American Idol 2006--Live Thread (Part III)

Fox ^ | 5-8-06

[silent_jonny]

always for Tammy

[Netizen]

Thanks for the update on Kelly and her Israel tour. :)

[StrictTime]

AMERICA CAN ONLY TAKE SO MUCH ANGER, RAGE AND RESENTMENT.

When he sang "A Little More Conversation" in such a serious way, I thought it was more than a little psycho. Like he was going to lose it and go on a three-state killing spree. Bad song choice for an angry young Idol wannabe.

[grania]

The numbers will actually be meaningless, one would think. If the three contestants left only have two lines each, that's less lines answering calls.

If they give each on a third line, we won't be able to make a valid comparison, since more votes could mean either more people got through or more people voted.

The number going down could either mean that Chris's voters left AI, or there are fans who can live with any two of the three remaining contestants.

Mathematically....too many possibilities to write a hypothesis.

Feeding our AI addiction, we watched both shows again last night, and then listened to the actual Elvis CDs. Never appreciated Elvis so much!! One thing we picked up on....Elvis sang his songs with tremendous force, emotion, and conviction. Eliot, Taylor, and Katherine went for that. Chris's performances were maybe technically better, but comparitively kind of uninvolved.

[Netizen]

Two separate sources, Dial Idol and Zabasearch both had the same results and they showed Chris getting the fewest votes. So, I think is some 'there' there. I think his fans thought he was safe and may have voted as hard or as long as they could of. jmo

[b9]

Why is it so often that the very ones society deems *weak* are the ones who pop up head and shoulders, heart and soul, above the rest?

Elliott hasn't risen to the top 4 because of his physical challenges, but in spite of them. I cringed at his disclosures, because I feared he would be perceived as weak, and he is anything BUT.

His conviction when he sings, his support of the other Idols, his self-deprecating sense of humor, his unrelenting, cheerful good will, his appreciation of fans and profound gratitude for this opportunity ~ in short, his strength of character ~ is the stuff he's made of. What an ambassador.

At a time when America seems pretty darn short on character, it brings tears to my eyes that Elliott's worth is getting noticed, big time.

What a Mother's Day this must be for his mom.

[SirLinksalot]

POST AMERICAN IDOL FOLLOW-UP

http://mediafiends.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=7579&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0

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WHERE ARE THE PAST THIRD PLACE FINISHERS NOW ?

As the debate over Wednesday’s elimination continues, the remaining contestants have to move on. The past contestants who finished this high up have done quite a bit! Whoever joins this group will find themselves in good company! Interestingly, all the third place finishers so far have been female. Will Kat continue the trend?

By LindaK


As always, if I’ve omitted something significant about any of these contestants, please feel free to add the news. Some of the previous Idols have a lot happening, and I apologize if I didn’t report everything that is going on with them. I do think I covered most major happenings.

Season 1: NIKKI MC KIBBIN
Fans in season 1 were outraged that Nikki made it to the top 3, while singers that were perceived as more talented (ie Tamyra) were voted off.

Before Idol, Nikki was one of 20 finalists in the first season of Popstars. She is a cosmetology school graduate, and developed a successful karaoke company called Angelfire productions. She sold this in 2005 to focus solely on her music.

After Idol, Nikki signed with 19 Management and RCA Records. They urged her to sing country music. Nikki, however, wanted to stay true to her rock roots and rejected a different genre. Because of these creative differences, the cd was not made. (or if it was made, it was not released).

In 2004, Nikki was on the holiday CD ‘Christmas in a Fishbow’l with other reality stars for Fishbowl.com.

In 2005, Nikki was on a few reality shows, including a special "Reality TV Stars" episode of Fear Factor, and the sports competition show Battle of the Network Reality Stars (her team won). She was also in the E! Entertainment reality show Kill Reality which described the filming of The Scorned, a television movie whose actors were reality television stars. Nikki played a singer in the film, which aired on Oct. 31, 2005.

In 2005, Nikki signed with Australian indie label Astral Records. She made her rock-influenced cd, which was supposed to be released in February 2006. Recording began in December 2005, starting with a cover of "To Be With You" by Mr. Big. "To Be With You" has been released for Digital Download to BurnLounge.com.

Nikki has a son named Tristen and is a single mom.

Season 2: KIM LOCKE

In my opinion, Kim is one of the most talented contestants that Idol has ever had. There have been many debates as to where she would have finished had she been in any season other than season 2. Her version of “Band of Gold” was one of my all time favorite Idol performances, and I still listen to it.

After Idol, Kim signed with Curb Records. Her cd ‘One Love’ was released on May 4, 2004. One website lists sales at 209.000.

As of 2005, Kim has released four singles with three of them going on to become contemporary hits ("8th World Wonder", "Wrong" and "I Could"). She is touring the United States, singing at half-time shows of WNBA games, and giving concerts.

Kim's second cd is called ‘Based On A True Story’ and is scheduled for release this June. The lead single, "Supawoman", has already been released. Kim co-wrote some of the songs on this cd. A Christmas album is also planned for late 2006.

In 2005, Kim hosted Word Slam!, a GSN live game show as part of GSN's Get Schooled Tour. Kim was also in a special documentary on GSN in September.

In 2005, Kim signed with Ford Models and is now a Plus Size Model for Lane Bryant's Seven7 Jeans. She was on the July 2005 cover of Figure magazine. She is now touring for Lane Bryant. Lane Bryant will continue to use Kim in 2006 in their COMPLETE line.

Season 3: JASMINE TRIAS

Many fans were shocked when LaToya was voted off and Jasmine remained. They strongly felt that Hawaii had an advantage because of the time zones, and that Hawaii residents had an easier time getting through on phone lines.

Jasmine is a huge success in the Phillipines. On October 6, 2004, Jasmine released an exclusive promotional single for McDonald's entitled "Love Ko 'To" (translated to I'm Loving It, the McDonald's slogan at the time). McDonald's restaurants in the Philippines carried a promotional meal for awhile called the "Jasmine Trio", which was a Strawberry Float, fries, and the cd single.

Jasmine is learning Tagalog, which is spoken in the Philippines. Her first album there, released last September, has already gone gold.

In addition to McDonalds, Jasmine has done television commericials and billboard ads in the Phillipines for Smart Telecommunications, Happee Toothpaste, and Bench Clothing. She has also done commercials in Hawaii against smoking, drinking, and drug use.

Jasmine toured in Manila, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Guam in 2004.

On February 27, 2005, Jasmine released a CD single called "Flying Home," which was sold in Pizza Hut and Taco Bell stores in Hawaii. Jasmine made the single to express her feelings of returning to Hawaii after months of working on tour and on her album.

Jasmine was a part of the JCPenney and Seventeen "Rock Your Prom" Fashion Show. She performed in Springfield, Missouri and Glendale, California in March 2005.

For her debut cd, Jasmine signed with Clockwork Entertainment, which has worked with Dream and Bad Boy Records (headed by P. Diddy). She also signed a record deal with Universal Records for the album's release in the Philippines. Her cd with Clockwork Entertainment, called Jasmine Trias, was released on July 12, 2005 in the U.S. It has sold 12,000 copies.

Other things Jasmine has done is appear on GMA 7's reality show Extra Challenge, and visit the housemates of Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity edition on March 6 through March 7.

“My goal is to represent the Philippines in mainstream U.S. So I have two careers that I have to maintain. So it’s not only a career in the Philippines. I’m trying to balance it and at the same time I want to also expand it all over Asia. I want to have a big career in Asia, Europe. I want to be like an international superstar to represent all Filipinos all over the world,” she said.

Season 4: VONZELL SOLOMON

Vonzell was not a favorite entering Season 4, but worked her way up the ladder with her amazing voice and endearing personality. She was known as the ‘singing mail lady’, and remains one of my personal favorites.

Prior to Idol, Vonzell released a cd called “My Struggle”.

Vonzell is part of the Dear Santa holiday compilation cd singing "O Come All Ye Faithful" with Alicia Keys, Nick Lachey, and other well-known recording artists. She also has a cameo role in the soon to be released independent film Still Green. Some of her music will be in the movie.

Vonzell has made many appearances and done interviews and concerts all over the country, incuding:

GA Providence Hospital Gala, Washington, DC, March 18, 2006, Tyra Banks Show, Los Angeles, CA, Friday February 24, 2006, Grand Marshall, Edison Festival of Lights, Ft. Myers,FL, Saturday February 18, 2006, The Diamond District, Bonita Springs,FL, February 13, 2006, North Port Performing Arts Center, North Port, FL, February 3, 2006, OK! Magazine Interview, January 12, 2006, VH1 Big in 05 Awards, December 4, 2005, Los Angeles, CA, Christmas Tree Lighting, November 26, 2005, Ft. Myers, FL, Christmas Tree Lighting, November 25,2005, New York, NY, Good Morning America, November 25, 2005, New York, NY, Good Day Live, November 20, 2005, Atlanta, GA.

Vonzell is working on her debut cd, with Universal's Rowdy Records (owned by Dallas Austin). She is currently recording on her independent record label Melodic Records.

There is also the Vonzell “Baby V” Solomon Foundation for Children for the Music Arts in southwest Florida. The purpose of the foundation is to promote the role of the arts in education through learning initiatives for the development of students.

So there we have it. It seems as if most of our past third place finishers are succeeding pretty well. Who will join this group?

[Netizen]

I have no doubt any contracts from AI put AI to the advantage, but I think that's only right, and something an AI contestant should know about before they sign. If they sign well then no one should gripe about an AI contract. JMO

I think you're right, to a degree. When Kelly won, th contract was for 8 years. That's a long time. Now, over time, it has been reduced. I thought it was 3 years. If so, I guess that seems more reasonable since AI does put a lot of money into them.

[conservativebabe]

Once again, terrific post doodlelady. Your words inspire me too. I couldn't agree with you more.

I am SO glad that people see Elliott's worth. He IS what an Idol should be, setting a good example in the face of personal adversity. I think, personally, God has blessed him.

[Netizen]

I think it's interesting that the voting base is supposedly teenagers, and Taylor is probably going to win....Maybe out youth are smarter then I thought:)

I think there's a lot more adults watching and voting than some people want to admit. Oh, that's right its the gray haired grannies and their walkers. You know which ones, the ones that in bed by 8pm.

[grania]

However, the music industry is a "youth" industry. Most of the money is spent by people under the age of 30. So, there's a little bit of a disconnect.

That is SO STUPID on the part of the recording industry. If they actually gave talented performers a chance and some publicity, we'd be buying more music to add to our collections...it's a practice we were brought up with.

Have they noticed that the "dinosaur" groups still sell music and fill stadiums? Maybe they should be looking for comparable talent, originality, and independence in their current singers.

[Wyatt's Torch]

I made a statement that music in the nineties was a lousy decade for rock and roll and I stand by it.

Your opinion. Many millions of people loved the 09's alt-rock scene in the 90's. "Lousy" is as subjective a term as you can possibly have. Akin to calling the Impressionist era "lousy" as you prefer the Cubists.....

[b9]

I think, personally, God has blessed him.

And everyone who hears him! 0";^)

[Texas2step]

That is SO STUPID on the part of the recording industry.

Yes, no, maybe. As a whole, adults don't stay connected to music as they grow older. While I find that my tastes in music have changed through the years, I don't have near the "passion" for it that I once did. for the most part, the music I listen to the most is the music I listened to in my youth.

I went through different musical stages. From hard rock to hard country, but not much "pop". Now, I listen to everything from "classic rock" to country, classical, Christian, and 80's pop. But I'm not "passionate" about any music.

My favs remain those I grew up with...

[conservativebabe]

Absolutely terrific post! Really enjoyed reading that. I agree with you about the anger vs. inspiration angle. I always enjoy(ed)Chris and Kat's performances but never LOOKED FORWARD to them like I do with Taylor and Elliott's. I have never re-watched performances other than Taylor and Elliott's. Taylors for his soulful voice and of course, the entertainment. And Elliott's for that silky smooth voice that pacifies me.

[conservativebabe]

Very true.

[b9]

Very, very cool tally!!! B2FUL post.

[Netizen]

Music really is subjective. There's a lot on that list that I didn't like at all.

[Netizen]

Interesting note, not a single one is done by Kellie Pickler. Nothing against her but there is not a performance from her that I truly liked. She was cute, but not one performance stood out for me.

I agree. I also would have added Elliot's 'Trouble' and Taylor's 'Trouble'. IMO, that was one of Elliot's best and it didn't even make the list.

[SirLinksalot]

STRICTLY FOR TAYLOR HICKS FANS ONLY.

IF YOU DON'T LIVE IN ALABAMA AND MISSED THE RIC AND BUBBA SHOW, HERE's YOUR CHANCE TO CATCH UP WITH THEIR MASTERFUL INTERVIEW WITH TAYLOR HICKS.

THEY ASK VERY INSIGHTFUL QUESTIONS AND TAYLOR's ANSWERS GIVE YOU INSIGHTS INTO HIS BACKGROUND, HIS FAMILY, HIS GOAL, HIS MUSIC, HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE OTHER IDOLS AND OF COURSE, HIS LOVE FOR MUSIC.

IT ALSO PROVIDES A VERY INTERESTING ANECDOTE OF HOW HE GOT TO THE LAS VEGAS AUDITION....

CLICK HERE, PUT ON YOUR HEADPHONES AND LISTEN :

http://www.soulpatrolshirts/media/rb1.mp3

http://www.soulpatrolshirts/media/rb2.mp3

[Wyatt's Torch]

Interesting.....

'IDOL' SPECULATION
By JOHN PODHORETZ

May 12, 2006 -- AS a seasoned political observer with more than two decades of experience analyzing voting patterns and the like, I would now like to explain to you one of the greatest mysteries in the history of balloting - a mystery so profound that people have sobbed and scratched their heads, gasped and cried out in anger, and insisted they would never again participate in the voting process.

Am I talking about the Florida election in 2000? The 1984 controversy over the victor in the race for Indiana's Eighth Congressional District? The race for president in 1876?

No, I'm talking about the elimination on Wednesday night of rocker Chris Daughtry from the list of contenders for the title of "American Idol."

There was universal dismay when Ryan Seacrest announced on the air that the gravelly-voiced Daughtry - who was said to be the odds-on favorite to win this year's competition - had been booted out rather than sultry songstress Katharine McPhee.

The previous night, McPhee and Daughtry had both performed Elvis Presley songs. McPhee, talented but erratic, clearly stunk up the joint, while Daughtry, as always, did well. And yet, after the 40 million (or more) phone calls were tallied, McPhee got more votes than Daughtry and he was out. How could this happen?

Here's how. If you want to understand "Idol," you need to understand American politics. And if you want to understand the workings of American politics, "Idol" isn't a bad introduction to the way political coalitions are formed and elections are won.

After the "American Idol" field narrows to 12 finalists, the show kicks one contestant off every week - the one who gets the lowest number of votes.

The number of votes seems to remain remarkably constant (this year, somewhere north of 40 million) week to week. This indicates the same people continue to vote each week. It also means that the people who voted for the contestant who was kicked off go ahead and just choose somebody new to vote for.

This is a direct parallel to the presidential primary process. In the early primaries, candidates who do poorly usually drop out of the race, leaving those who would have supported them in other states high and dry. Those supporters then have to pick somebody else among the surviving candidates to vote for.

This winnowing process allows the most appealing candidates to pick up steam by adding new voters to their cadre of supporters. And as they do so, the field continues to be winnowed, until finally there are only one or two candidates left standing. The single-issue candidate, the flash-in-the-pan, the guy who has one fantastic debate - they may all have their moments, but in the end, the candidate with the most broad-based appeal will usually win.

And this is what explains Chris Daughtry's stunning loss this week on "American Idol." He has a distinctive voice and distinctive appeal. The problem is that he never broadened his base very much. If you liked him from the start, you stayed with him - which is why he remained solidly among the top contenders through most of the show's run.

But if you didn't much like his sound when there were still 9 contestants remaining, you weren't suddenly going to decide you liked his sound when there were only 4 remaining.

The key to winning "American Idol" isn't being overwhelmingly popular in the early stages. The key is having a sound that makes it possible for you to pick up votes from people whose favorites have gotten booted off the show. Because if you don't get those votes, somebody else is going to get them.

That is almost certainly what happened on Wednesday night. Chris Daughtry lost out to Katharine McPhee because the young female singer Paris Bennett was sent home the previous week.

If you loved Paris, you probably weren't going to move into Chris's camp. It's likely that the Paris voters went both to McPhee and to underdog Elliot Yamin, the sweet-sounding guy with the odd teeth who is a balladeer like Paris.

Elliot has been gaining strength both because his performances have been good, and because he's clearly picked up support from the fans of eliminated contestants Paris, Kellie Pickler and Ace Young. So where does this leave the final three in "American Idol"? It's likely that McPhee will be the odd person out next week, leaving front-runner Taylor Hicks and under-the-radar Elliot left to duke it out for the title.

Taylor Hicks has a distinctive sound and style that are clearly very pleasing to millions. But I think he's a little like Daughtry. If he's your favorite, he's been your favorite for a long time - and he needs to be the second favorite for McPhee's fans to win.

But McPhee's sound is probably closer to Elliot Yamin's. Thus, according to the logic of coalition-building that is at the heart of both American politics and Fox's pop-culture phenomenon, Elliot Yamin will be the next "American Idol."

It's just good politics.