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Posted on 01/15/2007 3:32:39 PM PST by silent_jonny
"There's a reason they make more than one flavor of everything. Vanilla is good. Not all the time. What I see with only a couple of exceptions is very boring this time around."
Agree completely.
I imagine they do and it probably gets worse each year. HAs any past contestant, that made it into the top 12 written a tell all book? Taylor has a book out or coming out, anyone know if he goes into the happenings behind the scenes or not?
I'm inclined to agree with you.
That's probably forbidden in the contract.
Dixie Who? The Handwriting Is on the Wall
The knee-jerk vote by liberal Grammy members wanting to send the White House and Nashville and country radio a large middle finger about the alleged persecution and martyrdom of the trio also effectively poisoned the well for other deserving artists in the five categories the Chicks swept ...One major survivor of the very mixed Grammy Awards evening is a young artist who is pretty much right now the new face of country music, just as the Dixie Chicks are pretty much the old face of country music. Underwood was the first country artist to capture the best new artist award since LeAnn Rimes 11 years ago ...
In backstage press questioning, Underwood didn't wilt as she refused to be drawn into a Dixie Chicks controversy about who was giving the finger to whom. I couldn't make this up, but this is what she said when asked about the Chicks "giving the finger" to the country music establishment: "Next question, please. I don't like talking about anyone giving the finger."
Well, all right. That's refreshing in an age of increasing vulgarity. It also shows a lot more grace and class than Natalie Maines' clueless and rude invoking of the Simpson's "heh-heh" in her little country Grammy acceptance speech.
Does it sound like I like Carrie Underwood? Well, I do. I think she's genuine and charming. Her style is emerging, and she will grow into the mature artist that she is not yet. But at this stage in her career, I can see a bit of Reba and Dolly in her, and I think that says much about her.
Great job, Carrie! 
shows a lot more grace and class than Natalie Maines' clueless and rude invoking of the Simpson's "heh-heh" in her little country Grammy acceptance speech.
Did Maines' say "ha-ha!" like Nelson Muntz? 
What an obnoxious toad she is.
How interesting that Chris Sligh is the son of missionaries. That is certainly a different background for an AI contestant.
But, for how long? Forever?
Well, he got in a lot of good stuff and amongst it was a couple of slaps at Hollywood and their precious Dipsy **its. He joked about how it was strange that a group that hadn't been heard much on country stations since DJ's weren't playing them, and a group whose tickets sales were way down, could win so many awards. He made it plain that they got those awards for their negative stand on President Bush and Iraq. Then when Leno asked him about the Oscars, Miller kept it up and said the Dipsy **its will win, of course! It was pretty good.
Yes, they showed a clip of it on the news here. She's such a cow.
They keep showing that clip over and over on the TV guide channel. blech to them.
Found this and thought everyone might like to see/read it.
American Idol: A Sharp, A Flat, Where they stand and what they SHOULD NOT SING!
http://idolheaded.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=9
Idol Articles The first week of the semi-finals sets the tone for the whole deal. If you come out strong the first week, you can phone in the second two weeks and usually be okay. If you pull a Stevie Scott, you are GONE! Last year, we had a lot more female frontrunners, Kat, Kellie, Mandisa, Paris, Lisa…we knew who every single one of those was. AND more importantly, we knew how they sang. By the semi-finals, all five of those females had formidable fan bases. This year, we have Melinda Doolittle and Gina Glocksen, with a little Jordin Sparks on the side. Melinda is the only one on the same plane as Kat, Kellie or Mandisa were.
Our boys are a little trickier. Everybody loves Sanjaya. Everybody loves Chris Sligh. Everybody loved Sundance Head, Hollywood’s got him shakey, but we know who he is! We know Phil Stacey missed the birth of his daughter, shoot we’ve even seen Phil Stacey’s daughter, but who the heck is Haley Scarnato? Blake Lewis might as well be are cousin we’ve seen him so much. I’m not going to even go on, sans like 2, we know our guys this year. My question is, why? Why do we know all the guys? To what end? Are the girls gonna surprise the pants off of us? I hope so, because they are sure looking bleak so far.
Let us look at who is likely and least likely to get through based on what we know now……
GIRLS:
(1) Melinda Doolittle- 29- “For Once in My Life” & “This is It” Everybody loves her. To me she is the only female front runner and the only lock on the 12. It’s funny, because all the lyrics she has sung so far on the show really convey her journey and her determination. She needs to be confident in her amazing talent! I fear she could lose steam before the top 5. Not because she isn’t talented, because I think the guys are going to start picking the girls off like flies.
Should sing: If it aint broke don’t fix it. I think she is fine to open with a Stevie number!
Should not sing: Alicia Keys. And that goes for everybody!
(2) Gina Glockson- 22- “Black Velvet” We know more about her than any other female and she has a fan base from last season. I thought her “Power of Love” audition last year was far better than this year’s “Black Velvet.” To me, she and Melinda are the only 2 girls who are starting in good standing for the top 12. Her initial audition seemed rushed, but her vocals have held strong. It will take her screwing up to ruin her chances. Let’s hope the bit of attitude she showed in Hollywood is chalked up to determination by most viewers.
Should sing: Something with a rock edge that wasn’t sung by Nikki Mckibbon. I think Aerosmith’s “Cryin’” could be a great choice.
Should not sing: “Black Velvet” or “Piece of My Heart”
(3) Jordin Sparks- 17- “Because You Loved Me” & “Some Kind of Wonderful” Every time Jordin has been shown singing, she has been consistent and brought it home. If Lisa can pull it off last season, there is no reason Jordin shouldn’t. She’s got a bigger voice than Lisa and seems like a more versatile performer. Anyone who can sell Celine Dion right off the bat and go seamlessly from head to chest at that age is good to go.
Should sing: I’d love to hear something a bit edgier from Jordin, but I don’t think that will happen anytime soon. We’ve never heard “Because You Loved Me” really hit out of the park on this show, but I still feel like it’s a little old for her. Maybe open with something more modern, it’s tricky when you’re 17.
Should Not Sing: Dreamgirls! Or a random Gretchen Wilson song, that happened some last season. Don’t you pull a Lisa or a Kinnik!
Thus ends our sure bets for the females….the rest are my best guesses.
(4) Lakisha Jones- 27- “Think” & ‘Till You Come Back to Me” She’s honest, she’s real, and she can sing. I have this feeling that she wouldn’t handle theme weeks well once in the 12, I have no clue why, just a feeling, but if she turns in 3 great performances she should get the chance to prove me wrong. She’s got a fire about her, and from what I’ve found online, already a fan base.
Should Sing: Aretha is a safe bet for her first round. I’m gonna go with the Kelly Clarkson clause. (If it Aint broke….) I’d love to hear her sing Mary J. Blige or Keshia Cole next. Maybe a little Heather Headley.
Should not Sing: “Heat Wave” If I have to hear that song again I will burst.
(5) Antonella Barba- 20- Half of the Jersey friends who I wasn’t amazingly impressed with during the group performance, but her initial audition was great. She had wonderful control, and if she picks a great song she should go far. She already has fan sites online, just like the 4 girls before her. She’s going to have to prove herself after that Hollywood week though.
Should Sing: Something more modern. They’d never get the rights, but I could imagine her busting out with Beyonce’s “Listen.” If she did that right her spot would be secure. I’m going to have to go with Christina’s “Voice Within.” Someone has to do that song justice after last season. Go big or go home.
Should Not Sing: “Too Little, Too Late” Jojo Though it would be fun word play if she went home. “Hero” Mariah Carey or “Unwritten” Natasha Bedingfield
The 6th spot is TRULY up for grabs. We know who a couple of them are, but not to the point where Alaina would have garnered an actual viable fan base. To all of them: Don’t sing: “Hero,” “Saved the Best for Last,” “Last Dance,” “I’m Every Woman,” “Fallin’,” “If I Aint Got You,” “Black Velvet,” “I Will Always Love You,” “With a Broken Wing,” or “Against all Odds.”
THE REST: (In Most Likely Order)
1. Nicole Tranqillo- 20- “This is It” Who? Uh oh. She better knock us out of the park like Kelly Clarkson did. From the little clip we saw, it seems like she can. She had a joy when she was singing that made her fun to watch. I like her and her voice was great. I think she may be our big surprise.
2. Amy Krebs- 22- “Till You Come back to Me” She has a Musical theatre background, and the first time we saw her was the Hollywood show. She has a great voice, and she’s a nice girl. However, she’s gonna have to shine like the Chrysler building to get through. She’s a bit forgettable.
3. Hayley Scarnato- 24 “It’s All Coming Back to Me” Pretty girl, nice girl, she was pretty good during the clip, but Kelly Clarkson shouldn’t shake in her boots just yet. Shoot, Kelly Clarkson doesn’t need to shake in her boots no matter what. Hayley is going to have a lot to prove with her first performance out.
4. Alaina Alexander- 24- “Feeling Good” This is her last chance on her singing career. Her first audition was real shakey bakey, and pitchy. Seriously, just all over the place. She made Rex’s version of the song on Canadian Idol sound pitch perfect. Hollywood was not much improvement. She has a lot of nerves she needs to control. If she is as experienced as she says, she needs to prove it. She is quoted saying it is tough to get over her insecurities, well now is the time!
5. Stephanie Edwards- 19- “Till You Come Back to Me” It’s anyone’s game for the females. We don’t frickin’ know who any of them are. They must really be gunning for the males, because some females are going to have to grow on us quick or we’ll have an all male top 5. She was strong on the short clip we saw, but she has some belters we already know about to contend with.
6. Sabrina Sloan- 27 Man, they gotta start showing us more of these people. They didn’t show us but a few girls, and most of the ones they showed they cut. What’s the point? I wanna know more about Sabrina!!! Show me more!!! I’ve got a good feeling about Sabrina and I have no idea why.
7. Leslie Hunt- 24- “Till You Come Back” Her voice was tentative, careful, and still a bit pitchy. I was not a fan. Not a fan at all. This girl needs to pick the song of her life to stay in the game come next week.
THE BOYS:
This is going to be a fight to the finish! There is no usual lump of weak link males! It’s crazy! This is the strongest male talent we’ve ever seen all in one bunch. I’m excited!
(1) Chris Sligh- 28 “Kiss from a Rose” & “How Deep is Your Love” & ‘To Love a Woman” It’s certainly an improvement on Constantine’s version for the Seal song. Blake, Rudy, and this guy are a band of supportive brothers all acknowledging each other on their interviews. Chris has a great personality, he’s lovable, and I think he has a great voice. I’d be shocked if this guy didn’t make the top 12. Or the top 3 for that matter.
Should Sing: “Kiss from a Rose” of something Blessid Union of Souls or a Meatloaf ballad
Should Not Sing: Nothing boy band.
(2) Sanjaya Malakar- 17 “Signed Sealed Delivered” This kid is talented, and if I had to sit through Kevin Covais last season then there is no reason in heaven or hell that Sanjaya shouldn’t make the top 12. I’m gonna vote for him myself if he continues to do well. Nicest kid ever!
Should Sing: Stevie! Why the heck not. I’d love to hear him sing “If You Really Love Me” ala Elliott.
Should Not Sing: Overdon- I mean “Overjoyed” or “My Cherie Amour”
(3) Blake Lewis- 25 “Crazy” & “How Deep is Your Love” He is confident, likeable, and we heard him sing a little and it was pretty good, him and the group of guys pulled of the best Hollywood group performance we’ve ever seen, but his beat box can only get him so far. If he sings well next week, he should be in like flin. He has an interesting tone to his voice, and I think I like it.
Should Sing: Gavin Degraw’s “Chariot” or anything Jason Mraz that way he can use his beat boy skills to cram in all those Jason lyrics.
Should Not Sing: Justin Timberlake
The rest of the guys are going to need to go in for the kill. We know most of them, and they are ALL pretty good! To me, these last three spots are up for grabs.
(4) Sundance Head- 28- “Stormy Monday” His initial audition was awesome, well paced, and controlled. But now, he’s on shakey ground, and he knows it’s for good reason. He was straining so bad he made Rudy’s straining look like a pile of daisies. This once frontrunner better have not a single issue come next week. If he messes up yet again, I think he’ll be gone. But the public can be fickle, if he does it right he can be right back in their good graces. Come to think of it, Kellie Pickler was allotted no less than 18 times of messing up, I don’t see why Sundance shouldn’t get a couple.
Should Sing: Something old school would be best, but I would LOVE to hear him sing Marc Broussard!
Should not Sing: ANYTHING where he is straining whatsoever, goodness!
(5) Brandon Rogers- 28 “Always on my Mind” &“Really Love a Woman” I like him. I don’t know how the rest of America feels. He’s been singing well, he’s experienced, and he’s confident. He’s our other background singer, and I think he knows his stuff enough to head into the top 12, whether America agrees will be the question.
(6) Phil Stacey- 29- “Really Love a Woman” He missed the birth of his daughter to be here, and his voice has kept him on my mind. I really enjoyed everything I’ve seen, and as we need 6 guys I think he should be one of them. I’m a big fan of his vocals, and other than Sanjaya and Chris S. he’s the only other guy I’m gunning for so far. For some reason, I don’t feel like he’s garnered as much fans as the others, but he could be our Elliott surprise this year!
Should Sing: Maybe some Bryan Adams or John Legend’s “Ordinary People”
Should Not Sing: something country
THE REST:
(1) Nicholas Pedro- 25- “Fly Me to the Moon” and “Really Love a Woman” He has a good voice, but I fear he may get lost in the crowd of strong male talent. He was here last season, and he has a nice back story of coming back ready to go. I like his crooning; he puts a nice modern twist on it. But we’ve got some men ready to sing their hearts out, and he has to choose quite the song to be one left standing in the end.
(2) Paul Kim- 25- “If I Ever Fall in Love” Nice guy, but this dude is run city. Many whiny, unnecessary runs. I hope someone tells him less is more before next week, because he has talent. His initial audition was much better, he showed off a much huskier tone and there was not a whine in sight. He needs to avoid his falsetto like the plague!
(3) Rudy Cardenas- 28- “Open Arms” There is NO reason for this guy to strain for as high as he is singing. Dude, drop the key a bit. Save your pretty chords. You gotta keep up with your boys, Chris Sligh and Blake. I fear he may be the weak link from the trio that does not make it to the 12. He is talented though and he has a good personality.
(4) Chris Richardson 22- “A Song For You” Nice guy, but so far I’m not really digging his tone. The time they showed him sing in Hollywood was all over the place. I also think him choosing a Justin song could be the end to him, I suggest choose VERY wisely. The guy talent is immense this year, I’d be surprised if Chris pulls this thing off. His initial “A Song For You” felt rushed in spots, and I’m not wild about the nasal tone. However, he does seem to already have a fan base a brewin’.
(5) Jared Cotter- 25 “Straight to my Lover’s Heart” This guy has not been memorable for me, and it’s not his fault. They haven’t shown much of Jared, he’s going to have to come out swinging to stay! We do know he loves the camera and he’s attractive. We also know from the 2 second clip that he has a nice falsetto.
(6) A.J. Tabaldo- 22 “Till You Come Back to Me” He has a great voice, but he’s the only one other than Chris R. who is really boy band. He has a lot to prove since we’ve seen more of the guys than girls this year and he wasn’t one of them.
I cannot wait until next week to see who rises to the occasion!!!!!
Michael Jackson Slams American Idol Reports 2/17/07
http://www.celebrityspider.com/news/february07/article021607-14.html
Pop star Michael Jackson has slammed reports he will appear on hit reality TV show American Idol.
Media reports earlier this week (BEG12FEB07), claimed the star was going to have his own "Idol" theme-week and mentor contestants.
The singer is currently working on a comeback with Idol creator Simon Fuller, but he won't be making an appearance on the show.
Jackson's representative, Raymone Bain, tells US entertainment show Access Hollywood, "There is absolutely no truth to the rumor that Michael Jackson is going to appear on American Idol.
"He has signed no agreements with anyone."
American Idol Executive Producer Nigel Lythgoe also dispels the rumors saying, "It's not true. It's just not true. We won't be seeing him."
Although Jackson won't be appearing, Lythgoe does says a major announcement is in the works adding, "Look toward a major news announcement in the next couple of weeks.
"It's the biggest thing to happen to Idol in five years."
I have warmed a lot toward Carrie over the past year, even though I'm not a big fan of country music. That strong negative reaction I had to her "JonBenet" night has long since faded, and I'm very proud of her.
Emily and Netizen, I'm sorry to only be getting around to answering your question now. For me posting during the work week has become a real challenge since my new employer closely monitors all computer usage. I can only check in to FR on breaks and lunch, and then only via my cell phone. I can post via the cell, but it's a challenge.
Anyway, there are actually several levels of AI contracts, and their exact terms have never been released. Originally, the prize was only supposed to be for the winner, and it was a one-year recording contract with a value of $1,000,000.
Contestants that make it to the Hollywood round sign a contract that basically gives the AI producers an option on them for as long as they continue on the show. The purpose of that contract is to protect AI's interests, not those of the constestants. Essentially, it makes the contestants contingent workers of the AI production company, and requires of them pretty much the same things any employer requires: Show up for work. Be on time. Do the work required of you. Don't get in trouble with the law. Don't share proprietary and confidental information with others. Behave appropriately while at work. Don't sign with anyone else because we have an option on you. I think from Hollywood forward they all get some measure of compensation: hotel room, per diem, that sort of thing, although I don't believe they are paid in the traditional sense. Most of the contestants couldn't afford the trip and stay in H'weird if at least some of their expenses weren't covered.
When they get to what used to be the round of 30, now the round of 24, I'm sure there are amendments to the initial contract. These would extend the options, perhaps increase the compensation, that sort of thing.
Something similar happens when we get to the top 12. They are moved into new digs and get a lot more perks that go with making it that far. The production company extends its option at least until the summer tour is over. After that, the contract terms expire for all those whose options are not picked up by the production company and its partners.
The winner's contract has a reputation in the industry for being very heavily tilted in favor of the production and record companies. They take a larger than typical share of the income off the winner's album, so they control its contents more heavily than is typical. Supposedly they even go so far as to tie up the rights to the contestants names and images for the duration of the contract.
I don't know if non-winning contestants whose options are picked up have more leeway in negotiating a better record deal for themselves. I do know that Chris Daughtry wanted to form his own band before doing his first CD. He had always performed with a band, and he wanted to form his own. He got that deal in his contract, even though he signed with the AI crowd. Chris said he named both the band and his new album Daughtry for branding purposes. Not only is that very smart and shrewd, but it indicates to me that, as a 4th place finisher, Chris had more leeway to call his own shots than the winner, Taylor, did.
Giving the artists a bit more control over their first CD's is something that may have changed since the early seasons. Kelly Clarkson's massive success with her 'Breakaway' album may be the reason. It was her 2nd album and she insisted on far more control of it than her first one. AI then handled Carrie Underwood much more carefully, allowing her to do music that suited her, and we see the result. Now Chris has done his own thing, and so far he's the most successful member of last year's group.
Contracts aside, the buzz on the various music boards I visit is that Taylor has gotten a bad rep with radio disc jockeys because he's not a good interview. It isn't that he's difficult like a prima donna, but difficult in that he isn't very talkative or interesting. He's a boring interview. Since I haven't heard any Taylor radio interview myself, I have no basis to agree or disagree. But that is the buzz.
In any case, the sales of his winner's album have been the weakest so far in AI history, and a big part of the reason is that he has not been embraced by radio. His single, 'Just to Feel That Way' is at #745 on the Mediabase Pop radio airplay chart, with exactly one spin on Pop radio last week. It's at #29 and rising on the Mainstream Adult Contemporary radio airplay chart with 136 spins in that format. That's the only format where he seems to be getting a bit of acceptance.
I wonder if Taylor is considered a boring interview because there isn't really anything new to talk about. With Daughtry you have the album, the band, his wife, the kids etc. They can tough on different areas.
I'm hoping Taylor's second album is better. I didn't really care much for the first one.
I wound up liking Carrie's a lot more than I thought I would. I hope Jennifer Hudson's will be a good one, too.
Eliminated American Idol Contestant Matt Buckstein Tries To Become The Lost Idol
http://www.realitytvmagazine.com/blog/2007/02/eliminated_amer.html
Matt Buckstein has made it to Hollywood for the last two years on American Idol, only to be cut both times. Last season, Buckstein was cut in the group auditions, when he performed with Garet Johnson and Michael Evans as part of the Brokenote Cowboys. This season, Buckstein made it even further in the competition becoming part of the top forty contestants, but he did not make it to the top twenty-four. After Matthew Buckstein was eliminated, Paula Abdul told him “I’m rooting for you to continue to do well, however it’s not going to be with this competition. I’m sorry, Matthew.”
However, Matt Buckstein, who points out that Idol is without a single country singer this year, seems to have found a way to possible continue to be part of the competition with an idea that he is suggesting on his MySpace page called “The Lost Idol.” While Buckstein will not be officially appearing on the American Idol show as part of the top twenty-four, he plans to film himself singing at a Karaoke bar every week. He plans to choose a song in accordance with the same rules that his once fellow contestants have to abide by. Buckstein then plans to upload the video to YouTube and MySpace Video and allow fans to vote for him and leave comments via his MySpace page. If his votes and feedback are good in comparison to other singers on the show, then he plans to perform the following week. The first week that he receives poor results and feedback, then he plans to cut himself out of the competition.
In a season in which many American Idol fans are seriously questioning many of the cuts made by the judges, Matt Buckstein’s idea sounds like a pretty good one. In addition to Matt Buckstein, other controversial cuts included fellow country singer Baylie Brown, Fidel Castro look-a-like Sean Michel, singing car-hop Ebony Jointer, Marisa Rhodes, and Thomas Daniels to name a few. As TMZ.com reported, American Idol judges even cut a contestant named Robyn Troup, who later won a “My Grammy Moment” contest to sing on the Grammys with Justin Timberlake. Given all the talent that didn’t make the final twenty-four, a “Lost Idol” competition could prove to be just as entertaining as the official American Idol this year.
Hi Netizen. I'm not sure, because the details of the winner's contract have never been revealed publicly. I suspect it's evolved over time. But the original premise of the show was that the winner got a one-year recording contract. I suspect there are all sorts of clauses that allow the AI producers and their record company partners to exercise options either way. If they decide a winner is not worth continuing with after a year, I'll bet they can easily drop him or her. If they decide they want to pick up an option for a second year, I'll bet they have that option written into the contract. After two years, though, I suspect the artist can sign with someone else.
Kelly Clarkson opted to get a new management company after two years, but opted to stay with RCA as her record company. Basically, she dumped Simon Fuller and kept Clive Davis. Her new management company, which is called The Firm, has done great by her.
While his album has gone gold, both by modern standards and in comparison to the other AI winners, it is not a genuine success. So Taylor may very well be in danger of being dropped by the AI crowd before he gets to do a 2nd album. It's a cruel, hard-nosed business.
My biggest question is, if they are under contract to no talk or write tell all books, how long could they reasonably be kept from talking about 'their' life?
She actually did. I saw it and I became livid. Had to turn the channel because the urge to punch her in the face became so strong.
Carrie is an incredible talent. Good for her to not get sucked into this Chix with Dix thing. She kept quiet on the Faith Hill controversy too. Carrie is a smart girl, with probably some good management too.
He'll sound a heck of a lot better than any of the Idol contestants because he won't have that AWFUL backing band to screw him up...
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