American Idol 2007

[Ksyrup]

Figured I would start the thread now since the premiere is on Tuesday. Here's the early season schedule, FYI:

Jan. 16 (premiere, 8-10pm): Minneapolis
Jan. 17 (8-10): Seattle, WA
Jan. 23 (8-9): Memphis, TN
Jan. 24 (9-10): New York, NY
Jan. 30 (8-9): Birmingham, AL
Jan. 31 (9-10): San Antonio, TX
Feb. 6 (8-9): Los Angeles, CA
Feb. 7 (9-10): “Rest of the Best” Special Audition Show
Feb. 13 (8-9) Hollywood Round
Feb. 14 (9-10): Hollywood Round - Top 24 Chosen


Oh, and Olivia Newton-John (obvious Grease reality show tie-in), Jewel, and songwriter Carol Bayer-Sager are the scheduled guest judges this year.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Oh, and Olivia Newton-John (obvious Grease reality show tie-in), Jewel, and songwriter Carol Bayer-Sager are the scheduled guest judges this year.
The Grease reality show is on another network, so I wonder if it really is a tie-in. If both shows are produced by the same people, then I guess it could happen. Just out of curiosity, is that the case?

[Ksyrup]

You're right. I have no idea if they are produced by the same people. I was thinking of the tie-in from DoND and Grease that first night. Nevermind.

At least there's no Barry Manilow, although - after his performance on that celeb singing show - I'm sorely disappointed Little Richard isn't on the schedule. I think he'd steal the spotlight, though, and the 3 "stars" can't have that.

[Drake]

So, is this American Idol thing a new show? Is it anything like Deal or No Deal?

[Eaglesfan27]

I have a major infatuation with Jewel, or at least I did before she decided to go trashy. Anyway, Mrs. Eaglesfan and I are looking forward to this season as much as any of them.

[Lathum]

I always get hooked on the auditions. Every season I say I am just gonna watch the auditions then get hooked on it.

[PackerFanatic]

Why won't this show just go away...and why does it always have to run during 24 so all I ever see is previews for it during 24...

[st.cronin]

I always get hooked on the auditions. Every season I say I am just gonna watch the auditions then get hooked on it.

I'm actually the opposite, I miss the auditions, or if I do catch them, I turn them off right away. But I usually watch the last few episodes.

[lordscarlet]

I'm actually the opposite, I miss the auditions, or if I do catch them, I turn them off right away. But I usually watch the last few episodes.

I'm opposite of many people in a different way. I love the auditions, but for spotting the talent. Most people love it because they get to see the awful auditions. I like to pick a favorite from the beginning.

[Ksyrup]

The awful auditions are getting to be pretty obviously faked. Watching the audition for that Grease show, there was only one truly bad one, and it looked like an old man dressed in drag. All of these idiots are ruining the auditions for those of us who love seeing legitimately untalented people who honestly believe they are worthy of appearing on the show.

[rkmsuf]

The awful auditions are getting to be pretty obviously faked. Watching the audition for that Grease show, there was only one truly bad one, and it looked like an old man dressed in drag. All of these idiots are ruining the auditions for those of us who love seeing legitimately untalented people who honestly believe they are worthy of appearing on the show.

Correction, the producers are ruining the auditions by airing all the idiots rather than the unknowingly untalented.

[Lathum]

I'm opposite of many people in a different way. I love the auditions, but for spotting the talent. Most people love it because they get to see the awful auditions. I like to pick a favorite from the beginning.

I like them for this reason as well

[Lathum]

Correction, the producers are ruining the auditions by airing all the idiots rather than the unknowingly untalented.

I agree last season it got a little stupid ( remember the kid dressed like the statue of liberty?) I am curious to see if they tighten up the reigns this season.

[Lathum]

dola- this must be some kind of record, 13 posts into an American Idol thread and not one by JBMagic

[Eaglesfan27]

I'm opposite of many people in a different way. I love the auditions, but for spotting the talent. Most people love it because they get to see the awful auditions. I like to pick a favorite from the beginning.


That is my main reason for enjoying the auditions as well. Mrs. Eaglesfan likes them more to laugh at the bad acts. I think I picked Katharine McPhee to win it all from her audition last year.

[MizzouRah]

I agree with EF, something about Jewel awhile back infactuated me. Haven't seen her in quite some time though.

[Easy Mac]

Just so people know, the final 12 are announced march 8.

[EagleFan]

I have a major infatuation with Jewel, or at least I did before she decided to go trashy.

Funny, I was thinking the same thing, except after she went "trashy". ;)

[Ksyrup]

I agree last season it got a little stupid ( remember the kid dressed like the statue of liberty?) I am curious to see if they tighten up the reigns this season.


As far as I have read, no, it remains mostly bad auditions sprinkled in with the good.

Here's some general info on the upcoming season to whet the appetite for tonight (taken from MJ's Big Blog, which is hands-down the best spoiler info on the net):


USA Today reports (http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2007-01-14-idol-cover_x.htm) that American Idol producers have finally secured permission to perform songs from the Beatles catalog–a big coup for the show. Says executive producer, Ken Warwick, “We’ve got the permission. [from Sony, which owns the publishing rights] Certain songs are still off limits.” But, ”They said, ‘Tell us what songs you want and we will do our best.’ ”

They should get enough songs cleared to do a theme week. Warwick thinks the Beatles theme may be performed by the Top 12 finalists.

Ideally, Paul McCartney or George Martin would appear on the show to mentor the kids, but that’s still merely an item on the producer’s wish list.

A couple more items from the USA Today article:

The online competition to write the “coronation” song for the next Idol is in the final stages of being put into place. A group of “experts” would choose around 100 songs that fans could listen to and vote for online. During the season, Idol would hold a special in which former Idol singers would perform “10 or so” of the favorites, with viewers voting to pick two songs for the Top 12.
During Top 6 week, according to Warwick, “…we’re going to have a big special, with lots of stars. It might be an extra day [during the week].”<!-- .entry-content -->

[wade moore]

This will be a few weeks where I watch it if my TiVO catches it, but if something is higher priority, i don't care..

Up until last season I only watched for the joke people, then stopped watching.. last season I kept on through the whole season and imagine the joke people will drive me crazy.. as it is such a large majority of them are obviously just looking to get on tv... the fun ones are the ones you can tell actually think they're good, but there are less and less of them..

it is fun to pick out people early, buty it seemed to me last season that a lot of the finalists you didn't see or barely saw early on..

[path12]

Last year I stopped watching the auditions and started when the Hollywood episodes began. Enjoyed it much more that way for some reason.

[Rizon]

Dunno if I can get into it this year. If there is not another McPhee then I just won't watch.

[kingfc22]

How does this show continue to survive? It's not like any of the winners have done ANYTHING with their careers outside of Clarkson.

[MJ4H]

and, oh, carrie underwood?

[MJ4H]

by the way, can i wear the colombian girl as a hat?

[kingfc22]

and, oh, carrie underwood?

Dating a guy who can't hold a snap on a chip-shot field goal in the playoffs doesn't count.

[Dr. Sak]

That girl should have acted like a Lion and ate Seacrest. The show would be better off.

[MJ4H]

Dating a guy who can't hold a snap on a chip-shot field goal in the playoffs doesn't count.

does winning country music newcomer of the year count?

[LoneStarGirl]

Hasn't Fantasia sold a buttload of records? I don't listen to that kind of music but most of my students like her

[LoneStarGirl]

And who the hell gave that big blonde girl a degree in vocal peformance? She had to be lying

[Mustang]

by the way, can i wear the colombian girl as a hat?

My wife called her a whore.

Translation - "You probably find her attractive so, I'm letting you know right now that you best not say anything because you've already made your Jewel comments for the night"

[Joe]

Hasn't Fantasia sold a buttload of records? I don't listen to that kind of music but most of my students like her

First album was 1.7m, second album 230k

[Mustang]

Daughtry's album seems to be doing ok. Still at #3 after being out for 7 weeks.

Taylor Hicks's album dropped to #47 after 2 weeks. Still don't know how Hicks won...

[Joe]

Daughtry's album seems to be doing ok. Still at #3 after being out for 7 weeks.

Taylor Hicks's album dropped to #47 after 2 weeks. Still don't know how Hicks won...

The last I saw Daughtry was at almost 1.2m units and Hicks was cracking 500k

[cuervo72]

Didn't like the Colombian girl when I had my back to the TV. After turning around, I like her a bit more. ;)

One brunette who went through looked a *little* like Alyssa Milano to me. Enough to remind me of her anyway.

[illinifan999]

Am I a horrible person because I thought the crack baby sucked?

[st.cronin]

Somebody please post pics of the Columbian piece.

[Lathum]

Am I a horrible person because I thought the crack baby sucked?

I thought she was awefull but my fiance informed me I just don't appreciate her style.

[Ksyrup]

I thoroughly enjoyed the brunette with curly hair. She's my early favorite.

BTW, you know you've been married long enough when you can make comments about how good some of the contestants look and your wife doesn't get upset, she just laughs and shakes her head. Ten years ago, I'd have bruises up and down my arm.

That Columbian chick was half-cute, half-Charo, all annoying. Yet another reason to avoid Miami.

[Rizon]

I made it through the first 45 minutes and decided this show wasn't for me anymore. I fell asleep, bored of all the actors and overdramatization.

[Eaglesfan27]

I thoroughly enjoyed the brunette with curly hair. She's my early favorite.

BTW, you know you've been married long enough when you can make comments about how good some of the contestants look and your wife doesn't get upset, she just laughs and shakes her head. Ten years ago, I'd have bruises up and down my arm.

That Columbian chick was half-cute, half-Charo, all annoying. Yet another reason to avoid Miami.

I guess it is good I got a punch in the arm when I commented on Jewel looking good ;)


Did anyone else think they showed less of the purposefully bad last night? I think a few of them were acts (such as the Urban Amish guy or whatever he was calling himself) but it seemed like more people who really thought they had a chance but just sucked.

As far as the Columbian chick, she was cute, but I think she has very little chance of advancing far. I think the 16 year old self proclaimed crack baby has a good chance of advancing to at least the final 24, but I didn't really like her vocally.


Oh yeah, the brunette with curly hair was my favorite of the night too.

[Pumpy Tudors]

The Colombian chick did absolutely nothing for me. I mean absolutely nothing. She can do a decent vocal impression of Shakira, which I guess is OK, but she doesn't have Shakira's, er, physical attributes. That's not good. Bleagh.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Dola

The rocker guy near the end was great. The gravelly Barry Manilow bit was hilarious.

[Ksyrup]

Did anyone else think they showed less of the purposefully bad last night? I think a few of them were acts (such as the Urban Amish guy or whatever he was calling himself) but it seemed like more people who really thought they had a chance but just sucked.

Yeah, I was pleasantly surprised, although I would have liked more emphasis on the successful ones. I guess that comes during Hollywood Week, though. And I'm sure that I'll get sick of most of them early on, so maybe it's a good thing I don't see too much of them right now.

The Amish guy was clearly an actor, but I enjoyed the clueless people, especially the last couple. The AI Biggest Fan and the dork who juggled while doing some sort of singing...those two were real. I blame their family and friends for not giving them a dose of reality - it's one thing to encourage a loved one to take chances, reach for the stars, etc., but it's another to sit there idly (no pun intended) while they make a fool of themselves on national TV and are so unprepared for a negative reaction that they get angry, indignant, or are just in a state of disbelief. I guess there's a fine line between being supportive and being a realist, and these people missed the boat by a wide margin.

[rkmsuf]

I guess I was in the mood but that show cracked me up last night.

Anyone notice that Paula Abdul looked totally whacked out. At least more than usual. She couldn't sit still or form coherent words.

[Ksyrup]

I've read that Seattle was considered by all the judges to be the worst auditions ever. I think I laughed more in the 1 minute preview at the end of last night's show than I did for last night's show.

Oh, and Paula has promised to be less forgiving/making excuses for the contestants this year and more "real" and harsh. Of course, she made no promises about whether she'd be whacked out or not.

[Ksyrup]

BTW, for those who like spoilers, I highly recommend hxxp://mjsbigblog.com/categories/americanidol.

She recaps every episode, giving detailed info about what happened, and as we get nearer to the top 24, she'll have pics, bios, back stories of hopefuls that are not told on the show, and possible spoiler info about who makes it (she, or people she knows, scan URL registration sites and insider info for tips on who makes it). Reading her blog in conjunction with watching the auditions/Hollywood Week was the most interesting part of the season last year for me.

Oh, and here's the chick eaglefan27 and I enjoyed the most from last night...

Sarah Krueger, 19 Eau Claire, WI is the 7th and final contestant to advance to Hollywood tonight. And she makes it through because…are you ready? She can sing. That’s it. No backstory, just a great voice. She performs a confident, soaring version of “Over the Rainbow” and the judges put her through. Who’da thunk it.

[rkmsuf]

I've read that Seattle was considered by all the judges to be the worst auditions ever. I think I laughed more in the 1 minute preview at the end of last night's show than I did for last night's show.

Oh, and Paula has promised to be less forgiving/making excuses for the contestants this year and more "real" and harsh. Of course, she made no promises about whether she'd be whacked out or not.

I was almost reduced to tears during the preview for seattle. The best line ever has to be and I don't even have it right I don't think: "What are you something that lives in the jungle." or words to that effect to the guy that looked a little like brian peppers who is apparantly buddies with the fat kid.

[JeeberD]

The show was worth it for Jewel alone. I'm hoping she's on tonight's episode as well.

I'm looking forward to the San Antonio audition. There's a guy from the rockets board who tried out and made it in front of the judges...he thinks he might have a chance of making it on-air.

[Ksyrup]

I was almost reduced to tears during the preview for seattle. The best line ever has to be and I don't even have it right I don't think: "What are you something that lives in the jungle." or words to that effect to the guy that looked a little like brian peppers who is apparantly buddies with the fat kid.

I'm hoping somebody mentions Marty Feldman during Bug Eyes' audition.

[Ksyrup]

I'm not too worried about the talent level so far. It seems that with AI, just like with football, most of the talent seems to come from the south.

[rkmsuf]

I'm not too worried about the talent level so far. It seems that with AI, just like with football, most of the talent seems to come from the south.

there's a reason it took 6 seasons to hold auditions in minnesota

[EagleFan]

Hey!!!! I get to watch it, it's currently on. Not really big on the Columbian girl, granted she had a nice little body but the face isn't really much in my opinion.

Good lord, what is with Paula. I think she is having trouble just saying the words yes or no.

Jewel..... drool...... don't know what it is but she does it for me.

[Ksyrup]

there's a reason it took 6 seasons to hold auditions in minnesota


Never has the phrase "looking California but feeling Minnesota" been so appropriate.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Thinking back to last night's show, I think I laughed hardest at Randy saying "That song don't even go like that." I can't even remember who he said it to, but it was somebody he really hated. And remember the girl whose boss flew with her to Minnesota? I was really hoping that Simon and Randy would ask the boss to sing. Another favorite was the girl near the beginning who forgot the words to "You Don't Have to Be Rich", and the panel just let her struggle for several minutes while she tried to squeeze the song out. I nearly fell off my chair over that one.

Even though a lot of people were told about their bad singing, I really only felt bad for the guy who was a vocal teacher. Randy completely ripped into him, and I didn't think the guy deserved all that. I don't know why I felt bad about that guy and not any of the others, but I did.

I can't wait for Seattle tonight. This "ex-strange-aganza" will probably be as awesome as a dancing William Shatner.

[MJ4H]

The vocal teacher guy was terrible and thought he deserved to make it. That's the worst combination of traits when you are a judge.

[Ksyrup]

The problem with the vocal teacher was that he oversang, did a C- version of a musical number, and was terrible, even though he had a decent voice. I think he got ripped because he's supposed to know the difference between how he sang and what was appropriate for this type of show, not be one of the bad ones.

The one I thought they shouldn't have let through was the chick who started really good, then fell completely off a cliff. Anyone who misses that many notes by that much - no matter how well they sang for the first 10 seconds - just doesn't have what it takes. I was surprised they let her through.

[rkmsuf]

that show was really well put together last night. whoever edited it hit a homerun when they showed the juggling guy come out swearing and then they pan to the goth girl staring into the camera with a terrified look as she was next. brilliant, it was.

[Mustang]

Simon: "You've sang 3 songs"

contestant: "laaaa"

Simon: "4"


And that Columbian girl has to be about 4'10" because Seacrest is like 5'5"..

[Ksyrup]

Actually, I thought they did a poorer job than usual putting together the clips toward the end that showed the night's jokes singing that Prince song. None of those are actually in front of the judges - after their auditions, they ask those people to perform again and they just splice clips of the people singing horribly with completely separate shots of the judges looking confused/stunned as if they are in the same room. I thought that last night, it was obvious that was a splice job.

But yeah, the shot of the frightened goth chick was great. I wish someone had pressed her about her vocal lessons or degree or whatever it was she claimed she had, but I think she scared them and they just wanted her gone.

[rkmsuf]

Simon: "You've sang 3 songs"

contestant: "laaaa"

Simon: "4"


And that Columbian girl has to be about 4'10" because Seacrest is like 5'5"..


And she called him short to which he took great offense...classic!

[Lathum]

I am always amazed at how people think they are good, like the first girl/ Don't they have family and friends who tell them they suck? I take a sick pleasure in laughing at the people who suck and don't know it. Then they insist they were born to sing and the judges are clueless and should be fired

[MJ4H]

I can't tell you how many times I've seen people that have never been told they are horrible. It is often a combination of people around them having no idea what actual good singing sounds like and/or hearing what they want to hear. It is so sad to see someone who has gone a long way only to have that facade ripped away so harshly.

I have a niece whose early life was affected this way. My sister kept calling me when her daughter was in elementary school telling me that Star Search was beating down her door to get my niece on the show. I was told she can sing like I wouldn't believe. Well, there is kind of a hit and miss musical talent thing in my family so I thought ok, I need to hear this. I was invited to hear her at a local talent contest/audition type of program. Needless to say, yikes. Nobody had ever told her she couldn't sing, so there she was on stage, and the audience was clutching their armrests until it was over.

I have no problem believing that these people have been convinced by others around them they are good.

[rkmsuf]

You figure out of 10,000 people at each location you are bound to find a handful of interesting and delusional people.

[Bisbo]

I thought a very minor, but nice, touch was the locked left door on the way out. I also thought the single funniest moment on the show was when the gravelly-voiced 'rocker' did ABBA and Manilow the same way he did his first song.

[saldana]

I thought a very minor, but nice, touch was the locked left door on the way out. I also thought the single funniest moment on the show was when the gravelly-voiced 'rocker' did ABBA and Manilow the same way he did his first song.

i loved the locked door...i thought it was the best running gag i have seen in a while as all the people stormed off the stage and into the locked door, just to hear simon say, "other door" over and over again.

[Ksyrup]

Who walks out of the left side of a door? That's what I asked my wife over and over. Where was this audition - Minneapolis, Great Britain? Always assume the road rules of the country you are in apply to the sidewalks, hallways, and doors. It infuriates me to no end when people walk the wrong way in a mall. That's a sign of low intelligence, IMO.

[rkmsuf]

Who walks out of the left side of a door? That's what I asked my wife over and over. Where was this audition - Minneapolis, Great Britain? Always assume the road rules of the country you are in apply to the sidewalks, hallways, and doors. It infuriates me to no end when people walk the wrong way in a mall. That's a sign of low intelligence, IMO.

Maybe because they came in through the door now on their right so they figure they MUST have to go out through the other one?

A couple times you could also tell the people going in tried to use the locked door as well. It was much funnier on the way out though. I started saying "other door" before they even showed them trying a door.

[JeeberD]

I am always amazed at how people think they are good, like the first girl/ Don't they have family and friends who tell them they suck? I take a sick pleasure in laughing at the people who suck and don't know it. Then they insist they were born to sing and the judges are clueless and should be fired

I love to hear my wife sing and I think she does a great job at it. Of course, she's the one with musical training (she's a former Cellist) and she tells me that no, she's bad. So I can imagine lots of folks out there with friends and family with no musical training/education rooting them on and telling them to give it a shot...

[JeeberD]

I thought a very minor, but nice, touch was the locked left door on the way out.

From what I could tell, the lone dude (I think he was the only one, the 16 year old kid) they let through ran to the left door but the cut away right when he hit it and then they showed him bursting out of the right hand side from the waiting room camera. I guess they don't wanna embarass the talent, eh?

Edit: It may have been the sailor...all I really remember is that it was a guy.

[Ksyrup]

I distinctly remember one person leaving who got the right door. I just don't remember which one it was. It may have been the rock singer who left and came back to sing ABBA, or maybe it was the other guy who abruptly left and then came back on his own.

[Mustang]

Of course, she's the one with musical training (she's a former Cellist)

C'mon.. downloading ring tones doesn't count as musical training.... ;)

[Lathum]

I love to hear my wife sing and I think she does a great job at it. Of course, she's the one with musical training (she's a former Cellist) and she tells me that no, she's bad. So I can imagine lots of folks out there with friends and family with no musical training/education rooting them on and telling them to give it a shot...

bah... If someone is THAT bad it is impossible not to know it.

[Ksyrup]

Unfortunately, that is not true at all.

[weegeebored]

How does this show continue to survive? It's not like any of the winners have done ANYTHING with their careers outside of Clarkson.Jennifer Hudson just won a Golden Globe for her performance in Dreamgirls. She was a contestant (last year?) and my wife said that she liked her for the win but got voted off to the surprise/chagrin of many people.

However, I too am a little amazed that AI has been as popular for as long as it has been, although the pitiful singers who think that have a chance are really funny (in a sad kind of way).

[Ksyrup]

For people like me, the entertainment is in the show itself, and really has nothing to do with the winners. In fact, as the show goes on, the show is less entertaining, to the point where the finale is not even worth watching (although this year they're at least throwing a curve by having a song-writing contest for the winning single). It's the journey from faceless thousands of unknowns to the chosen few and watching them develop and change over the 4 or 5 months the show is on.

I simply find the process of it all very entertaining as a TV show. But that has nothing to do with the legitimacy of the contestants, since I have never seen an AI contestant who I think is talented enough (or who plays to my musical tastes) that I would consider buying their CD.

Jennifer Hudson was 2 years ago. The year Fantasia won, I think she got knocked out as the #5 contestant.

[rkmsuf]

For people like me, the entertainment is in the show itself, and really has nothing to do with the winners. In fact, as the show goes on, the show is less entertaining, to the point where the finale is not even worth watching (although this year they're at least throwing a curve by having a song-writing contest for the winning single). It's the journey from faceless thousands of unknowns to the chosen few and watching them develop and change over the 4 or 5 months the show is on.

I simply find the process of it all very entertaining as a TV show. But that has nothing to do with the legitimacy of the contestants, since I have never seen an AI contestant who I think is talented enough (or who plays to my musical tastes) that I would consider buying their CD.

Jennifer Hudson was 2 years ago. The year Fantasia won, I think she got knocked out as the #5 contestant.

It's a brilliant idea though to base the winner on audience votes. You get yourself a built in audience in the short term for the winner.

As far as the show, it's way too long which ruins the later rounds for me. There's only so many times I can get pumped and jacked to hear the same people sing.

It works so what do I know but after a couple weeks into the final 10 or so I've seen enough and will casually follow who is left but rarely watch the actual show.

[Ksyrup]

Yeah, there was an article the other day about how AI was ahead of the internet participation curve in having the audience vote for the winners, which came with the added benefit of building an audience for their product.

And on the flipside...here's a site dedicated to further humiliating the idiots from the show by linking to their myspace.com sites, along with some of the legit candidate's sites (including the hot curly-haired brunette).

hxxp://deathbycamera.com/?p=30

EDIT: Due to a bikini shot of the Cuban chick, I'm labeling that site NSFW!

[Ksyrup]

Oh crap...Glamour Shots chick that was Jewel's biggest fan and couldn't sing. She lists the following:

Notable Music Interest: She likes some band called “the Google Dolls”

LOL! And they're from Minneapolis, aren't they? I guess they were ahead of their time in naming their band.

And the Amish guy's got a myspace site, but he doesn't own a TV, yet knew enough to appear at the AI auditions.

[Pumpy Tudors]

EDIT: Due to a bikini shot of the Cuban chick, I'm labeling that site NSFW!
...and even after seeing the pic, she still does nothing for me. Maybe I'm broken.

[Ksyrup]

...and even after seeing the pic, she still does nothing for me. Maybe I'm broken.

Maybe it's because she looks like a petite, Latino version of Jessie Spano? I don't know.

[DaddyTorgo]

LOL @ this brash girl telling Simon he doesn't know anything about music.

[Rizon]

...and even after seeing the pic, she still does nothing for me. Maybe I'm broken.

Same for Jewel for me and her cardboard personality. Any chick who looks like she got hit in the mouth with a baseball bat just isn't that hot.

[MikeVic]

Was that John Madden's son?

[Logan]

I've never seen a basketball attempt to sing before.

[Galaril]

One of the Seattle girls that was selected and was pretty good. She was from Arizona.She said she was related to an NFL player. Did anybody catch who she said it was?

[Logan]

Philippi Sparks...former CB for the Giants.

[Ksyrup]

Is anyone else noticing a disturbing tendency in the types of people being exploited this year? I'm all for making fun of people who willingly put themselves on national TV to compete on a show for which they have no traceable talent, but I also see a difference between exploiting someone who is clueless AND obviously not a well-adjusted individual in our society, and making an embarrassing example out of someone who is clueless AND out of touch with reality about their talent only (but otherwise appears to be able to function in society without getting stares). Last night was a prime example of a Maury Povich-llike tendency to harp on the freaks - Fatty and Monkey Boy, the President of the Future Serial Killers of America, Big Red, the ugliest mom/daughter combo in America, etc. All of these were societal fringe types for whom I almost began to feel sorry (especially the fat kid).

It just seems like this year, they have been too willing to go after the Spawn of Marty Feldman and Future Serial Killers of America types instead of the tone deaf assholes willing to throw down like they're on Jerry Springer about how talented they are. I'd much prefer to laugh at the latter.

[rkmsuf]

They intentially took it easy on the fat kid since he obviously was "slow" or at least not all there. Monkey Boy deserved what he got I thought. And he didn't call him a monkey. Bush baby I think was the term.

I found myself wondering how fat kid got there. Tell me he doesn't drive and if not who is dropping him off? Did he take the bus? Walk? Fascinating.

Mom and daughter deserved it too. Give me a break.


I will say though that last night was not as funny as the first night. I think the type of auditions they show have a short shelf life and while initial they get big yucks long term you'd grow weary of a steady parade of freaks. I'd guess you'll start seeing some different auditions in the coming weeks.

[molson]

Is anyone else noticing a disturbing tendency in the types of people being exploited this year? I'm all for making fun of people who willingly put themselves on national TV to compete on a show for which they have no traceable talent, but I also see a difference between exploiting someone who is clueless AND obviously not a well-adjusted individual in our society, and making an embarrassing example out of someone who is clueless AND out of touch with reality about their talent only (but otherwise appears to be able to function in society without getting stares). Last night was a prime example of a Maury Povich-llike tendency to harp on the freaks - Fatty and Monkey Boy, the President of the Future Serial Killers of America, Big Red, the ugliest mom/daughter combo in America, etc. All of these were societal fringe types for whom I almost began to feel sorry (especially the fat kid).


The monkey boy thing was too much - that's the first time I ever felt that like watching this show. And after I realized that, ya, I agree with you that the whole show became a little uncomfortable.

[MikeVic]

I know what you mean Ksyrup. I enjoy the crappy auditions, but they seem to be just killing the "clueless AND obviously not a well-adjusted individual in our society."

If these two cities were so bad talent-wise, you'd think they can find some more "clueless AND out of touch with reality about their talent only (but otherwise appears to be able to function in society without getting stares)."

Even though I made a comment about the John Madden guy, I felt sorry for both of them there. Making fun of physical appearance isn't cool.

[Ksyrup]

I will say though that last night was not as funny as the first night. I think the type of auditions they show have a short shelf life and while initial they get big yucks long term you'd grow weary of a steady parade of freaks. I'd guess you'll start seeing some different auditions in the coming weeks.

The willingness to go back to the well once too often is what is kiilling the show this year. Featuring the "I Shot the Sheriff" cop again as much as they did was not necessary, and the Taylor Hicks wannabe was just like the freaky Clay Aiken wannabe from last season that they brought back for the finale. And Fatty and Monkey Boy as new best friends was the same shtick they've used for other bizarro combinations they've found in previous years.

Seriously, it appears the show is going with the "go with what has worked" mantra a little to much right now.

[rkmsuf]

I can't see feeling sorry for any of them. 6 years in and presumably the majority who show up have a clue as to what the show is yet still show up.

The judges could say or do anything short of physically injuring folks and 15,000 will still show up next year.

It's like feeling sorry for someone who weighs 400 lbs, with no athletic talent who shows up for an open NFL tryout. Because they are shocked they don't rate doesn't mean they aren't utterly ridiculous.

[Ksyrup]

It's like feeling sorry for someone who weighs 400 lbs, with no athletic talent who shows up for an open NFL tryout. Because they are shocked they don't rate doesn't mean they aren't utterly ridiculous.

But some of these people appear not to understand what the hell is going on, or are so anti-social and bizarre that they can't possibly see that they're the joke. That Zitsman guy said his co-workers encouraged him to come, and the first thing I thought was, "I'm sure they did, so you'd unwittingly make an ass out of yourself and they could crucify you like 5th graders for years to come. Before you chop them all to pieces, boil their intestines, and drink their blood." Either that guy was a great actor and played his part so he could be on TV knowing full-well that he was making an ass of himself, or he was so clueless that it bordered on cruel to keep it going. Just in his interactions with Ryan you could see how socially inept and uncomfortable he was. It started to get painful to watch.

That's different than the deluded but otherwise well-adjusted person who thinks too highly of themselves or has unrealistic expectations. That's the person you're describing. They have really toned down those types for the freaks this year.

[rkmsuf]

But some of these people appear not to understand what the hell is going on, or are so anti-social and bizarre that they can't possibly see that they're the joke. That Zitsman guy said his co-workers encouraged him to come, and the first thing I thought was, "I'm sure they did, so you'd unwittingly make an ass out of yourself and they could crucify you like 5th graders for years to come. Before you chop them all to pieces, boil their intestines, and drink their blood." Either that guy was a great actor and played his part so he could be on TV knowing full-well that he was making an ass of himself, or he was so clueless that it bordered on cruel to keep it going. Just in his interactions with Ryan you could see how socially inept and uncomfortable he was. It started to get painful to watch.

So what. I think when you make the decision, in whatever form you make it, that you are auditioning for the show AMERICAN IDOL that you open yourself up for ridicule. Same with any other endeavor so ill suited to the individual. You think if he went to a club on the urging of his coworkers and cut the rug the result would be differnet?

It's not the job of the judges or producers to psycoanalyze people. He'd be laughed out of a non filmed broadway audition as well.

Now you can question the wisdom of airing the footage but I'd submit that the popularity of Idol has been built on this concept of making fun of people and without that element it's not the hit it is. People love watching train wrecks, right or wrong. Face it, without Simon the show would be a bore for many people.

[Ksyrup]

I guess. I just know that I feel uncomfortable watching it at times. I'd much rather see Jerry Springer than Maury Povich/Jenny Jones is the bottom line. I'd prefer confrontation from an asshole who refuses to accept reality than making fun of oblivious freaks, even if both types of people are there of their own volition.

And I think the whole issue is that some of these people are oblivious to the ridicule thing. And when it appears they are as intellectually and socially inept as some of these people are, it changes the equation somewhat.

[rkmsuf]

I think you feeling uncomfortable at times is a desired effect and been a consistent theme throughout the Idol run. I've heard Simon talk about this from time to time and I believe it's what they want.

Can't argue with the numbers but I will agree that you need balance in the show between the dyfunctional, delusional, and talented. We'll see what they do with the other auditions to bring a little more balance.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I totally agree with the comment about making fun of people. Have all the segments you want showing people singing horribly. Point out their ignorance when they can't believe that they aren't very good. But making fun of physical appearance is really over the top. I commented to my wife that I actually felt uncomfortable when they made fun of 'Monkey Boy'. She agreed. He had it coming as far as the comments about his talent, but no need for the appearance comments.

They should have handled his tryout like they handled it when his friend came in immediately after that. It was obvious that both of them were not socially well-adjusted. That doesn't mean they aren't good people or that they deserve being chastise for their appearance. My guess is that they aren't well-adjusted to some degree because people in the past had made fun of them and their appearance.

[Ksyrup]

Yeah, I was surprised Simon's first comment about why Monkey Boy's audition was bad was his appearance. Or specifically, that he didn't just say "Your appearance" or Your look" and leave it at that. Pointing out his physical shortcoming was wrong. The judges and the audience understood why the guy never had a chance the minute he walked in. No need to spell it out.

[ISiddiqui]

I just think they are trying to make clear the thing the fact that in order to be the "American Idol" to Simon you need to be good looking. The 'Idol' is about singing and being attractive. They'll sell more records that way.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I just think they are trying to make clear the thing the fact that in order to be the "American Idol" to Simon you need to be good looking. The 'Idol' is about singing and being attractive. They'll sell more records that way.

That's fine. He could have rectified that situation by saying, "I'm not sure if your look is right for this competition." The audience would have been fully aware of what he was implying and chuckled just as much without intentionally hurting the guy's feelings. There was no need for his comments intended to embarrass the guy.

[Eaglesfan27]

I agree that last night was the first night I felt really uncomfortable with watching the show for a few minutes, particularly with those couple of people aforementioned. Not much talent last night. I think Jordin Sparks was the best of the group, but that wasn't saying much. I think the 19 year old sister and 17 year old brother were interesting as well, but she is going to have to work on confidence a great deal if she is going to succeed.

[MJ4H]

I agree with the sentiments that the show bordered (or was over the line) on cruel last night. The worst was the larger guy after the guy with the big eyes. I'm sorry I don't remember his name. I didn't get the feeling he knew what he was getting in to. I also would not be surprised if there was a group of people that talked them into trying out, knowing what would probably happen. For the show to capitalize on that nonsense is pretty low. I have enjoyed the bad singers in the past, but I think they should do fewer of those and more of the borderline ones and the ones that make it. When 90% of the show is the failed auditions and the other 10% is one or two that made it, followed by a brief glimpse of some others that made it walking out of the room with their yellow tickets, I think we need to rethink things.

[Ksyrup]

Not to mention that it gives an unfair advantage to some of the Golden Ticket winners whose stories are played up early on, while others are anonymous, 2-second glimpses. In a competition where the TV audience chooses who moves on, it is incumbent on the producers to give us as much information about the contestants as possible and have as level a playing field as possible. In 2 weeks, we'll be seeing all of these people again, but some of them will have a distinct advantage if they make it to the top 24.

[rkmsuf]

Not to mention that it gives an unfair advantage to some of the Golden Ticket winners whose stories are played up early on, while others are anonymous, 2-second glimpses. In a competition where the TV audience chooses who moves on, it is incumbent on the producers to give us as much information about the contestants as possible and have as level a playing field as possible. In 2 weeks, we'll be seeing all of these people again, but some of them will have a distinct advantage if they make it to the top 24.

Uh, I would submit that is on purpose. It's a show and not designed to be "fair" to the voting public. I'm sure the business of American Idol feels no obligation to provide a level playing field to the voting public who will vote regardless and would prefer to highlight what it feels ultimately is a marketing success.

[Ksyrup]

I'm well aware of that, I just think from our perspective, fairness is a consideration. But I recognize that the show ultimately succeeds because of storylines and them pushing the contestants they feel make the show more compelling.

I wonder, if you go back and look at the auditions/Hollywood Week shows that aired for the previous seasons, what the correlation between early recognition and, say, top 6 status is. Clearly, Taylor Hicks was one of the Golden Ticket awardees from last season who was highlighted because of how different he was and how old he looked. I wonder if there's a similar correlation from previous seasons.

[rkmsuf]

I'm well aware of that, I just think from our perspective, fairness is a consideration. But I recognize that the show ultimately succeeds because of storylines and them pushing the contestants they feel make the show more compelling.

I wonder, if you go back and look at the auditions/Hollywood Week shows that aired for the previous seasons, what the correlation between early recognition and, say, top 6 status is. Clearly, Taylor Hicks was one of the Golden Ticket awardees from last season who was highlighted because of how different he was and how old he looked. I wonder if there's a similar correlation from previous seasons.

that would be interesting

get jbmagic on this

[Ksyrup]

No, get that chick from Tuesday's show in Minneapolis who was the huge AI fan. I'm sure she could tell us off the top of her head.

[MikeVic]

that would be interesting

get jbmagic on this

I bet he already has the answer, but just can't tell us. :(

[KWhit]

I'm well aware of that, I just think from our perspective, fairness is a consideration. But I recognize that the show ultimately succeeds because of storylines and them pushing the contestants they feel make the show more compelling.

I wonder, if you go back and look at the auditions/Hollywood Week shows that aired for the previous seasons, what the correlation between early recognition and, say, top 6 status is. Clearly, Taylor Hicks was one of the Golden Ticket awardees from last season who was highlighted because of how different he was and how old he looked. I wonder if there's a similar correlation from previous seasons.

Definitely yes for Reuben (and Clay who came in #2 that year). They were both heavily highlighted from the beginning.

[MikeVic]

Going by who they've shown so far, I think a female winner is by far the favourite at this point.

[ISiddiqui]

That's fine. He could have rectified that situation by saying, "I'm not sure if your look is right for this competition." The audience would have been fully aware of what he was implying and chuckled just as much without intentionally hurting the guy's feelings. There was no need for his comments intended to embarrass the guy.

But that ain't why people watch Simon. Sure some people may have thought he went too far on some of those. But I'm sure a lot of others enjoyed it.

And, as the last guy who went through said, Simon is done. He was in a horrible mood from all the crap singers. And the show realized a golden oppertunity for more controversy and possibly some more ratings.

[Mustang]

Usually those that are headed towards the top 24 the last few seasons are heavily highlighted. They visited Carrie Underwood's home, had Constantine tell his band he was leaving, went on Vonzell's postal route. Last year I know they went to Daughtry's hometown and Pickler's home and I believed they went to McPhees home and watched her do voice lessons if I remember right... For the most part, those in the top 24 do get alot of face time in the early stages.

[Toddzilla]

I like how one of the guys last night threw Taylor Hicks back in his face. "You didn't believe in Taylor Hicks, Simon, and he won!" At the time of the taping, that was pretty harsh, and Simon looked a little (*very* little) taken by the comment.

Now, of course, a comment like that would elicit a giant belly laugh from Simon and a big ol' "Ifuckingtoldyouso"

[JonInMiddleGA]

... possibly some more ratings.

Ain't no "possibly" about it.

More people watched last night's episode than all the other English-language broadcast networks combined.

These first two episodes drew more viewers than any other AI airings except for the Season 2 finale. More than 1 out of every 7 Americans watched last night (a 15.4 rating), nearly 1 out of ever 5 people ages 18-49 were watching at 9pm.

[rkmsuf]

Ain't no "possibly" about it.

More people watched last night's episode than all the other English-language broadcast networks combined.

These first two episodes drew more viewers than any other AI airings except for the Season 2 finale. More than 1 out of every 7 Americans watched last night (a 15.4 rating), nearly 1 out of ever 5 people ages 18-49 were watching at 9pm.

So what you are saying is that Bush Baby Boy is famous.

[Ksyrup]

As easy as it is to be critical of where they've gone with these first two episodes...I'm still watching. I'd like to see some things changed, but it's not enough to justify turning it off.

I just wish that Hicks imposter had actually gotten that goop in Simon's hair and received the beat-down he was seconds away from getting...now THAT would have been must-see TV!

[rkmsuf]

As easy as it is to be critical of where they've gone with these first two episodes...I'm still watching. I'd like to see some things changed, but it's not enough to justify turning it off.

I just wish that Hicks imposter had actually gotten that goop in Simon's hair and received the beat-down he was seconds away from getting...now THAT would have been must-see TV!

I wonder if they search people. The way it's going someone could very well kill simon right on camera. Or at the very least give him a mace facial.

[JonInMiddleGA]

So what you are saying is that Bush Baby Boy is famous.

Is that the one who sorta looked like a tall version of the caveman from the Geico commericals?

With all the hand-wringing today about how "cruel" last night's episode was, I think it's interesting to note how successful it was. And it's not like there wasn't some pretty serious promotion of what it was going to be like. I don't believe I've watched five minutes of all the AI episodes from every season combined, at least not unless you count the clips that make the news shows & such. It's just not the least bit interesting to me outside of the pop culture phenomenon aspect of it, and I can follow that just fine without enduring all the crappy pop music.

And yet I knew what last night's show was going to be about, Fox did a fantastic job of promoting the freak show aspect of it well in advance. The only people who should have been surprised by any of it were those who had been in comas or otherwise incommunicado for at least a couple of weeks.
And yet more people, far more people (5 million more than last year, +18%) tuned in. It speaks volumes about what the strongest aspect of the show is, and why Simon might just be one of the strongest characters ever in TV.

[KWhit]

Is that the one who sorta looked like a tall version of the caveman from the Geico commericals?



No. I think you're referring to Red.

[Ksyrup]

The freak show aspect is not necessarily new, but they've ratcheted it up this season. Plus, I don't think they're differentiating between the people who have what appear to be social/intellectual issues and those who are just plain nuts - in a non-clinical way, of course. I knew how they were promoting last night, but they still went farther than usual and I was caught a bit off-guard by it.

Case in point being William Hung. If you put him side-by-side with the Zitsman Serial Killer dude, they kinda acted the same way - socially inept, clueless, etc. But Hung's issue was almost entirely culturally based, which is why he became such a phenomenon - he had an endearing innocent-yet-clueless quality to him (well, that's the best explanation I can come up with). Serial Killer dude and a few of the others have serious issues, the least of which is being embarrassed on national TV.

That's not to say it won't continue to be popular...but many will continue to be a bit uncomfortable with certain segments. Again, though, it's not enough to kill my interest in the show completely.

[Toddzilla]

Part of the problem thus far is the fact that Minneapolis and Seattle have had the most dysfunctional miserable pathetic collection of misfits they've ever drawn.

That, and the producers seem to enjoy letting some of these people through to the auditions. I mean, there is no way 10,000 people get through to sing in front of the cameras, right? There has got to be some initial screening - like where they have everyone holed up like Katrina-victims in an arena somewhere.

[rkmsuf]

Part of the problem thus far is the fact that Minneapolis and Seattle have had the most dysfunctional miserable pathetic collection of misfits they've ever drawn.

That, and the producers seem to enjoy letting some of these people through to the auditions. I mean, there is no way 10,000 people get through to sing in front of the cameras, right? There has got to be some initial screening - like where they have everyone holed up like Katrina-victims in an arena somewhere.

Yes and the judges are fully briefed as to who they are seeing. I'd guess in a given day maybe they see 100? Say 5 minutes a person is 120 people in 10 hours.

[Ksyrup]

It looks like everything is pretty well scripted out, including who gets through to the judges. In fact, you can tell when the judges know they're getting a legit contestant by the way they act when the person immediately walks in the door. They've got the person's story in front of them and they seem to know beforehand that the person isn't a loon, as if they've been told "X person is coming in - you know, the one we told you about who is in the Navy." That kind of thing. I'm sure they do the same, to a degree, with some of the freaks they know they are going to highlight.

[Mustang]

That, and the producers seem to enjoy letting some of these people through to the auditions. I mean, there is no way 10,000 people get through to sing in front of the cameras, right? There has got to be some initial screening - like where they have everyone holed up like Katrina-victims in an arena somewhere.

I believe they have tables in middle where they do a 10 second audition. If you are picked to go through to the judges, at that point, you better realize that you are one of 2 types of people - Either you can sing or you are a freakshow.

[Logan]

It looks like everything is pretty well scripted out, including who gets through to the judges. In fact, you can tell when the judges know they're getting a legit contestant by the way they act when the person immediately walks in the door. They've got the person's story in front of them and they seem to know beforehand that the person isn't a loon, as if they've been told "X person is coming in - you know, the one we told you about who is in the Navy." That kind of thing. I'm sure they do the same, to a degree, with some of the freaks they know they are going to highlight.

One thing I noticed last night was that segment they showed of a bunch of the misfits awkwardly singing the same song (I think the first one was "Don't you wish your girlfriend was hot like me..."). They clearly asked them to sing those lines as either a 2nd song, or brought them back in later on to do it, since we saw each of them walk in, sing their own song, get crushed by the feedback, and walk out.

[Eaglesfan27]

One thing I noticed last night was that segment they showed of a bunch of the misfits awkwardly singing the same song (I think the first one was "Don't you wish your girlfriend was hot like me..."). They clearly asked them to sing those lines as either a 2nd song, or brought them back in later on to do it, since we saw each of them walk in, sing their own song, get crushed by the feedback, and walk out.


Someone mentioned how those are poorly edited and you never see the judges in the same shot in those clips. I'm wondering if those are actually clips from contestants singing to the producers before they even get to see the judges?

[Scoobz0202]

Has this been posted? Paula in an interview.

I couldn't finish... how embarrassing.

hxxp://kingnutter.com/articles/view/248/

[Rizon]

I'm well aware of that, I just think from our perspective, fairness is a consideration. But I recognize that the show ultimately succeeds because of storylines and them pushing the contestants they feel make the show more compelling.

I wonder, if you go back and look at the auditions/Hollywood Week shows that aired for the previous seasons, what the correlation between early recognition and, say, top 6 status is. Clearly, Taylor Hicks was one of the Golden Ticket awardees from last season who was highlighted because of how different he was and how old he looked. I wonder if there's a similar correlation from previous seasons.

There were several contestants that had complaints aired about this. I think it was Season 3. They complained they were voted off people of lack of air time. I'm not sure if that's any relation, though.

[Ksyrup]

Someone mentioned how those are poorly edited and you never see the judges in the same shot in those clips. I'm wondering if those are actually clips from contestants singing to the producers before they even get to see the judges?

I learned about this last year. Either before or after these idiots audition (not sure which), they ask them to perform a particular song in front of producers or other off-air people. These clips of the episode's idiots singing the same song are never performed in front of the judges, which is why you see cut-away clips to the judges' expressions or generic remarks, but never an actual exchange between the two, because as someone said, we see these idiots go in front of the judges and get sent off.

[rkmsuf]

I learned about this last year. Either before or after these idiots audition (not sure which), they ask them to perform a particular song in front of producers or other off-air people. These clips of the episode's idiots singing the same song are never performed in front of the judges, which is why you see cut-away clips to the judges' expressions or generic remarks, but never an actual exchange between the two, because as someone said, we see these idiots go in front of the judges and get sent off.

It has to be before. No way you get some of those people back in there.

[Ksyrup]

Probably. It's most likely billed as their "pre-audition" before the producers to make sure they're talented enough to go before the judges.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Great. Just saw an article where Rosie O'Donnell opened her yap about the cruelty of the judges. I certainly think that the judges didn't need to attack some of the people about their physical appearance, but isn't it about time that someone put a muzzle on this woman to save her from herself? A job on The View doesn't mean that she suddenly is promoted to 'the conscience of America'.

[rkmsuf]

Great. Just saw an article where Rosie O'Donnell opened her yap about the cruelty of the judges. I certainly think that the judges didn't need to attack some of the people about their physical appearance, but isn't it about time that someone put a muzzle on this woman to save her from herself? A job on The View doesn't mean that she suddenly is promoted to 'the conscience of America'.

monkey girl

[Ksyrup]

I have hated Rosie since before she was popular. They used to air her stand-up comedy routines on VH1 and she was terribly unfunny. America got it right with its rejection of Margaret Cho, but somehow this fat, unfunny, annoying bitch not only made it through, but is thriving. It's sickening.

[MJ4H]

Didn't I just see Margaret Cho in a preview for some new sitcom the other day? Guh.

[Ksyrup]

Yeah, that Brad Garrett vehicle. Man I hate commercials.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

monkey girl

Yeah, the irony that she's involved in a spat where Trump called her fat several times over without ever actually saying the word 'fat' is not lost on me.

Trump's comments regarding Rosie's Idol comments: "Rosie shoudn't be critical of Simon. She shouldn't be critical of anyone. Rosie is a comeplete mess."

[Ksyrup]

From MJ's AI blog:

Reality TV Magazine has started playing (http://www.realitytvmagazine.com/blog/2007/01/american_idol_c_1.html) the Domain name game. Last year, the producers registered all 44 or so semi-finalists on the same day, December 9, after Hollywood Week. All it took was a Whois search to figure out the identities (http://mjsbigblog.com/2006/02/03/112/) of all the finalists.

This year the producers got smart. It appears that they registered the Top 40 through private domain registrations. Reality TV Magazine has performed whois searches on all the contestants featured so far on Idol. They found that Anna Kearns, Sanjaya Malakar, and Shyamali Malakar all had their names registered as domain names on November 18, 2006, the day after the Hollywood rounds ended. All were registered by Domains by Proxy–a service that hides the identity of the entity registering the domain names.

There are rumors that Anna and Sanjaya have made the Top 40. I expect that, since this can of worms has been opened, there will be more to come…

BTW, there are rumors that the Top 24 have not been chosen yet as I previously reported. I can’t substantiate that rumor at this time.

[Ksyrup]

More good stuff:


Meanwhile, Steven “Red” Thoen and his Mom are also angry (http://www.wctrib.com/articles/index.cfm?id=15379) over Steven’s portrayal:
Steven Thoen, 28, said the Fox television show’s producers were disrespectful and unfair to him. His mother, June Lorimor of Superior, said that the show took advantage of Thoen’s mild mental retardation and made him a laughingstock.

[Ksyrup]

First Idol Scandal of the Season
http://mjsbigblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/01/thomasdaniels1.jpegAnd, that didn’t take long, did it peeps? TMZ.com has dug up the arrest record (http://www.tmz.com/2007/01/18/american-idol-wannabe-already-has-a-record/) of Seattle auditioner Thomas Daniels. According to TMZ, in in 2004, Thomas was convicted of DUI in Clackamas, OR, pled guilty and was sentenced to a one-year alcohol diversion program and a $680 fine. After the completing his DUI sentence, the incident was wiped from his record.

In December 2005, Thomas was arrested again–for hit and run. He failed to appear in court for the arraignment and was subsequently rearrested. Thomas says both incidents are the result of being “young and dumb”. It’s not clear whether Thomas disclosed his arrest record to Idol producers.

If he didn’t disclose his record to the producers, and managed to advance to the Top 24 on Monday (it’s possible, Thomas is a very good singer) I would say his Idol career is now toast.

[wade moore]

More good stuff:


Meanwhile, Steven “Red” Thoen and his Mom are also angry (http://www.wctrib.com/articles/index.cfm?id=15379) over Steven’s portrayal:Steven Thoen, 28, said the Fox television show’s producers were disrespectful and unfair to him. His mother, June Lorimor of Superior, said that the show took advantage of Thoen’s mild mental retardation and made him a laughingstock.



This probably goes without saying, but...

Don't let him go audition then... It's very, very simple...

[wade moore]

Dola - too bad about Thomas... I felt like he would have been a solid contestant.

[Ksyrup]

I'm not sure whether the subtitle for this should be "It's the End of the World As We Know It" or "They Got the Last Laugh"...


In a sign of Idol’s pop-cultural influence, auditioners Kenneth Briggs, 23, of Bothell, Wash. — whom Cowell derided as looking like a “bush baby,” an African primate — and friend Jonathan Jayne, 21, of Renton, Wash., appeared Friday on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live. “They’ve become celebrities. They wouldn’t have changed anything,” Cowell said.

Meanwhile, both Jonathan and his friend Kenneth “Bush Baby” Briggs were on the Today Show this morning. Apparently, they both have secured agents…

[Ksyrup]

Interesting article at votefortheworst.com about the audition process, including those end-of-episode montages and the cut-and-splice way they manipulate the auditions for TV:

hxxp://www.votefortheworst.com/node/33

[Lathum]

Holy Crap. The guy from georgia whose wife just left him is Izulde

[Buccaneer]

I'm not sure whether the subtitle for this should be "It's the End of the World As We Know It" or "They Got the Last Laugh"...


I vote for the former.

Since you are in the know, how many months did the producers have to put last week's show together? After seeing all of the clips on YouTube, most of it was purposely planned - allowing the gong show contestants to go forward. I wonder if they are calling this the Hung Factor?

I agree with many of the comments here and on the idol board regarding the cluelessness and lack of reality checks. But they know that it sells and that they can get hundreds more just like them, hoping to cash in on the Hung Factor.

[MJ4H]

The two things I've enjoyed the most so far tonight have been:

1: the girl who was an opera singer.
2: the guy in the Alvin the chipmunk shirt and hat (I have GOT to get that outfit).

I am, however, about 20 minutes behind the real broadcast on my DVR.

[Ksyrup]

I missed the first hour last night, because I went by the TV listings that showed it as an hour episode starting at 9. But I did see Beauty and the Geek at 8 anyway, and it looked like last night was more of the same formula, so I probably didn't miss much.

And yeah, on the opera singer...holy crap. I can only recall 2 moments where I've been excited about a contestant's choice of song - when Bo Bice broke out Badlands, and the chick last night auditioning with a Jeff Buckley song. I don't know how long she'll last, but an opera singer with a unique look who appreciates (and knows!) Buckley gets a standing O from me.

[rkmsuf]

I missed the first hour last night, because I went by the TV listings that showed it as an hour episode starting at 9. But I did see Beauty and the Geek at 8 anyway, and it looked like last night was more of the same formula, so I probably didn't miss much.

And yeah, on the opera singer...holy crap. I can only recall 2 moments where I've been excited about a contestant's choice of song - when Bo Bice broke out Badlands, and the chick last night auditioning with a Jeff Buckley song. I don't know how long she'll last, but an opera singer with a unique look who appreciates (and knows!) Buckley gets a standing O from me.


If you are talking about the young girl with braces, what a spoiled little bitch.

[Pumpy Tudors]

My favorite parts of last night's show:

1. "Simon, you don't understand! I HAVE FOUGHT FOR THIS!"
2. "I am not a singer! I could be the first American Idol who is not a singer!"
3. Julie. I mean Isadora. Doesn't look good, can't sing, but hell, I was entertained.

[Galaril]

I thought the Simon saying to the asian girl with the name Fong "Wong, Bong, Fong whatever your name is" what an asshole. I hope this all blows up on the network. Asshats.

[Ksyrup]

Yeah, that has the potential to blow up more than the "bush baby" comment. Imagine if that Kenneth "bush baby" kid had been black - I think the reaction would have gone in a different direction than it did. Here, the Asian community could attempt to make an issue of this based on a perceived racial "slight".

[rkmsuf]

Yeah, that has the potential to blow up more than the "bush baby" comment. Imagine if that Kenneth "bush baby" kid had been black - I think the reaction would have gone in a different direction than it did. Here, the Asian community could attempt to make an issue of this based on a perceived racial "slight".

what's wrong with ping pong? everyone likes ping pong.

[saldana]

i missed the first 10 minutes last night from new york...who in the blue hell was the guest judge, Carol ?

[Ksyrup]

I wondered the same thing. Her name is Carole Bayer Sager, a songwriter who was once married to Burt Bacharach. She wrote That's What Friends Are For, in case her Joan Collins-circa-1985 looks and botox-wrecked face weren't sickening enough for you.

[saldana]

I wondered the same thing. Her name is Carole Bayer Sager, a songwriter who was once married to Burt Bacharach. She wrote That's What Friends Are For, in case her Joan Collins-circa-1985 looks and botox-wrecked face weren't sickening enough for you.

thats who i thougt it was at first...i looked at my wife and said "wtf is Joan Collins doing on AI".

we googled her (carole bayer sager that is) and she actually has an oscar, emmy, golden globe, and tony award to her resume, along with about 2 dozen nominations spread across the 4 awards...she primarily writes Broadway stuff, bue she also did Groovy Kinda Love for phil collins.

[cuervo72]

Yep, my wife was trying to make that connection too when I finished her sentence. Pretty scary.

[Ksyrup]

Here are a couple of backstories about a few of the contestants we've seen so far. I'll leave a few lines in case you don't want to read spoilers, although I wouldn't necessarily call these spoilers since this information may never come to light on the show. As always, this info comes courtest of MJ's Blog...















Here’s an interesting story on the “Amish” guy Troy Benaham who auditioned in Minneapolis. According to this (http://www.spooneradvocate.com/placed/index.php?sect_rank=1&story_id=229545) story, Troy is actually Mennonite (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mennonite). There is a big difference between the Amish and the Mennonites. Mennonites have electricity, watch TV and drive cars. Ok? In fact, Troy has a cell phone. So, there you go.

When I reviewed Sean Michel’s audition in my Memphis recap, I said there was probably a backstory we haven’t heard yet. Sean is the contestant with the long beard and even longer hair who sang Johnny Cash’s “God’s Gonna Cut You Down.” Sean does have a story, and you can read it on his MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/seanmichel). He’s a devout Christian singer/songwriter who has already released an indie album. You can also listen to snippets of his music there.

Ottawa, Canada native Jory Steinberg lives in Santa Monica now, where she’s been pursing a musical career. Jory sang “Chains” at her New York audition with incredible range and pitch. You can read about her here (http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/city/story.html?id=8d9d8179-b2c0-4299-92c5-b5fc2debb22f&k=77475&p=2). In Canada, she was considered the “Next Alanis” and had a 7 record deal with Canadian producer and Idol regular, David Foster. Her deal fell through before her first record was released.


Finally, Kia Thorton wowed the judges in New York with her rendition of Aretha Franklin’s “Ain’t No Way”. Like Jory Steinberg and Tom Lowe, she is no newcomer to showbuisiness:She was still in her teens when “Lately,” a single she cut while a member of the R&B trio Divine, peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart in 1998. A second single, a cover of George Michael’s “One More Try” made it to No. 29 a year later. The group toured internationally, supporting ‘N Sync and Britney Spears, Thornton said.

[Lathum]

It seems to me Idol is going by the way of survivor. What I mean by that is the first few seasons of survivor had "everyday" people. There were no ex-nfl players and such. Now it seems like the people on the show are more accomplished in life. It seems Idol is heading the same way.

[Mota]

I'd much rather see people with SOME experience rather than a bunch of noobs who sing in the shower. It's fun to laugh at the losers in the beginning, but when you get to the top 5 and nobody of any quality is left, it makes for some sad watching. That's why I prefer Rockstar who pretty much bypass the 16 year olds and go for people that actually planned on singing for a living before they came out to audition.

[Buccaneer]

I thought AI wasn't opened for professionals or those that had signed professional contracts?

[Lathum]

What the fuck is Paula on

[Ksyrup]

I thought AI wasn't opened for professionals or those that had signed professional contracts?

Yeah, I've been a bit confused about that. But previous years' contestants had some professional background, too. I wonder if it's more about name recognition than having signed a contract. I'm not sure what the eligibility requirements are, quite frankly. Perhaps the hype about finding a nobody has superceded the reality of what the show has been all along.

Last night was OK. The last guy was not as good as I thought he was going to be. Personality-wise, he was great. But his voice needs a lot of work. Paula pushed him through simply because she liked him.

And what was with the Kellie Pickler-look alike with the cringeworthy family story? Holy crap I was praying she couldn't sing because that's just not something I want to hear more about - or at least, I feel bad for her that she's going to be bringing that baggage to the show. For those that missed it, this chick - who could have pulled the 'calamari' thing off if Pickles hadn't done it first - is from North Carolina (check), lives with a grandparent (check), and has a father with some 'issues' (check). In this case, instead of a father in jail like Pickles had, this chick's dad is paralyzed and lives at home with her and her grandmother. So Randy had to ask what the story was, and it turns out that he's paralyzed because he shot himself in the throat in an attempted murder-suicide in which he shot his wife (the contestant's step-mom) when he found her in bed with another man. Heartwarming, ain't it?

But as she said, "It's OK." :o

[Pumpy Tudors]

And what was with the Kellie Pickler-look alike with the cringeworthy family story? Holy crap I was praying she couldn't sing because that's just not something I want to hear more about - or at least, I feel bad for her that she's going to be bringing that baggage to the show. For those that missed it, this chick - who could have pulled the 'calamari' thing off if Pickles hadn't done it first - is from North Carolina (check), lives with a grandparent (check), and has a father with some 'issues' (check). In this case, instead of a father in jail like Pickles had, this chick's dad is paralyzed and lives at home with her and her grandmother. So Randy had to ask what the story was, and it turns out that he's paralyzed because he shot himself in the throat in an attempted murder-suicide in which he shot his wife (the contestant's step-mom) when he found her in bed with another man. Heartwarming, ain't it?

But as she said, "It's OK." :o
I nearly shot myself in the throat after that segment. I don't even have a gun. I was going to go out and buy a gun and three bullets, just in case my wife and the cat wanted in on the action, too. THEN I was going to shoot myself in the throat.

[cuervo72]

Bah, she didn't look like Kelly Pickler in the least. She was much cuter, even if she did remind me a little of one of the Chipettes.

[Eaglesfan27]

Yeah, I've been a bit confused about that. But previous years' contestants had some professional background, too. I wonder if it's more about name recognition than having signed a contract. I'm not sure what the eligibility requirements are, quite frankly. Perhaps the hype about finding a nobody has superceded the reality of what the show has been all along.


I remember reading an article a few years ago. It was either after the 2nd year or 3rd year that they greatly softened the eligibility criteria and allowed people with a degree of professional experience to also apply. I forget the exact criteria, but it changed significantly from the first two seasons.

[Ksyrup]

Bah, she didn't look like Kelly Pickler in the least. She was much cuter, even if she did remind me a little of one of the Chipettes.

She seemed denser, though, if that's at all possible. The "he shot hisself right here" thing was Pickleresque. She looked a little less, um, inexperienced than Pickles. She looks like she can play the "dumb Southern girl" role, but I'm not sure she has the "innocent dumb Southern girl" role down as well as Pickles did.

On pure looks, I'm not really impressed with either of them, to be honest.

[lordscarlet]

I remember reading an article a few years ago. It was either after the 2nd year or 3rd year that they greatly softened the eligibility criteria and allowed people with a degree of professional experience to also apply. I forget the exact criteria, but it changed significantly from the first two seasons.

I believe they can't have a current contract, but I'm not sure.

[wade moore]

I believe they can't have a current contract, but I'm not sure.

I was going to say the same thing - this was my impression as well.

[Ksyrup]

Um.....



Us Weekly reports that Paula Abdul is being replaced with Courtney Love on American Idol. Courtney says that American Idol's executive producer Nigel Lythgoe called her office last week inquiring if she'd be interested in sitting in as a judge.

"He called," Love tells Usmagazine.com. "He was wondering if I was interested. I thought it was kind of weird but brilliant." But a source tells Usmagazine.com that Lythgoe was considering having Love "replace Paula."

[rkmsuf]

Um.....



Us Weekly reports that Paula Abdul is being replaced with Courtney Love on American Idol. Courtney says that American Idol's executive producer Nigel Lythgoe called her office last week inquiring if she'd be interested in sitting in as a judge.

"He called," Love tells Usmagazine.com. "He was wondering if I was interested. I thought it was kind of weird but brilliant." But a source tells Usmagazine.com that Lythgoe was considering having Love "replace Paula."

Now that would be funny.

I liked how Paula was "away on family business" for day 2 on last night's show. And there was no guest judge ready to go.

[Ksyrup]

If this happens, Jeffrey Ross MUST be part of the package. In fact, dump Simon and Paula - I want me some Ross/Love!

Hell, dump Randy, too, and add Little Richard. They could air the show for 3 hours 3 nights a week to allow the judges ample time to speak, and I'd watch every second of it.

[cuervo72]

I don't think I could stand watching Courtney Love for an hour.

[wade moore]

I've heard several things on the radio where the AI people have outright denied any chance of this happening.

As much as Paula has her issues, with her contract being extended after last season and Courtney Love being about the last person you could see coming on this show, I just think this is cooked up by Love's people.

I would hold more interest in the rumor if it was say Jewel - she is doing the Nashville show and did the guest spot on Idol, so they could see something they like... But Love just makes no sense.

[rkmsuf]

yes Little Richard is a hidden gem of talent. maybe he can host a game show.

[ISiddiqui]

Paula isn't going to be replaced. She's the "nice judge" and does very well at that shtick... especially the conflict with Cowell.

[Eaglesfan27]

I could see Paula being replaced as she appears to be intoxicated at times on the air, but I couldn't see them choosing Love to replace her - Jewel I could see (and enjoy.)


Also, Paula is clearly attempting to be much less of a nice judge this year.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I want Charles Barkley to be a judge. I don't know or care if he has any musical knowledge. He should be a judge for every competition ever.

[ISiddiqui]

I think Paula is just fed up... though hilarious how that dude that was horrible was using Paula and Randy's tape :D

[cuervo72]

Hell, dump Randy, too, and add Little Richard. They could air the show for 3 hours 3 nights a week to allow the judges ample time to speak, and I'd watch every second of it.

Mashed potatoes, gr-a-vy, and cranberry sauce!

Woooooooo-hooo-ooo-ooooooo!!!!!

[Drake]

The old guy singing for his wife or whatever made my wife cry.

But she's on her period, so I'm not sure what that means.

[Ksyrup]

He was actually pretty decent. My wife got a bit teary-eyed, too, so I lightened the mood by lamenting the fact that he failed to try out for American Idol 1953.

Way too much crap last night...the Birmingham show on Tuesday was the best one so far for them actually showing more of the decent singers than the jokes. Then they went right back to the crap last night. They spent way too much time on that couple who auditioned, and earlier on the Asian chick.

I will say, I think the black dude who they focused on is a real contender. Good looking, down to earth, good personality, and a great voice. He reminds me of one of my favorite singer/songwriters, David Ryan Harris - and much likeDRH, this guy has spent his career backing more successful artists. I'll be pulling for that guy to go far.

[wade moore]

Way too much crap last night...the Birmingham show on Tuesday was the best one so far for them actually showing more of the decent singers than the jokes. Then they went right back to the crap last night. They spent way too much time on that couple who auditioned, and earlier on the Asian chick.

We all know that it is because all of the talent is in the South and the crazies are out there with the Yankees and the Left Coast ;).

[Ksyrup]

Actually, I made the same comment earlier in the thread. In reality, though, I think it's because there were fewer obvious jokers in Birmingham (or maybe they just weren't outrageous enough) for them to focus on than in NY/LA, etc. They took almost 40 people from LA, so it's not like the talent wasn't there. They just didn't focus on 99% of the people who made it through.

[Eaglesfan27]

The old guy made my wife and I both a bit misty eyed. He wasn't a bad singer and it felt more real than almost all of the other "emotion" I see on the show.

[wade moore]

Actually, I made the same comment earlier in the thread. In reality, though, I think it's because there were fewer obvious jokers in Birmingham (or maybe they just weren't outrageous enough) for them to focus on than in NY/LA, etc. They took almost 40 people from LA, so it's not like the talent wasn't there. They just didn't focus on 99% of the people who made it through.

Ok, so the second part is only true... There just don't seem to be as many obvious jokes in the South for whatever reason. Maybe it's cause we respect ourselves down here? ;)

[Alan T]

I didn't get to see last night's show, but I was wondering from the previous night's preview it showed last night's episode something big and then Simon chasing down after someone. What was that about?

[Ksyrup]

I didn't get to see last night's show, but I was wondering from the previous night's preview it showed last night's episode something big and then Simon chasing down after someone. What was that about?

Absolutely nothing. A REALLY bad singer had listed Paula and Randy's singing lesson video as part of his vocal lessons, and Simon didn't catch it until the guy was leaving, so they did a bit where he was trying to track the guy down and Paula/Randy were trying to stop him.

Much ado about nothing, and very likely a scripted moment.

[Ksyrup]

This is the dude I'm talking about:

Brandon Rogers 28, North Hollywood CA - Holy cow, there are good singers in LA? Who woulda thunk it? Brandon, like Melinda Doolittle before him, is a talented background singer. Unlike Melinda, he’s got the confidence. He’s also intelligent and good looking. Brandon, does an R&B twist on Willie Nelson’s country classic “Always on My Mind”. So did Fantasia, memorably, Season 3. It’s obvious that Brandon has the chops. The judges are wowed and enthusiastically advance him to Hollywood. Watch this one.

[Ksyrup]

So there were 42 people who advanced to the next round from LA, and they showed 3 on the show last night. Nineteen of them were from day 2, and they showed none of them. Putting aside the old guy's story, I don't think there were enough funny/ridiculous scts to fill half a show last night, so showing that few real contestants is inexcusable, IMO.

[heybrad]

Where can you find a list of who was put through to Hollywood? Apparently a girl from my church made it to the Hollywood round but I didn't see her on the show last night.

[Eaglesfan27]

This is the dude I'm talking about:

Brandon Rogers 28, North Hollywood CA - Holy cow, there are good singers in LA? Who woulda thunk it? Brandon, like Melinda Doolittle before him, is a talented background singer. Unlike Melinda, he’s got the confidence. He’s also intelligent and good looking. Brandon, does an R&B twist on Willie Nelson’s country classic “Always on My Mind”. So did Fantasia, memorably, Season 3. It’s obvious that Brandon has the chops. The judges are wowed and enthusiastically advance him to Hollywood. Watch this one.


From the ones we've seen, he's in my top 2 to win it so far. He seems very charming, humble, and talented.

[wade moore]

I always try to keep a seperate list - those I want to win, those i think will win...

I generally get some potentials for who I want from the early episodes (for now it's the indian guy, the brillo pad head kid, sundance head, and this kid from VA that is pretty indistinguishable to most)... but I usually don't think about the people I think will win until after hollywood - but I think that young kid that looks like he was super-jock from NY has a good shot...

But I think it's hard this early, Hollywood always changes my opinion, although I like Yamin from the get-go last year.

[Ksyrup]

Where can you find a list of who was put through to Hollywood? Apparently a girl from my church made it to the Hollywood round but I didn't see her on the show last night.

I only keep up with mjsbigblog.com, and she doesn't have that info yet - just a smattering of "could be" rumors (relatives telling local radio/TV stations so-and-so called to tell them they made it, etc.). I suspect that once next Tuesday's last tryout show airs, the speculation/rumors will heat up, because the top 24 have already been chosen. As I think I posted above, the easy way of getting an idea of who made it last year, checking domain registrations, is more difficult now because they've taken it private.

[Buccaneer]

What happened? I mean, the first week made news everywhere and people were constantly talking about the shows and the gong show contestants. But the last two weeks seem like the show wasn't even on - almost no news and even very little discussion here. Did the producers do some last-minute surgery based on what happened the first week or something else?

[MJ4H]

was pretty boring, honestly. i barely even watched. im more interested in the good singers than the numbskulls they usually show. im all about watching some horrible auditions. but not from the mentally challenged which seems to be their MO of late.

[ISiddiqui]

Even though there isn't much discussion here or news, check the ratings out, Bucc. I'm sure they are still through the roof. Hell, I definately watched.

[amdaily]

I hate this show with a passion, but saw the old guy story on the news and then a clip of Paula crying. Does anyone really take that nutjob seriously? It's beyong me why she still has a job (not really, any PR is good PR I suppose, but still...).

[Buccaneer]

Even though there isn't much discussion here or news, check the ratings out, Bucc. I'm sure they are still through the roof. Hell, I definately watched.

Yes, still dominating. Interesting to see that it was down the second week but this week appears to up from last week.

[ISiddiqui]

I hate this show with a passion, but saw the old guy story on the news and then a clip of Paula crying. Does anyone really take that nutjob seriously? It's beyong me why she still has a job (not really, any PR is good PR I suppose, but still...).

You had to see it... it moved many, even on this board if you look at the posts above you.

[Ksyrup]

FYI, for anyone interested, this forum as a spoiler list of the top 40/24:

hxxp://idolforums.com/index.php?showtopic=450039&st=0

[Ksyrup]

From MJ's blog about the attempted murder/suicide discussed above:



Birmingham auditioner Jamie Lynn Ward made the shocking revelation on Tuesday’s show–with a scary lack of emotional affect–that her daddy shot her step-mother and then “hisself”. Afterward, she moved in with her grandmother to help take care of her dad, who was left paralyzed from the neck down. Of course, almost immediately, the press filled in the blanks. Here is a news account (http://www.reidsvillereview.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=RVR/MGArticle/RVR_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1137834363617&path=!frontpage) from February 2006, when the crime occurred:A Reidsville man shot his wife, then turned the gun on himself early Saturday morning, according to police.…The release states that North Carolina Highway Patrolman R.W. Hamilton, who was the first to arrive on scene, observed a muzzle flash from several shots fired inside the home as he pulled into the driveway.Shortly thereafter, several Reidsville officers arrived on the scene and Beverly Emory Ward, of the residence, told them her husband had shot her.

After hearing Jamie Lynn’s story, I wondered what happened to the step-mom. After the show aired Tuesday, the press caught up with her here (http://www.reidsvillereview.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=RVR/MGArticle/RVR_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1149192980108&path):“I remember seeing blue lights,” she said Thursday from her home in Alamance County. “I remember looking back at my husband, and I remember him looking at me like I was somebody he didn’t know. I remember him saying, ‘God forgive me for what I’m about to do.’ I remember him pointing the gun at me, and I remember him shooting me three times.” Beverly Ward, the stepmother, said she had told relatives to watch the show, unaware of what was going to be said. When Jamie’s audition aired, her phone started ringing. Relatives called to ask if she knew of Jamie’s comments beforehand.“Emotionally, it just about destroyed me,” Beverly said. “She was on ‘American Idol.’ She should have been talking about herself and not dragging this back up.”Jamie Lynn’s step-mom refused to press charges against her husband. She claims that he had mixed alcohol with a Valium and, “That was just not my husband. That was just something I would have never expected him to do. If he hadn’t been drinking, and hadn’t taken that Valium, it wouldn’t have happened.” Jamie Lynn, incidently, was crowned high school homecoming queen (http://www.reidsvillereview.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=RVR/MGArticle/RVR_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1149191035707) later that year.

[wade moore]

FYI, for anyone interested, this forum as a spoiler list of the top 40/24:

hxxp://idolforums.com/index.php?showtopic=450039&st=0

Just wanted to say thanks for handling this this way. I dont' want to be spoiled and this is the best way to get the info to people to those that want it without any risk of spoilage for the rest of us.

[Ksyrup]

Yeah, something like that I wouldn't direct post. The additional backstory info isn't really "spoiler" material so I'm less careful about that.

[wade moore]

Yeah, something like that I wouldn't direct post. The additional backstory info isn't really "spoiler" material so I'm less careful about that.

Yup, I also like the back-story stuff.

This will only be my second season (counting last season) watching more than just the goofy stuff before Hollywood. I'm curious to see the claims about Camera Time and the overall impact. I definitely recognize already, with Taylor winning, that the end results are not about who you are most likely to buy music from.

[Ksyrup]

Apparently, a bunch of Taylor Hicks' fans are ticked about the way his new album has been handled. As opposed to Daughtry and McPhee, his album's release was preceded by a single. It's been out for a few weeks, and the first single is just now being released. Some feel that he is being purposely railroaded for some reason. It could be that they realize how much of a niche audience he has and they're not willing to put a full media blitz behind him.

The other thing I read was that it appears Bo Bice has been dropped by RCA. What a strange turn hie took - everyone knew he couldn't do pop, and that's exactly what he did. To the extent his career has any legs, he definitely needs to get back to southern rock and forget everything they tried to teach him.

[wade moore]

Apparently, a bunch of Taylor Hicks' fans are ticked about the way his new album has been handled. As opposed to Daughtry and McPhee, his album's release was preceded by a single. It's been out for a few weeks, and the first single is just now being released. Some feel that he is being purposely railroaded for some reason. It could be that they realize how much of a niche audience he has and they're not willing to put a full media blitz behind him.

Maybe his sales are bad because he's not what the country wants? I mean, give me a break, the timing of the single is the reason? No, the fact that he sings music that the mainstream won't buy is why he's not succeeding.

Side note - I'm highly dissapointed in the McPhee album from what I've heard on the iTunes previews, but I did admittedly by the Daughtry album.

[Eaglesfan27]

Just wanted to say thanks for handling this this way. I dont' want to be spoiled and this is the best way to get the info to people to those that want it without any risk of spoilage for the rest of us.


I just wanted to second that thanks and agree that the back story stuff is interesting and not spoilerish.

[JeeberD]

For those of you who watched last night's show, don't expect to see Akron, the dude who was there with his cousin and bored Simon, in Hollywood even though he got a golden ticket.

There was a piece on him on the Dallas news last week. Apparently AI flew a crew out to his house after the audition and they stayed there for a week so that they could do a feature segment on him, but two days before he was supposed to fly to Hollywood he got a call from the AI producers telling him that he wasn't welcome anymore. AI says they don't discuss reasons why invitations are revoked, but Akron apparently has a misdemenor marijuana charge on his record, and he's convinced that has something to do with it despite the fact he told the producers about it at his audition.

He even has a MySpace set up to try and get himself back on the show (little good it's going to do)...

http://www.myspace.com/bringakback

[Ksyrup]

So it looks like they're going to milk the auditions for one more show tonight, featuring a bunch of losers and a select few Golden Ticket recipients that we didn't see during the city-specific auditions. Yay. I'm starting to wish that they'd shorten the audition coverage and spend an extra week of coverage on the Hollywood Week auditions and 40/24 cut-downs.

[Raiders Army]

For those of you who watched last night's show, don't expect to see Akron, the dude who was there with his cousin and bored Simon, in Hollywood even though he got a golden ticket.

There was a piece on him on the Dallas news last week. Apparently AI flew a crew out to his house after the audition and they stayed there for a week so that they could do a feature segment on him, but two days before he was supposed to fly to Hollywood he got a call from the AI producers telling him that he wasn't welcome anymore. AI says they don't discuss reasons why invitations are revoked, but Akron apparently has a misdemenor marijuana charge on his record, and he's convinced that has something to do with it despite the fact he told the producers about it at his audition.

He even has a MySpace set up to try and get himself back on the show (little good it's going to do)...

http://www.myspace.com/bringakback

That sucks if true. It'd be pretty hard to prove that you told producers about the marijuana charge.

Randy needed to button his shirt up last night too. He does not have the goods to leave his shirt 3/4 unbuttoned.

[Ksyrup]

He's not the only one with an issue. Remember the chick who got the second chance (Ashlyn Carr)? She won't be getting a third - according to one of the AI websites, she didn't get to go to Hollywood because of this incident:


Sugar in gas tank leads to jail stay

$2,500 in damage lands ex-girlfriend felony charge

Christi Laney

Issue date: 11/14/06 Section: Campus News (http://www.houstonianonline.com/news/2006/11/14/CampusNews/)
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Two Sam Houston State University students learned a hard lesson about breaking up two weeks ago as an ex-girlfriend seeking revenge instead landed a stay in jail.

On Nov. 1, a student reported that his car had sustained engine damage on campus as a result of sugar that had been placed in the gas tank.

"The student found out that he had sugar in his tank after taking the car to a mechanic for car trouble," UPD investigative officer Mark Saha said.

After discovering the source of the problem, the student contacted UPD and gave them several people he believed could have been responsible.

One of those suspects, Ashlyn Carr, 19, was called in by UPD and confessed to the crime. She was arrested on Criminal Mischief charges, a state jail felony and booked into the Walker County Jail. According to Saha, the offense was cited as a felony because of the large estimated damages value of $2500.

According to Saha, incidents such as this have happened on campus before but aren't a common occurrence.

"It happens, but not very often," Saha said. "But it definitely messed up the car."

The idea of getting revenge by pouring sugar into an adversary's gas tank is a well-known theory that has captured the attention of police blotters for years and has even made many appearances in American pop culture. In 1996, the act was featured in a Less Than Jake song titled "Sugar in Your Gas Tank." That same year, the act of crime was cited again in the film "Kingpin."

Yet according to CarTalk.com, putting sugar in the gas tank of a car is a widespread belief that carries more weight than it is worth. Many people believe that the sugar dissolves into the gasoline after being poured into the tank, only to caramelize upon reaching the engine and in effect forcing the engine to be completely replaced.

In reality, the sugar does not dissolve and is usually caught in the fuel filters on the way to the engine, the site says.

According to Snopes.com, the sugar has a very slim chance of ever reaching the engine. But when enough sugar enters the gas tank, the site says the car is stopped and serious damages do occur.

[Mustang]

Damn quick Hollywood week this year... normally they drag it out a good 3 days.

[MJ4H]

True. Glad to see the Colombian girl go, she got annoying quick. Disappointed to see Bailey (Brown?) go. She was really cute and the way they played her up I thought she'd make several cuts at least. Some good stuff in this episode. The guy's group with the beatbox guy was probably the best performance I've seen in the group stages in any season. I wanted to hear more. The brother/sister thing at the end was cool to see, too.

[cuervo72]

The taller girl in Bailey's group has some feeeee-nominal legs.

Agreed on the beatbox group.

[Landshark44]

the beatbox group should stay together every week....

they were great..

[MJ4H]

The taller girl in Bailey's group has some feeeee-nominal legs.

Agreed on the beatbox group.

yes. yes she does.

[Lathum]

I felt bad for the brother/sister

[Mustang]

Felt bad for the one guy.. (Sato I think.. 16 year old that said his mother never hugged him or said I love you). Thought he was being dramatic until he told his Mom he was cut on the phone and you hear 'click'

Niiiiiiiiice...

[Mustang]

Oh.. and going into the 6th season, you think some of these idiots would learn the 1st rule.

Learn the freakin' lyrics.

[Eaglesfan27]

I'm shocked to see Bailey go, particularly after Simon was talking about how commercial she was. I was also disappointed to see the first girl of the night go as I really liked her. Agreed that the beat box group was phenomenal. The brother/sister response was touching. Looking forward to the top 24 tomorrow night.

[sabotai]

Oh.. and going into the 6th season, you think some of these idiots would learn the 1st rule.

Learn the freakin' lyrics.

No kidding. And it's not like these songs are these epic songs that are written like a short story.

[Lathum]

It's amazing how they freeze

[JeeberD]

He's not the only one with an issue. Remember the chick who got the second chance (Ashlyn Carr)? She won't be getting a third - according to one of the AI websites, she didn't get to go to Hollywood because of this incident:


Sugar in gas tank leads to jail stay

Lies!!!

[wade moore]

Anyone who really enjoyed the beatbox group loses all ability to make fun of me for liking college acapella - that type of performance is what makes me like it.

[TRO]

Only real disappointing loss to me was the vagrant looking guy with the ZZ Top beard.

[Ksyrup]

Only real disappointing loss to me was the vagrant looking guy with the ZZ Top beard.

Are you talking about the Christian Fidel Castro? I believe he made it.

Agreed with above comments on Bailey Brown being let go (although she's only 16, I believe, so I have it in mind that they are actually using her as a drawn-out cliffhanger for an upcoming season, 2008 or 2009 - this is a TV show, after all :) ) and the beat box group. Not that I find that kind of music appealing for an entire album, but to put something like that together in one night and sound that good and have that developed a performance was impressive.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I was in the bathroom during the beatboxing, so I missed it. :(

[wade moore]

Are you talking about the Christian Fidel Castro? I believe he made it.

Agreed with above comments on Bailey Brown being let go (although she's only 16, I believe, so I have it in mind that they are actually using her as a drawn-out cliffhanger for an upcoming season, 2008 or 2009 - this is a TV show, after all :) ) and the beat box group. Not that I find that kind of music appealing for an entire album, but to put something like that together in one night and sound that good and have that developed a performance was impressive.

Fidel is definitely gone....

Fair point on the beat-boxing... that kind of thing doesn't generally translate to an album and should be seen live imo...

Sorry.. I get mocked often (not here cause I don't bother opening myself up generally), but while in college I went to tons of acapella stuff, and still like to now and then... and i liked the groups that performed like those 4 did.

[wade moore]

So.. on the beat box guy - am I the only one REALLY intrigued to see where he goes with this? If he's able to incorporate it conistently and if so how it will play?

[CraigSca]

The three girls - Bailey, and the two best friends. I was so disappointed to see the best friends make it, especially when the one girl said, "God likes nice people." I'm so incredulous when people are so out of touch.

Fortunately, the "God likes nice people" chick got bumped during the 3-room phase.

[Ksyrup]

Fortunately, the "God likes nice people" chick got bumped during the 3-room phase.

Personality only gets you so far with God...

[Ksyrup]

Fidel is definitely gone....

Just saw this...


Did American Idol Cut the "Fidel Castro" Look-alike?

FEBRUARY 12, 2007 - 09:37 PM

If you watched the American Idol auditions in Memphis, you probably remember Sean Michel. He looked a bit like Fidel Castro, but actually sang surprisingly well and was sent on to Hollywood.

The trip may have been short-lived. From TVSquad.com: "He looks like Osama bin Laden, Fidel Castro, and Jesus all rolled into one. And when Sean Michel first appeared at the Memphis auditions, I thought he was one of those bizarre bombs the producers were going to drop on us. Instead, Michel surprised us all when he sang an amazing version of Johnny Cash's 'God's Gonna Cut You Down.

"But now it seems that Michel's 15 minutes in the spotlight may already be up. According to Internet buzz, despite Michel's singing talent, he was disqualified from the competition during the Hollywood round because of his refusal to cut his long locks and shave his scruffy beard.

Reality TV Magazine contacted Sean Michel to discuss the rumor, but Michel was mum due to an Idol confidentiality agreement. However, Michel did confirm that he hasn't shaved his beard or cut his long hair.

[Mustang]

If they cut him for that, then they screwed up. Bo, Daughtry, Rueben, Hicks and Justin sure didn't have a typical Idol look and they all did fine...

[Ksyrup]

I thought for sure he was going to do one of those makeover deals and be an instant hit early on. I guess not...

[wade moore]

I thought for sure he was going to do one of those makeover deals and be an instant hit early on. I guess not...

I swear they played it last night like he was just cut..

Now, they didn't say why, didn't show him sing, or anything... but I didn't think it was some big mystery as to whether he was cut or not.

[Ksyrup]

No, I must have missed that, but I thought he was going to be a much bigger factor in the show overall, and his makeover would serve as a perfect story line. Same with the Texas girl that Simon loved. I can only assume that means she'll be back another year. But I was really hoping she, and not the "my daddy shot hisself" Pickle Clone would be the blonde southern girl on the show this year. I can't recall whether they showed if she made it or not.

[Ksyrup]

I swear, there are so many interesting side issues berfore the top 12 are decided, that it's no wonder I slowly lose interest in the show once the actual competition occurs (well that, and the typical songs I have to listen to them sing). These types of things, moreso than the entertainment of the bad auditions, is why this part of the show is so interesting...



Remember Wandera Hitchye who was told during the Memphis Auditions (http://mjsbigblog.com/2007/01/23/auditions-memphis/) by Simon that “there are so many singers like you trying to get deals right now,” before all three judges rejected her? Wandera claims that she never auditioned in front of the judges (http://www.memphisrap.com/community/article1213.html). That, in the final edit, it was only made to look that way:
The contestant stated that she didn’t perform in front of Simon, Paula or Randy which everyone saw on their television screen. The tape was instead edited to make it look like she did according to the contestant. In fact, Hitchye actually performed in front of the producer of the show Nigel Lythgoe who told her that he loved her singing, but didn’t like her performance.

[Mustang]

But I was really hoping she, and not the "my daddy shot hisself" Pickle Clone would be the blonde southern girl on the show this year. I can't recall whether they showed if she made it or not.

She was in the "don't let the door hit you on your ass on the way out" room so, you're safe.

[Logan]

My favorite part of last night's show was the group of girls who were told they were going home, but 2 of them thought Simon had said they made it and started celebrating.

[wade moore]

I swear, there are so many interesting side issues berfore the top 12 are decided, that it's no wonder I slowly lose interest in the show once the actual competition occurs (well that, and the typical songs I have to listen to them sing). These types of things, moreso than the entertainment of the bad auditions, is why this part of the show is so interesting...



Remember Wandera Hitchye who was told during the Memphis Auditions (http://mjsbigblog.com/2007/01/23/auditions-memphis/) by Simon that “there are so many singers like you trying to get deals right now,” before all three judges rejected her? Wandera claims that she never auditioned in front of the judges (http://www.memphisrap.com/community/article1213.html). That, in the final edit, it was only made to look that way:The contestant stated that she didn’t perform in front of Simon, Paula or Randy which everyone saw on their television screen. The tape was instead edited to make it look like she did according to the contestant. In fact, Hitchye actually performed in front of the producer of the show Nigel Lythgoe who told her that he loved her singing, but didn’t like her performance.


This would be a REALLY interesting development if true...

She was in the "don't let the door hit you on your ass on the way out" room so, you're safe.


Umm.. i'm 99% sure they showed her specifically, jumping around, saying she moved on. Was that earlier in the show?

[wade moore]

Just re-watched the summary video on Americanidol.com and it was after the first girl day that they had that shot of the "daddy shot himself" girl.

[Ksyrup]

This would be a REALLY interesting development if true...

Actually, this is pretty common. Every single clip they show where multiple people - most of whom we've seen in their actual audition - are shown singing a particular "theme song" for the city they're in, interspersed with clips of the three judges' various facial expressions, were not performed in front of the judges, but in front of one of the Nigel's.

Also, after last year's Austin auditions, it came out that none of the auditions they showed were actually filmed in Austin. One of the Nigel's admitted it and basically said their first obligation is to create an entertaining show, facts be damned.

[wade moore]

Actually, this is pretty common. Every single clip they show where multiple people - most of whom we've seen in their actual audition - are shown singing a particular "theme song" for the city they're in, interspersed with clips of the three judges' various facial expressions, were not performed in front of the judges, but in front of one of the Nigel's.

Also, after last year's Austin auditions, it came out that none of the auditions they showed were actually filmed in Austin. One of the Nigel's admitted it and basically said their first obligation is to create an entertaining show, facts be damned.

I knew they showed the extra footage, but to my knowledge we've never known about the judges talking about someone they never saw... very different imo...

[kurtism]

Did anyone else notice that one of the last girls to be sent home was Robyn Troup, who apparently recovered by performing with Justin Timberlake at the Grammys?

[JeeberD]

I swear they played it last night like he was just cut..

Now, they didn't say why, didn't show him sing, or anything... but I didn't think it was some big mystery as to whether he was cut or not.

They made it look like his entire group was cut. They didn't show the performance, just the group leaving and Fidel saying something like, "Well, that's that."

[Ksyrup]

Some interesting info/rumors re the Hollywood round:

Rumor Has It:

The contestants arrived Monday November 13.
The girls sang acapella on Tuesday November 14th while the boys toured.
There were 117 girls. They cut so many the first day, that they had to wake up 10 girls in the middle of the night to ask them to come back.
There were only 56 guys.
The guys sang acapella on Wednesday, November 15th.
Group day was Thursday November 16th.
On Friday November 17th, the remaining contestants--approximately 31 girls and 25 guys--sang solo with piano and 3 bgvs. They were split up into rooms that night.
On Saturday November 18th and Sunday November 19th, contestants were interviewed, etc.
Contestants were sent home on Sunday November 19th and Monday November 20th once the interview process was completed.

[Ksyrup]

Lies!!!

Not really. Apparently their way of dealing with most of these people this time around is to let them compete but just cut them, instead of making a big deal about cutting them for reasons unrelated to the show. Tommy Daniels, one of the last 2 left last night, was rumored to have been cut because of his arrest record and for disclosing information. If that's true, theystill let him compete and just cut him as if he was still being considered. Who knows...

[JeeberD]

But Akron was told to not both even showing up in Hollywood...

*shrug*