and other various aspects of the music business. It’s this particular aspect of AI - the business that takes place behind the scenes - that I find most fascinating. Lastly, and very importantly, I would be lying if I said that the show itself hasn’t influenced my listening habits, because never in a thousand years did I think I’d be buying a few Bon Jovi tracks. I also didn’t think I’d own a single album recorded by an AI contestant, but if you look at my CD collection, you’ll find a few titles like Taylor Hicks and Elliott Yamin. Even as much as I enjoyed certain contestants, it wasn’t enough of an incentive for me to drag myself to an AI tour show. (Me at an AI show = death by cheese.)
Anyways, that’s it in a larger than expected nutshell. Because I’m crap at conclusions - and I know I’m just rambling on now - I’m just going to stop.
I think I watched one show of Season 2 but that was it. Clay lived in NC and so many people I knew were pulling for him so I started watching right at the end. Season 3, I watched a couple of times-maybe 4. Season 4 was hit or miss but towards the end, I became a Bo fan. Up until this time, I hadn’t purchased any Idol music but I did download one from Bo and purchased the Santana CD mostly to hear Bo. Season 5 was the attention grabber for me. I recorded and watched the show every week and watched those recorded shows over and over. Thought Paris was awesome from the auditions, thought Taylor was interesting, and the bald guy was one to watch. First performance to blow me away-Chris singing Fuel. I liked all the performances by the gray haired guy but country week. Paris lost my attention but Elliot was gaining it. I also thought the country guy was sweet and he grew on me. I ended up casting my first vote for Bucky cause I wanted to see more of him and felt he was at risk:) I ended up pulling for Taylor, Elliot, and Chris. Loved all 3 and I purchased each of their cd’s. I also now have Carries even though she didn’t float my boat in season 4. Season 5 was awesome and I thought I was hooked with the show.
But-I found out in Season 6 that it wasn’t the show-it was the contestants that make the show and the spotlight was off of them for season 6. The bloom seemed to be off the rose but I still ended up pulling for Melinda and Blake but not with the intensity of the guys from season 5. So, for me, it takes a good mixture of good contestants and the producers to showcase what they have there. The show is about the contestants not the weekly mentors or entertainment.
Judy - I can relate!! I can get so caught up in these contestants I have to hide it from my friends and family.. lol I remember traveling more than 2 hours to go see Justin/Kelly in Atlantic City and Justin in upstate NY for a play. I remember running into him before the show and feeling almost faint.. haaaa.. What on earth is wrong with me!!!
Speaking only for myself - I think this year’s cohort of idols have been really poorly represented on the show. Before going to see them live in Toronto, I never really knew that Phil had such a great personality, because it didn’t show on tv. They didn’t “edit” him in that way. I never knew Chris Rich sang so well (I thought he was good on the show, but WOW live!!!), and had so much charisma, because again, he was not “edited” in that way.
I had never been to an AI show before this year. Granted, I only started watching with Season 4. I loved me some Bo Bice, and the year after, loved, loved, loved me some Daughtry! But I never went to a show, thinking it would be silly to go only to see one performer. I regretted it so much when Bo never came to Toronto after Idol (granted he had health problems) and that the show didn’t come to Toronto with Season 5.
Blake was my boy from the get go this season. He’s the main reason I decided to go see a show - I didn’t want to never have the chance to see him live again. So I went. And I was pleasantly surprised. Yes, it was a tad cheesy, yes, some numbers I could have done without… But all in all, it was a good show, entertaining, and I’d go see it again in a heartbeat. Many performers surprised me live, and that’s a good thing! TV and live aren’t always the same thing.
So I do think that part of the reason why the shows are not selling out as much as they should is due to really poor editing for the tv show. There is a lot more to the idols than what!, and that is a real shame
I think I’m a fan of the show but it is more interesting when you have your favorites.
Season 1 - I watched most of it and Kelly was my favorite. I was a little disgusted that Nikki made it to the final 3 and that Tamyra didn’t but think the right person won. I did buy Kelly’s first cd but only a few songs from her 2nd one.
Season 2 - I was very into this one and loved Clay. I didn’t understand the way the judges fawned all over Reuben (especially Simon) but did think he had a good voice. I bought Clay’s cd but none since and have seen him twice, once in a concert and once at our 4th of July celebration.
Season 3 - for whatever reason, I didn’t watch except for the finale. I thought Fantasia’s signature song was incredible but no desire to buy her album or anyone else’s from that season.
Season 4 - I didn’t watch until the last 2 or 3 shows because of friend liked Bo and I wanted to check him out. I ended up really liking him and even voted a little. I didn’t buy his album but do have a couple of his songs from the show and his version of Time has Come Today. I plan on buying his next album if it’s back to his style.
Season 5 - I started watching around the top 24 because of talk at work. I liked Chris early on and didn’t look back. I must admit that I was devastated when he was voted off which may account for my not enjoying the final 3 shows at all except for the finale with Chris & Live. This was the first time I went to an AI concert and it was because of Chris. I ended up liking a few of the others that I’d previously only looked at as his competition. This is around the time I discovered AI sites/blogs. I was shocked to find out that people actually power voted since I was lucky to get in about 20 votes per night. I only bought Daughtry’s cd from that season although I do have Scattered by Ace and Bucky’s song off of the compilation cd.
Season 6 - I didn’t think I’d like this season as much as the last but ended up enjoying it more. I loved Blake of course but also liked most of the top 12. I really wanted a Melinda/Blake finale so was disappointed in that but was happy my favorite made it to the finals. This is the concert I would have loved to have gone to but alas they didn’t come to Dallas and I was on vacation when any other places in driving distance took place. I just can’t justify flying/hotel to see a concert.
I will buy Blake’s cd but am not sure if I’ll get any others although I’m thinking of buying Chris Sligh’s previous cd.
I think I’m ready to move on to the next season now. I pretty much stay out of Blake & Chris fansites and am now waiting for the release of their future albums. I will always have a soft spot for them and hope to go to any concerts they have in my area.
I have not gone to an idol concert this year. I went last year and I went in season 2. I have not been moved even a little to go to this years Idol show. Last year there were about 6 Idols I wanted badly to see with Taylor leading the pack of course but Bucky, Chris, E, Paris, Kellie and Mandisa were all on my list.
This year to be honest, Sligh, and Sanjaya were the two I really wanted to see badly. That may say more about me than it does about the Idols. I want to be entertained and if this crop of Idols was capable of entertaining me I didnt see it on the show and so if they do well in concert I missed out because I buy tickets based on my reactions to the season. IMVHO, this past season was about the most uninteresting ever and I think its because it was extremely hard to follow the season before it. Nothing could have topped that for me.
I am a fan of the show, but, ultimately, it is the contestants who invest me in the whole thing. That has varied from year-to-year with S 1, 2, 4, and especially 5, keeping me up and interested. But I watch every year because, ultimately, I love this type of show.
However, it takes a special bit of planning on my part to get to a concert and, so far, the only one where I worked really hard not to miss it (and made the special arrangements to make sure I didn’t) was the one for Season 5. Looks like the numbers bear out the efforts of others to do the same thing.
I would have enjoyed any of the AI tour concerts, I am sure, but none made me really want to put forth the effort beyond just watching, and enjoying the show, other than Season 5.
And his name was Taylor Hicks.
LOVE the show. Even the weaker seasons have entertained me enough for it to be a “must see”. Until season 5, I never felt that passionate about a single performer. (Liked Clay and Bo, but didn’t vote for them.)
I would have gone to see the Idols Live tour this year if they would’ve come close to where I live.
I LOVE the cheesy group numbers, on the show and in concert. They rule!
I have only been to one idol tour show and that was last year. I actually went twice and enjoyed it immensely both times! If I had to pick I’d say I’m probably more of a ocntestant fan than a show fan. This year was a let down for me after last year. I’m not sure why. I have been a fan of the show since seaseon 4 but I feel like last year’s auditions were horrid… freaks, inc. Actually, I love this blog more than the show. I’ve chatted with some awesome people and made some very special cyber friends.
Nice picture of Sligh in the Red Sox jersey. I wonder if a fan gave it to him. Probably. If so, I bet that was one happy fan when he stepped out on stage wearing it.
He might have bought it himself at Fenway. He and some of the others went to a Red Sox game…
Thanks, MJ. It’s great that they got to go to the game.
During the AI tour last season, Elliott, quite often, wore the sports jerseys that fans gave to him before the show, on stage when he performed. He received some in just about every city. He’s a big sports fan so his fans gave him the jerseys. They would be very excited to report that the jersey that Elliott wore during the show was the one she/he gave to him.
That is what I had thought may have happened to Chris Sligh. Either way, he looked great in the jersey. Very nice picture.
First of all, I love the pic of Sligh in the Red Sox jersey.
I watched the first four seasons of American Idol only occasionally. Season 5 I watched all the way through and voted for Taylor Hicks (even though I felt that Elliot Yamin and Chris Daughtry were more talented). Taylor was just more entertaining. For season 6 Chris Sligh was my man and I voted for him about 300 times a night.
He seemed to be the standout male vocalist. I never went to any Idol Tour shows before this year, and the only reason that I went this year was to see and support Chris. I don’t know what’s in store for season 7, if much of anything for me. I put a lot of time and energy into supporting Chris and will continue to do so. This “light family entertainment” is probably not the true style of any of the Idols, and not the type of thing that I would normally pay to see. At a free summer concert in the park, maybe…….