Sorry the recap is so late peeps. I felt like I needed to watch the special over again, and I just could not bring myself to do that right away. It’s just as well, there’s a lot of information I’d like to include in the recap that wasn’t available last night.
ETA: Here’s an interesting post from Reality Blurred. Reuters tried to find out what portion of the monies raised came from corporate sponsors like AT&T, Ford and Coca-Cola, but the reporters were met with tight lips. Also, TMZ reported that Pink and Gwen Stefani’s videos were cut due to time constraints and will be shown later. Daniel Radcliffe’s people are still trying to find out what happened. (thanks dvls)
As of Thursday night, Idol Gives Back has raised $60 million. You can still donate at americanidol.com and at the IGB My Space page. Also, according to the AP article Bono’s organization, One has signed up 70,000 new members.
There’s some interesting stuff from the in-studio reporters from the LA Times Show Tracker and Entertainment Weekly’s Popwatch. Rupert Murdoch and his family were in the audience. Melinda Doolittle and Chris Richardson seemed to have a special bond. And, the audience murmured disapprovingly during the Celine/Elvis number.
I’m not sure how the in-studio audience were reacting, but in comments here on the blog, people were speculating about how Idol would manage to mix up what’s supposed to be a feel-good night of charitable giving with the tense and sometimes unhappy task of kicking a contestant to the curb.
In fact, our incomparable news hound, LisaB totally called it yesterday afternoon–speculating correctly that nobody would be eliminated Wednesday.
The most “shocking” boot in Idol history, really ended up being not all that shocking. Not only did Lisab predict what would happen, but in live chat Wednesday night, by mid-show, everyone was resigned to the fact that there would be no boot. Much of the discussion during the last hour of the special centered on the pros and cons of a bootless week.
It was also obvious to anyone who was watching carefully that the contestants understood what was happening. Watch back and see Phil and Chris’s Cheshire-cat grins as Ryan tells them they are safe. And watch Jordin giggle as she stands alone after Chris sits down. She only starts crying after the big group hug afterward.
Don’t get me wrong, I still think that the money and awareness raised by Idol Gives Back makes the special a good thing. However, it should have been a stand-alone show with the Top 6 fully participating. A separate 30 minute results show could have been scheduled for Thursday night–just like back in the semis.
I have to admit, I feel a little deprived without my boot this week. No talk show appearances. No post-boot appearances and no Top 5. It sounds a little self-centered in light of what Idol accomplished Wednesday night, I know. But consider this–they used the promise of an elimination to keep people tuned in to the very end. Really, pretty annoying if you ask me.
I say produce a special that will keep folks riveted because it’s enormously entertaining and ditch the cheesy reality show gimmicks–just this once.
I’m not going to recap the show scene by scene this week, but I will note some of the highlights and the low-lights.
Poor Ryan must have been nervous. Those of us watching the live show on the East coast saw him flub his opening line so badly, he had to start over. I don’t think that’s ever happened to him before. Ryan recovered quickly, pro that he is. The production itself seemed pretty precarious at times with several glitches and missed cues.
The Best: Jack Black and fellow Tenacious D bandmate Kyle Gass were absolutely hilarious. The judges comments during Jack’s “Kiss From a Rose” were awesome. The best line was from Paula, “The school of rock wants their diploma back.” Seal shows up to tell Jack it was the best version of “Kiss” that he’s ever heard. Jack leaves the stage singing Whitney Huston. Good stuff.
Also funny–Ben Stiller who vowed to sing “Reminiscing” by The Little River Band until IGB raises 200 billion dollars. He says, “We better get 
going or we won’t have time for musical acts like Kelly Clarkson and….uhhm….Pure Prairie League or whoever they got…”
More funny: The Simpsons cartoon critique of Simon singing The Pussycat Dolls. Lisa Simpson does the Paula Abdul seal clap. Simon winds up going through a trap door at the end. Bart says, “The lions haven’t eaten this well since Dunkelman.”
Musical highlights: Kelly Clarkson breaks out her inner-hippie with guitar legend Jeff Beck playing back-up. I have to say she wears it well. Kelly channels Janis Joplin as she belts out “Up To the Mountain,” with Beck laying down some tasty licks. Incredible. Kelly is here to stay.
Also good: Carrie Underwood’s clips from her trip to Africa set to her sweet rendition of Chrissy Hynde’s “I’ll Stand By You.”
Annie Lennox can’t quite hit the high notes she used to, but nobody can bring the emotion to a song like she can. I have to say I enjoyed her version of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” better than some others. And that’s all I’m sayin’.
Honorable Mention: Josh Groban sings “You Raise Me Up” with the absolutely adorable African Children’s Choir.
Bono and Dave Stewart wrote an inspirational song, sans schmaltz just for the Top 6 to sing on the special. Bono talks to the kids about his organization, One, in a video clip that introduces the number. I liked this song much more than Quincy Jones’ special group number, ”Time to Care,” which was basically “Up With People” with African beats.
Ellen Degeneres’ gentle humor struck just the right balance as she hosted the live concert from the Walt Disney concert hall in Anaheim. She stepped up to the plate mid-way through the show by publicly pledging $100,000 to the cause.
Now, for the not so good.
Seen better days: Earth Wind and Fire singing a medley of their hits. The kids would have pwned singing this medley as a group number with many many pointy poses.
Ew and ew again: Il Divo. Ugh. Who thought getting 4 boyband dudes together to sing treacly opera-light was a good idea? Oh yeah. Mr. taste-maker himself, Simon Cowell. It’s evil, I know, but I laughed through most of Il Dreadful over-singing “Somewhere” while audience members waved glowsticks. Video of little children blowing out candles meaning to signify the fact that every three seconds a child dies from extreme poverty only made the performance maudlin.
The “duet” between Celine Dion and Elvis Presley. As if Celine Dion doesn’t creep out enough on her own, she’s paired up with a CGI version of Elvis from his 1968 comeback special singing, “If I Can Dream.” Sure, the special effects are cool, particularly the way footage is made to look vintage. However, these back-from-the dead duets (Natalie Cole performed one with her father, Nat King Cole) just completely creep me out. Sorry.
Woven into the comedy bits, entreaties for donations, and musical performances are heartrending videos of the trips Ryan, Simon, Paula and Randy made to disadvantaged areas of the world.
We see more of Simon and Ryan in an African village slum where people die from malaria and aids by the hour under the most dreadful conditions imaginable. Paula, visits children at a local LA Boys and Girls club and comforts a little girl who breaks down describing how her mom works 3 jobs and still can’t pay the bills. Randy visits a FEMA trailer park where families are still, 2 years after Katrina, stuffed into tiny trailers. The kids can’t go out to play because of rampant crime and violence in the aftermath of the hurricane. An Idol crew interviews folks in Eastern Kentucky where half the adults have not finished high school and illiteracy is a wide-spread problem.
It’s pretty potent stuff, and it’s pretty manipulative too. But, if the videos compel viewers to dig in their pockets when they might not have otherwise, I’m ok with this particular manipulation. Next time, leave screwing with the contestants for another day.
The pre-special hype promised lots of celebrities, but most of them were featured as part of a very silly Ford video that had them lip-syncing to “Staying Alive”. I don’t know about you, but I was expecting a few of these folks to actually be there in the studio for the special, which would have packed a lot more punch, I think. I have no idea what happened to Pink, Gwen Stefani, Sacha Cohen and Daniel Radcliffe either–all were advertised as guests, none appeared.
The lack of star-power does not bode well for post-show water cooler talk, which is important if they decide to do this again next year. I also would’ve liked to see more ex-Idols involved with the effort. Maybe it’s just a superfan talking here, but how about Quincy Jones directing a “We Are the World” style number with as many ex-Idols as the producers can round up? No? It’s just me? Or maybe, gather all the winners together for a group number. At least include more Idols–particularly the popular ones–as participants.
Nigel and Ken make a huge deal about forcing the weekly guests to work with the kids as a caveat to pimping their latest whatever on the Wednesday night boot show. Why stop there? TPTB should remember not to stray from what made the show so popular in the first place.
Two contestants will be booted next week. The voting totals will be likely cut in half–it’s a good bet that whoever was in the bottom two this week will be booted next week, regardless of how the contestants perform. Then, the two will go off on their publicity rounds together, I suppose. The Top 5 is also the week where the contestants are able to tackle two songs each. It’s going to be tough to fit 12 songs in an hour, however.
It will be interesting to see how the producers handle Top 6 Part 2.
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No, it not just you! This is EXACTLY how I feel also. Ex-idols performing a “We Are the World” type number would have been perfect, and the more they could round up to participate, the better! But no, the producers continue to ignore their past cast members and believe that their audience gives a crap about seeing these “supastahs” that they bring on. My favorite part of the show was the Carrie Underwood video.
I checked some Harry Potter & Dan Radcliffe sites to see if anyone found out why Dan’s video wasn’t shown, but they don’t really know either. The most informative is this from http://www.danradcliffe.co.uk/07news_260407.html
After speaking on the phone with a Unit Publicist for American Idol, it was confirmed for us that some of the celebrities clips were not shown due to lack of time. There was so much content, but only two hours to fit it all in. Alternatively, he mentioned that there are plans to air some of the missed videos in their season finale episode which will air on 23rd May. Gwen Stefani’s management also confirmed this information according to my local pop radio station this morning. I have just been in touch with Dan’s Publicist, and they are also mystified, and trying to get an explanation. WATCH THIS SPACE!
I agree with you about past Idol participation. I think many (most?) who watch Idol are fans of the show and its contestants, present and past. A group number would have been great. Even some commentary from one or two of the winners would have made someone like me sit up and listen.
And I assume you meant a number with past Idol winners would have been Kelly, Ruben, Fantasia, Carrie and Chris Daughtry, right? (OK, mj. Saw-ree! I just could not resist!
)
I am totally with you on your review of this show.
Il Divo = ZZzzzzzzz.
I’ve read the same thing about Pink. Her clip was pre-recorded and it was going to be dropped when they found that the show was going to run too long.
I’ve read a lot of complaints about Pink, Gwen, Daniel and Borat failing to show up (like they just couldn’t be bothered). If it’s true that their bits were cut due to time constraints, I think that the show owes an explanation because these people were trying to help out the cause and it’s not their fault they were not shown. They don’t deserve the bad reputation. It will look even worse if they “show up” for later episodes without the explanation (but that would destroy the illusion of it being “live”).
I enjoyed most of the show. I love your idea of idol alum doing a “We are the World” type song. Don’t be surprised if next year AI steals your idea. I too enjoyed Annie Lennox’ rendition of “Bridge…” to me she kept with the true emotion of the song. It really isn’t a belt it to the rafters kinda song. After all isn’t there a line that says, I will ease your mind, not make your ears bleed! Just sayin’. I was verklempt! I think that with some of these ideas implemented this could/should be a yearly event. In the long run if it will save one life, educate one child, keep a family together and safe what else matters?
I agree, MJ. The AI alumni would’ve done a better job than Il Dreadfuls & Earth, Wind & Tired.
A We Are the World with past idols would rock! I could see that raising *tons* of money on iTunes too. They should’ve asked your opinion, mj. :) I would much rather see that, than all these stars up there. And I hope that all those celebrities that got their faces on the show, also gave. I’d hate to think they did it just to make themselves look good. I really appreciate what Ellen said - her challenge to her celebrity friends and her donation.
Anyway, that show was absolutely heartbreaking. They definitely raised awareness, and I hope the money they raised is used wisely.
Great recap, mj! :)
As would I, but I’m a fan of the show. Wasn’t part of the purpose of having all these other stars on IGB to draw in new viewers so that more money would be donated?
Normally, I oppose all these other artists coming on AI to sell their latest CD and who do not even bother to coach, but in this case, for the cause, I can see why the did it. The Idol faithful would tune in regardless. This was a way to attract Annie, Bono, Madonna, etc fans to the telethon.
BTW I really appreciated that it seemed that the stars sang songs they were not currently trying to schill. That made it all about the giving and less about trying to use it as an opportunity to move units.
Of course, if time permitted, it would be great to have both new stars and the former Idols doing a “We are the World” type tribute. Maybe next year.
All in all, I was not impressed with the show. There wasn’t enough Idols for me and a lot of the guest left much to be desired. A group number would have been great. Il Divo was horrible! I thought my ears were going to start bleeding! Simon thinks these guys a great and that Sanjaya has no talent! Who gave him all this power anyway? Oh, that’s right, we did! Also, Simon did not come off very well in the African video clips. He kept saying how deplorable the conditions were IN FRONT of the people who have to live there and probably think they did a great job considering what they had to work with. It felt like he was slapping them in the face and leaving them there while he went back to his comfy hotel room for a night cap. It just left a bad taste in my mouth.
On a lighter note, it was great seeing Sanjaya and sis in the audience. Did you see their reaction when Simon said that Jack Black was better than Sanjaya? Sanjaya thought it was funny but sis was NOT amused!
I read somewhere that the rehersal took 3 hours, so they had to cut some stuff out
MJ–
I agreed with everything you said about Tuesday’s show, and almost agree with everything you said about Wednesday’s.
I actually enjoy Il Divo. I’m a guy so their looks don’t do anything for me, but I actually enjoy their music and their harmonies.
And call me crazy but I loved the Celine/Elvis thing. I immediately downloaded it off iTunes and I keep playing it over and over. I thought it was amazing and it definitely gave me goosebumps.
I can understand why you could get turned off by those two segments, but I just wanted to throw out that someone out there in “tee vee land” actually enjoyed them!
And for the record, I have no problem with the celebrities not telling how much they actually gave (if at all). They would be open to way too much criticism if they were associated with a number. When would enough be enough to satisfy everyone? Especially with Simon?
Thanks for all the blogs, MJ.
Oh and I totally guessed the nobody’s eliminated thing about halfway during the show too.
I wonder if a 3 person finale rather than a top 6 part 2 episode would have worked better and gotten more TEE VEE RATINGS!
Okay, totally aside from the manipulative efforts of AI teasing us with a shocking boot to get viewers to stay riveted to a show that might otherwise have suffered in the ratings and props to MJ for suggesting an Idol-winner group number (props from here, too!), did anyone else think that Teri Hatcher (in her first appearance, extreme closeup) looked an awful lot like Michael Jackson?
Also, with regard to the Idol performances on Tuesday (and I hesitate to say this because I am a card-carrying member of Team Plaid), but did anyone else think that when Blake sang “imagine all the people” it sounded like he said “imagine all the BEEPLE”? Don’t get me wrong, I lovelovelove Blake and he’s my hometown guy (I live in Portland and go to school in Seattle) and found his rendition of “Imagine” quite lovely and moving, but I sorta wish he would have annunciated that ‘P’ a little more. Seriously, go to youtube and watch it.
I too think the “We Are the World” song with ex-Idols (not only the ones that won) would be great. However, this year I do not think they had ample time. I mean several are in the middle of tours and probably could not break dates (ex. Taylor, Daughtry, Kellie Pickler, Bucky…). However, if they choose to do this or some other charity show next year, I think that would be awesome.
Although I enjoyed some of the performances (Kelly Clarkson & Jeff Beck, Annie Lennox…), I could not help feeling this show was rushed in being put together. I would have liked to see it better edited and them actually use the contestants a bit more. However, I am all for a show using its popularity for good things, so not bad for a first time try.
Has the show ever wedged twelve performances into a single hour? In the last couple of seasons, it seems like ten has been the maximum for one hour. This season, the first week of the final rounds (Top 12) was a two hour show, and the Top 11 show was an hour and a half. I think they did the same last season.
Which leads me to ask if anyone knows what is scheduled for next Tuesday. More than an hour long show? If it’s just an hour, will we simply get a repeat of the Top Six format, with one performance per singer? I’d be sorry to miss the Top Five format - I think the show gets more interesting when the contestants have to start singing multiple songs. It’s more of a test of stamina and imagination - we get to see who is shrewd about picking songs that contrast yet complement each other v. who offers two redundant efforts. As well as who can rehearse and sing two songs without straining the voice, etc.
Since I can’t edit, I meant to say “with one performance per singer.” Sheesh.
The Elvis duet was more than creepy. Don’t mess with the King. Ever.
Likewise, all the stars really seemed to kind of encroach on what the show is all about. I dare say it legitimizes Idol a little too much.
Oh, I know - huge ratings, churning out stars, etc. etc. etc. Yes, there are big ratings because it’s cheesy, schlocky, reality talent-show material and it’s entertaining because of it. As for churning out successful stars - they do that on their own after the show, all Idol gives them is a jump start. All the stars in the audience and in the taped pieces made it seem too Hollywood. Certainly a noble cause (I would’ve liked to have more focus on issues here at home than abroad), but it was annoying.
I totally agree with what has been said about how effective an ex-Idol cast singing “We Are The World” would be and agree that most Idol fans are like me, fans from back to Season 1. That would have been so much better than what was served up. Il Divo was just one big group yawn and I feel like if Simon and Garfinkel were listening that they would be appalled with Annie Lennox’s screechy voice. Clay Aiken would have been 10 times better (I love his rendition of Bridge Over Troubled Water) and people could relate to the fact that Clay, himself has done so much volunteer work around the world and wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty in the process. And, the Celine/Elvis duet could at best be called horrendous.
I usually find Josh Groban boring, but thought he came alive during his singing with the children.
EW & F were dreary.
Carrie was sweet.
Celine & Elvis I found sort of interesting, like that PBS special where these reprised old concerts of his with a new live concert of his living bandmembers intercut.
On the other hand, I found Annie Lennox playing the piano and singing BOTW tedious. I know Clay was getting an award in NY that night, but I much have preferred his reprising his inspirational version with a children’s choir.
In fact I’d have loved if all ex-Idols from RJ Helton to Elliott Yamin and were asked to participate in a group number. They would have been fantastic.
I agree. I think the contest gets much more interesting/exciting when there are multiple performances per night. In addition to what you mentioned, it also allows the Idols the opportunity to try something new/step out of their box with one of their numbers.
YES! Well, maybe not Michael Jackson, but definitely a guy in drag. And totally trying too hard to be sexy.
And let me add my vote to the minority: I thought the Celine/Elvis duet was neato! Which makes ME neato!
I hope that we don’t get cheated out of the two songs per singer top five format as well. Buggers.
Teri Hatcher’s make up was applyed with the make gun set on “ho” that Haley used.
The best parts of Wednesday’s show, to me, were:
a) Kelly Clarkson. She freaking OWNED the night, IMO. Incredible. She gave me chills. If she did a blues album somewhere down the road, I’d be all over that. And she’s COMING TO ORLANDO ON TOUR! this year! Yes!!!
b) Carrie’s sweet and incredibly moving montage of her trip to Africa. I found myself moved to tears a couple times… she has such a gentle spirit and a tender heart, you can just tell. What a great role model.
c) Josh Groban with the African Children’s Choir. Another one that moved me to tears a couple times. I think he has an AMAZING voice, and that whole performance was just touching. Those kids were absolutely precious. What joy they have… amazing.
d) Jack Black was freaking hilarious. Period. End of story.
e) Blake being declared safe. Whether they were kicking someone off or not, I love the smile on his face when he’s declared safe. (/fangirlyness)
Going back to Tuesdays’s show. I loved Melinda a lot at the beginning, kind of fell off the wagon a little, but I am fully back on now. I finally realized this week that the thing I love so much about Melinda is the complete, unfiltered joy she has when she sings. She just lights up when she’s doing what she loves, and you can tell that she loves doing it. I can’t wait to see her live.
I am all over a Melinda/Blake finale. I want that so bad I can almost taste it. What a show that would be… now, if TPTB and their agendas would just get out of the way.
I actually enjoyed Earth, Wind, and Fire (reminds me of my youth), Il Divo, and Celine/Elvis (I guess they were right that he’s alive
). I liked the comedy bits because they lightened the mood a little. I’m not so sure the former Idols we’d like to see do a group number would actually want to.
Melinda & Chris?
If they only have everyone do 1 song next week which I’d expect, maybe they can show the clips that they cut from the special.
I have to say that Il Divo is one of the cheesiest acts to come along in the last 10 years, in all of their nipped, tucked, and fake-tanned glory.
The best: Kelly C.
The Worst: EW&F
I did not find the Jack Black skit that funny, but I was LMAO at the Simpsons cartoon thingy they did.
Josh Groban’s song is called “You Raise Me Up” :)
I actually attending, “Elvis - The Concert” on the 25th Anniversary of his death and it was fantastic but sad! The sound quality and video was excellent and for a minute you forgot that he was no longer with us.
For an Elvis fan, this was the highlight of the show! Overall, it is getting positive reviews and this week is the most downloaded video on iTunes. It was good for the younger generation to see what we appreciated many years ago. Celine did a nice job, so I have no complaints there.
I agree, it was terrific seeing Kelly and carrie there but a group performance would have made so many Idol fans happy. A group effort would show some type of unity with the special people involved with a single goal.
Overall, I would give the show a B.
The best: tied Kelly/Carrie
The worst: Annie Lennox. I love Annie Lennox, but I was embarrassed for her on Wed.
Just as a side note…
I joined the ONE campaign and bought some bracelets. They come in packs of 10. I plan to give them to all of my friends as presents…what an awesome gift. I’ll have no problem finding 10 people that mean the most to me; in fact, I’ll probably buy more. For $1 a piece, it’s not all that much to ask, and if everyone spends $10, think of the difference it could make.
I’ve been watching American Idol rewind and I think Kelly Clarkson was shouty at spots and pitchy at spots and the standards were a lot lower then. If she came on this year she probably would have been eliminated already. Jordin isn’t overrated, the standards are just higher now. I’ve come to that conclusion.
I really liked Carrie’s version of I’ll Stand By You. I actually bought it off of iTunes.
I totally agree about including past Idol contestants in one big number. I watch this show for the Idols, not to see “supastahs.” There’s a place for that.
Jordin is most definitely overrated. She can almost never stay on pitch for a whole song. That usually helps when singing. I’ve also been watching Idol Rewind, and Kelly never had that problem.
Kelly totally schooled every contestant sitting on those couches with her performance this past Wednesday night. THAT, my friends, is how it’s done. There has never been, and never will be, another contestant quite like her.