The Season 7 Top 50 Idol contestants were whittled down to the Top 24 this past Tuesday in Pasadena. The names of the contestants who made the Top 24 leaked shortly thereafter. Contestant Shaun Barrows was rumored to have not made the cut. VoteForTheWorst is reporting that Shaun has confirmed being cut from the competition via his myspace.
Hey, he’s not supposed to do that, is he? From what I understand, the Hollywood contestants are not only vetted within an inch of their lives, but they also sign very stiff non-disclosure agreements that do not allow them to reveal any Idol secrets for a period of time.
Hmmm….
Here’s is Shaun’s message:
Well, I made it to the top 48 and got cut. They’re not looking for a whole lot of variety this year, as all the contestants who made it through are either rockers or 16 and the type they can mold into whatever they want. But I caught a glimpse at the contract the top 24 has to sign, and i’m glad i didn’t have to sign it. If I made it to the top 24, they would own me for 3 years no matter how far i made it, and if I had won, they would make big changes to my music. I got a pretty good feel for what they’re looking for, and they don’t want artists who already have an established sound–all my favorite contestants who I thought were great songwriters with a unique artisticsound were also cut today. I’m once again in full control of my music career, and I’m very relieved I’m out.
So it was a great experience and I got what I needed out of it. Now, it’s on to Celine Dion or whatever else comes my way. I’ll be releasing this new album soon, probably in March, and will hit the road again to tour soon after. Thanks for the support and I hope to see you all soon!
Rockers and 16 year olds? I’m down with the rockers. But the 16 year olds? Not so much.
thanks poporange
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And here I thought that Shaun Barrows was the one new bright light for me this season. I love his mellow undertones..kinda bluesy/jazzy.
I hear the sounds of the AI lawyers shuffling papers and making calls to one Mr. Shaun Barrows. I bet that myspace post disappears pretty quickly.
Folks,
Go to Shaun Barrows’ MYSPACE and have a listen to his original music. It’s wickedly good IMHO. Has a Billy Joel and some Harry Connick Jr. type feel to it.
Which is probably why they cut him — they’re not looking for these type of music.
The guy who would probably meet AI’s “criteria” would be the David Archuleta type — someone mouldable and easy to sell to the crowd who listens to pop and buys CD’s.
Same is true for the women — they’re looking for the Rihanna, the Fergie, or the diva type of singers.
Ever since Taylor Hicks got away with it, they won’t take anymore chances on these “rogue” stylists.
Aw that sucks. Seems like they’re looking for another Daughtry. Well, hello, Michael Johns!
TPTB are trying to reclaim Idol’s old glory, but what they fail to admit (or realize) is that Taylor Hicks, and diversity, in general, MADE Season 5 one of the most entertaining seasons ever.
AI’s audience erosion has been greater amongst the younger crowd (teens and early 20s). Perhaps this is their attempt to bring back those audiences? They got a 17 year old winner last year, but no offense to Jordin, but she doesn’t look 17 and her singing style on the show seemed to skew older.
Perhaps they are going solidly for a younger star this year? Expect more current themes if they do.
Why do I get the impression that TPTB keep learning the wrong lessons? I agree that diversity is better. When one has to hear the 3rd Hannah Montana clone of the night singing the same sort of song, it will get old fast. I may not have liked everybody in S5, but the variety kept it interesting. I think last year had some diversity issues as well.
I totally agree. AI5 top 10 had a real variety of people and I felt that all of them had talent. They were unique.. Soul singers, honkey tonk singers, country singers, broadway singers, pop singers, rockers… the only thing they didn’t have was a rocker girl. I guess this season is the year of the teen/tween… This should be interesting - for my daughters - probably not so much for me. Time will tell!!!
The older Idol female audience is large and it’s powerful when moved. I mean, what 12 year old can afford to spend hundreds of dollars on a go phone to catapult their favorite to the next level? But like most of the advertising world, I suspect TPTB aren’t interested in their older viewers.
In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if they wouldn’t mind an erosion in their overall audience, as long as the 18-34 (or younger) demo grows larger…
I really think Micahel Johns is the chosen one this year, thus they removed any possible threat to him. You have to remember he is australian and lives in LA, so he is going to need all those votes thrown to him. He is not a southerner and people may not identify from where he is from.
IMO they also cut guys like Colton Swon and Brandon Green just because they could take away votes from Michael. They are both talented young guys from the South. Think about it.
By the way I don’t have any problem with Michael winning, I think he is extremely talented and good looking. He was not my favorite but I will admit the guy has superb skills. He will probably be the next Daughtry in terms of sales and success.
I am just sad that guys like Colton and Brandon were not given a chance to perform for the voting public. JMHO.
Have they shown him yet? I don’t remember him..
Shaun Barrowes may have the vocal chops to make it in the music industry, but he isn’t that unique sounding and he doesn’t have the kind of pitch that usually distinguishes AI winners (with the exception of Taylor, whose performance skills and skill at arranging made up for his lack of vocal control.)
It’s interesting to hear Shaun’s original material. When I hold Your hand sounds like it belongs on a Paul McCartney album circa 1980. And it’s not just the song– Shaun’s intonation sounds identical to Paul’s.
Shaun Barrowes is good, but I agree, they don’t want anyone in the competition this time around who doesn’t fit a specific market niche. I think they want to create another Daughtry, only this time, he must win. So, yeah, they eliminate the guys who might draw votes away from the chosen one (if Michael Johns is TCO), and inundate us with interchangeable blonds.
As for Shaun, I’ll be he’s been “contacted” already and advised to take down this message. It’s a clear violation of the confidentiality agreement I’m sure he signed and gives away an important element of the “drama.” Love him for doing that!
I really think Micahel Johns is the chosen one this year
That would make me happy!
I agree completely with his statement. There really isn’t much diversity at all with the contestants this year. I have looked and listened to the people who made it, trust me, there really are no standouts unlike last year or the year before. I am really concerned that AI doesn’t want diversity anymore or even trying to find the best talent anymore in different types of music. AI5 was the best season as far as talent and the most interesting, I wish they would learn from that season. This season is just about cookie cutter white kids.
I agree about the talent in AI5, but I also loved Season 4.
Cookie cutter - oh no! There is so much talk about the professionals making it to TOP 12, but the possibility that they are deliberately cutting the competition really makes me sick! Did I say that?
The interns read the message boards, but it does not mean TPTB understand what is being said. Somewhere along the way, its fans are not as important, as long as they buy certain products and text message votes.
If true, this makes me angry. If they want to choose him, just sign him already. But please, don’t impose someone on the voting viewers if someone else wins just because you don’t like the winner if it isn’t your chosen one.
We expect AI to support the eventual winner to its utmost, not ignore him/her if they didn’t like the result.
Wow… I could’ve sworn the premise of American Idol was for AMERICA to choose the winner not the judges and producers. I know, that’s really funny isn’t it? Well that’s what TPTB say it is - we all know differently.
I heard an interview with Elliott the other day and he talked about the AI5 crew and their life on the raod a little. It really was interesting when he said that they hardly ever saw Chris because they were flying him around or flying people in to work with him. Maybe Taylor didn’t want to work on his cd while the tour was going on but it just seemed to me if they were going to be jetting anyone around it would’ve been Taylor. I’m not trying to start something here but it really did show that no matter how the voters vote, TPTB have their own agenda. If the voters support their choice - great. If they don’t, the winner kinda gets screwed… jmo.
And boo hoo for me… my little farmboy Drew appears to be cut. :(
Sarah would probably know best what the rules are there since she’s been through it all…
They were flying Chris around because he and Kellie got their albums out first. I’m pretty sure Taylor refused to work on the album while on the summer tour. I remember thinking what a huge mistake that was but as times has passed, it’s possible it didn’t make much difference. There was enough S5 buzz so most of them had good opening weeks no matter when they released.
I used to think releasing their album first was a winner’s right. But if there’s no buzz that doesn’t matter much either. I doubt Blake releasing his album ahead of Jordin’s would have affected sales at all.
I think one of the teens will be TCO this season.
Oh I know that. I never heard for sure if Taylor refused to work on his cd. It’s just yet another reminder to me that everyone is only happy if TCO happens to be the voters choice. Sometimes it happens (Carrie) and sometimes it doesn’t.
itsalleternal - I actually am not sure how everything works at this stage… I’ve auditioned twice and never made it to the judges, and a friend of mine who auditioned only made it to the last cut right before the top 40/44/50/whatever it is.
Maybe next year though! ;)
Little Boy Blue
Jan 26th, 2008 at 10:40 am
I really think Micahel Johns is the chosen one this year
That would make me happy!
If true, this makes me angry. If they want to choose him, just sign him already. But please, don’t impose someone on the voting viewers if someone else wins just because you don’t like the winner if it isn’t your chosen one.
We expect AI to support the eventual winner to its utmost, not ignore him/her if they didn’t like the result.
Don’t get your drawers in a bunch, LBB.
I was also a Taylor supporter; but I do like MJ.
NOLA,
Here’s my point — if this is a fair competition ( and I’d like to believe it is, but am increasingly tending to believe it isn’t ). There SHOULDN’T be TCO. It’s that simple.
TCO is the one chosen by what they say is the way it should be — BY THE VOTERS. And if the voters choose him/her, he/she is TCO.
That’s my point. Now if Michael Johns HAPPENS to be who the voters want, well and good, but please, no favoratisms.
BTW, I just had a second listen to the two original compositions he had in his MYSPACE and I have to admit I’ve become a fan and am really curious as to how the entire album he produced entitled — BIG BANG THEORY — will result.
My take on the two songs in his myspace site ( which I heard, he composed, played, performed and arranged himself ) :
“When I Take Your Hand” has an appealing quality to it. It’s just a tender-hearted ballad which is reminiscent of a more innocent age when love was, well… romantic. His piano touch and artistry and mellow voice ( which reaches the high registers effortlessly ) make the song sound quite charming. It could be played in many weddings IMHO.
Adding to the versatility of the sound is the second song — FADE. The sound is funky and is a fusion of jazz-rock, with a dazzling interplay of hand drums and guitar riffs. You cannot help but bob and weave your head at the rhythm of the song.
The Idol judges just didn’t realize what they let go of by passing on this magnificent talent. I’ll be catching his CD when it gets released on February 12.
Wouldn’t it be ironic if he became a big hit and the judges had to eat crow for cutting him ?
Who are you talking about LBB? Whose myspace music?
Incidentally, I agree with what you say about TCO but I’ve resigned myself to the fact that (according to TPTB of course) sometimes the voters get it right and sometimes they don’t. TPTB act accordingly.
This entire thread is discussing the Ai contestant, Shaun Barrows, so obviously I’m talking about him.
Whoever posted this blog didn’t spell his name right. It’s Shaun Barrowes with an ES. So if anyone couldn’t find his website or myspace page, that’s why…
He actually wrote a blog about people misspelling his name:
http://shaunbarrowes.blogspot.com/
i thought that was pretty funny!