AI - The Final 13

[Mia]

In no particular order.........

Adam
Allison
Matt
Megan
Alexis
Lil
Scott
Kris

Love Rockin' Robin. I was 10 the first time around. :)

Volunteering to translate/interpret for Jorge. ;) Jorge's problem is that his range in English is not the same as in his native language.

[Skeeter]

What does that list mean? Stay or go?

[sam king cat]

I think the judges are going to be able to vote/imput now !

[Skeeter]

That's what I think. They will get a percentage of the "at home" vote or something similar.

[Mia]

No, they stay.

I won't be here tomorrow. Going to Hollywood to help Jorge. :)

[sam king cat]

& leave it to the production team to give the girl who sang Dirty Diana the 13th tele #

"Dial very carefully !!"

[Skeeter]

I wonder how they "handled" that number? It really is a disadvantage to have that number, because people will think (not listen) that she was the last to perform and count which performance she was.

I did notice none of their top faves got that number.

[sam king cat]

Paula seemed to be back on the meds again. Even caught a glance that Simon gave her which confirmed my thoughts.

[Monicauf]

Adam was my favorite tonight and there is something about him that I find sexy, I know he is gay, but I just find something sexy about him, and he did amazing tonight, love the song he sang.

[sam king cat]

We can vision the last 3 standing:

Adam, Allison & who?

[sam king cat]

edit my third pick:

I am on the fence.

Danny or Lil

[Mia]

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: sam king cat;1846419 (Post Number)

Paula seemed to be back on the meds again. Even caught a glance that Simon gave her which confirmed my thoughts.

************************************************** *********
For a minute there I thought she looked drunk.

[Skeeter]

I thought she was going to tell everyone she would see them in the finals! LOL

[Mia]

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: Monicauf;1846420 (Post Number)

Adam was my favorite tonight and there is something about him that I find sexy, I know he is gay, but I just find something sexy about him, and he did amazing tonight, love the song he sang.

************************************************** *********
Monica, that's because he has that bad-boy-funk goin' on!

[Monicauf]

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: Mia;1846426 (Post Number)

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: Monicauf;1846420 (Post Number)

Adam was my favorite tonight and there is something about him that I find sexy, I know he is gay, but I just find something sexy about him, and he did amazing tonight, love the song he sang.

************************************************** *********
Monica, that's because he has that bad-boy-funk goin' on!

************************************************** *********

Very true, he definitely has that going on

[Jules]

Adam turned me off from the time he sang Satisfaction....he screamed the entire time.....now I'm just blah about him.

[beekeeper]

I'm posting all of the names so I can keep track (I'm horrible with names)

Adam
Alexis
Allison
Anoop
Danny
Jasmine
Jorge
Kris
Lil
Matt
Megan
Michael
Scott

My faves (not in order) were Adam, Matt, Kris, Allison, Danny and Megan. All around fave was Adam.

Monica, as hard as I try ... I can't see sexy in Adam. One minute he's rocking out, the next he's shaking his head like a drag queen ... that threw me off. Sexy or not (for me) he got my votes! The kid will definitely have a great career!

I find matt sexy, and Kris ... totally adorable! I tend to agree with Simon, in saying he shouldn't have brought out the wife yet. He needs those young girl votes, and they may not vote if they know he's married.

I (sadly) think the two going home will be Anoop and Jorge. At this point, I really like everyone.

[Scoops]

I liked Danny, Allison, Alexis, Matt, Jorge, Adam and Kris....They all have super super voices.

My next level would be Lil ( really great but sounds too generic) and Meghan (quirky, fun, sounds good but not in the same league as those above) Michael Sarver (same as Lil...really great voice, but generic)


Then Scott, Anoop, Jasmine. all very good, but I already have forgotten Scott and Jasmine's performances and my Anoop picked too big a song performance wise.

[Scoops]

I thought Jorge was waaaaay better than they gave him credit for. I love the sound of his voice and he has power. They wiped the joy right off his face....I felt worse for him than the others that got bad commentary, because I felt he really was good.

[Scoops]

I think Anoop and Jasmine may go.

[Mia1]

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: Scoops;1846537 (Post Number)

I thought Jorge was waaaaay better than they gave him credit for. I love the sound of his voice and he has power. They wiped the joy right off his face....I felt worse for him than the others that got bad commentary, because I felt he really was good.

************************************************** *********
He's sings so much better in his native language. At least this got him exposure on TV.

Bet you the likes of Gloria & Emilio (Estefan) or other moguls of the latino music industry are hoping he gets thrown off Idol so they can snatch him up.

[sam king cat]

I didn't think any of the performances were really bad. I may have liked Anoop & Jorge the least, but they still were good.

I guess a lot lies in the 'twist' tonight.

[Scoops]

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: Mia1;1846660 (Post Number)

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: Scoops;1846537 (Post Number)

I thought Jorge was waaaaay better than they gave him credit for. I love the sound of his voice and he has power. They wiped the joy right off his face....I felt worse for him than the others that got bad commentary, because I felt he really was good.

************************************************** *********
He's sings so much better in his native language. At least this got him exposure on TV.

Bet you the likes of Gloria & Emilio (Estefan) or other moguls of the latino music industry are hoping he gets thrown off Idol so they can snatch him up.

************************************************** *********
I don't get it...I love the song he chose....I felt it was perfect for his voice. Dare I say that he is in Mark Anthony caliber range? They even have the same timbre to their voices. Are they trying to sabotage him so that they are sure to keep some of the others? Most times I agree with the judges, but in his case and one other, I just wasn't seeing the same performance they were.

I didn't get why they didn't love the last girl Alexis either. Too many other girls they prefer?

Is it one guy and one girl who go home tonight, or just the two lowest? I think Jorge will get by....he is very likeable. I know Anoop is likeable too, but he wasn't near as good....it was his big chance and I think he did sound in the karaoke category of singing that they always use for reference.

[Scoops]

OK...so let's get crack-a-lackin and give out choices of who goes home.

I previously said Jasmine and Anoop....I'm sticking with that I guess.

[Jules]

I haven't watched yet, so I can't make a prediction as of now....

[ChicagoDiva]

I haven't really watched much this season, watched some of it last night. It was Michael Jackson night? I thought they were all good, but I thought that they could have picked better songs as well JMO

[Scoops]

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: ChicagoDiva;1846673 (Post Number)

I haven't really watched much this season, watched some of it last night. It was Michael Jackson night? I thought they were all good, but I thought that they could have picked better songs as well JMO

************************************************** *********

I sooooooooooo agree about the song choices....I think Anoop made a choice of a better more crowd pleasing song, but it wasn't good for him...but some of the others could have chosen a song like that. I loved Lil's choice....MJ has such good music to choose from...I was kind of baffled by the selections. Danny picked the best song for him and for crowd enjoyment.

I have always loved Human Nature so I was happy with that one....but wow they missed some great opportunities to bust out with something big.

[ChicagoDiva]

I agree scoops. Was Danny the one who sang "Black or White" his was a good performance and he didn't copy Michael at all.

But yeah I was hoping to hear better MJ songs myself. Maybe they didn't want to upstage him, but still would have been a more fun night had they picked better songs.

[Scoops]

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: ChicagoDiva;1846677 (Post Number)

I agree scoops. Was Danny the one who sang "Black or White" his was a good performance and he didn't copy Michael at all.

But yeah I was hoping to hear better MJ songs myself. Maybe they didn't want to upstage him, but still would have been a more fun night had they picked better songs.

************************************************** *********

Danny sang PYT.....Adam did the rocker thing with Black and White. both pretty special performances.


The upstaging thing is tricky...I am always uncertain which songs the judges are going to deem "untouchable" and which songs are recognizable/do-able enough. There seems to be a fine line. Simon always wants them to pick songs people will know, but sometimes when they do, they are told you don't mess with that song...or the opposite, that they should have put their spin on it. I think the judging can sometimes be schizophrenic.


speaking of that. Paula looked a bit whacked out....and she seems like she has gotten herself a thesaurus....all sorts of new words last night. LOL (except when Simon made her speak out of turn...she was totally confused. lol)

[Scoops]

Oh....and what did you all think of the entrance the judges made last night? Coming out like the Fantastic Four. lol Was there fog? I think there was. lol

Ryan was saying to Simon "you loved that!!"

[Jules]

Did anyone's hair catch on fire? THAT would be an untouchable performance....

[Scoops]

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: Jules;1846685 (Post Number)

Did anyone's hair catch on fire? THAT would be an untouchable performance....

************************************************** *********

HAH...HILARIOUS!!!!!!!

[ChicagoDiva]

yeah Paula was out of last night. lol. I think this topic was discussed before at the board, but I have to agree after watching last night, the four judged commentary does take up a lot of time on the show. IMO

[KaliChris]

LOL about Paula; she' entertaining anyway.

I was disappointed in Anoop; he just plain picked the wrong song, but maybe his fan base sent in enough votes this time? Although if Sam is right and the judges can now vote, he's gone.

I didn't think Jorge was bad; I liked him last night myself.

So is it one guy and one girl that go? Or just two? If it's one boy and one girl I'm going with Scott and Alexis. Not sure why; just not sure they have the fan base the others have.

[sam king cat]

I think the new twist definitely has something to do with the judges involved - just the way Simon said 'you won't like it' !

Maybe there is going to be some combined scoring similar to DWTS - the votes count from the viewers and the judges.

Or

Ryan Seacrest will have the bottom 3 out on the stage.

He will say which one scored with lowest votes - bye - you're gone & the last 2 standing the judges have to choose who will leave and the last one standing is asked to sit on the couch.

[Susan]

I think Adam Lambert is very talented! I love the tone and clarity of his voice and it feels like he rarely goes off-key. Is he the one who has appeared onstage in Wicked?

[Scoops]

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: sam king cat;1846724 (Post Number)

I think the new twist definitely has something to do with the judges involved - just the way Simon said 'you won't like it' !

Maybe there is going to be some combined scoring similar to DWTS - the votes count from the viewers and the judges.

Or

Ryan Seacrest will have the bottom 3 out on the stage.

He will say which one scored with lowest votes - bye - you're gone & the last 2 standing the judges have to choose who will leave and the last one standing is asked to sit on the couch.

************************************************** *********

I read that it's another sing-off like in Hollywood.

[Scoops]

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: Susan;1846726 (Post Number)

I think Adam Lambert is very talented! I love the tone and clarity of his voice and it feels like he rarely goes off-key. Is he the one who has appeared onstage in Wicked?

************************************************** *********

Yes! that's him...his range is pretty amazing.

[Scoops]

Mar 11, 7:35 AM (ET)

By DERRIK J. LANG


LOS ANGELES (AP) - If the "American Idol" judges have their way, it won't be curtains for Adam Lambert anytime soon. The 26-year-old theater actor from Los Angeles seamlessly impressed the panel - and eclipsed his 12 co-finalists - with an energized rendition of the tune "Black or White" during Tuesday's Michael Jackson-themed performance show.

"You've got the whole package going on," Paula Abdul exclaimed following Lambert's performance.

Anoop Desai, from Chapel Hill, N.C., was the target of the judges' harshest criticism. Randy Jackson said the 21-year-old college student's decision to perform "Beat It" was the "wrong choice" while Simon Cowell declared it "horrible." Jorge Nunez, the 20-year-old college student from Carolina, Puerto Rico, was also targeted for a lackluster song pick.

In defense of his "Never Can Say Goodbye," Nunez said: "I was not going to sing 'Bad' by Michael Jackson."

"Well, you sorta did," Cowell retaliated.

The judges seemed satisfied with most of the evening's other performers, especially Lil Rounds and Danny Gokey, who danced around while belting out "Pretty Young Thing." Cowell dubbed Gokey's moves "hideous" but said that his vocals were "brilliant." Jackson said he continued to love Rounds, who kicked off the show with "The Way You Make Me Feel."

A few of the finalists used their first time on the main "Idol" stage to showcase their musical abilities. Piano players Matt Giraud from Kalamazoo, Mich., and Scott MacIntyre from Scottsdale, Ariz., tickled the ivories on "Human Nature" and "Keep the Faith," respectively. Kris Allen from Conway, Ark., played his guitar during "Remember the Time."

"You're engaging," Abdul told Allen, "and kinda adorable/sexy."

Voters for final performer Alexis Grace, the 21-year-old single mother from Memphis, Tenn., were directed to 1-866-IDOLS-36. The singing contest - which has 13 finalists this season instead of the usual dozen - used that line because 1-866-IDOLS-13 is owned by a phone sex operation which promises to connect listeners to a "nasty girl" for $3.99 a minute.

At the beginning of the episode, Cowell announced that two singers - not just one - would be dismissed from the popular Fox singing competition Wednesday. He also later teased that an alteration in the "Idol" structure involving the show's judges would be revealed Wednesday. Host Ryan Seacrest said it will change "the entire theme and concept of the show."

Viewers immediately began speculating online about the possible season-eight switch-up after Tuesday's performance show. The most popular theory: the bottom vote-getters must now "sing for their lives" and the show's judges will have the ability to save a contestant from being sent home.

---

[beekeeper]

Sounds like Rupauls Drag Race on LOGO. The bottom two have to lip sync ... for their life! lol ... Shauntay, you stay ... Sashay ... away! (or something like that!)

[sam king cat]

The 'sing off ' twist off makes sense. They have to use stuff up in that 60 min. results show !!!

I know Kelly Clarkson will be performing her new hit:

My Life Would Suck Without You

[ChicagoDiva]

I love Kelly Clarksons new song !

[Scoops]

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: beekeeper;1846783 (Post Number)

Sounds like Rupauls Drag Race on LOGO. The bottom two have to lip sync ... for their life! lol ... Shauntay, you stay ... Sashay ... away! (or something like that!)

************************************************** *********

LOL...now that would be fun!!

[beekeeper]

Scoops, Rupauls show really is fun to watch! It's like Project Runway for Drag queens! Hilarious!

I love Kelly's new song too. I already have it downloaded ... she is so good!

[ChicagoDiva]

Kelly is great. She seemed to have a fumble with her last album, but she's doing good again it seems.

[beekeeper]

I liked one song for her last CD ... "Never again" (I think). I didn't hear the rest of it, but that probably proves your point Amber! lol ...

[Mia]

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: sam king cat;1846413 (Post Number)

& leave it to the production team to give the girl who sang Dirty Diana the 13th tele #

"Dial very carefully !!"

************************************************** *********
My niece was telling me that the reason they changed the #13 to another number is because the 866-436-5713 is a sex line. Did they mention this yesterday or is this an urban myth?

[sam king cat]

Didn't Ryan say 'dial very carefully' ?

[Monicauf]

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: Mia;1846969 (Post Number)

************************************************** *********
************************************************** *********
My niece was telling me that the reason they changed the #13 to another number is because the 866-436-5713 is a sex line. Did they mention this yesterday or is this an urban myth?

************************************************** *********

Not a myth, I posted articles on this yesterday, I don't remember which thread, it was on many of the various news sources and Ryan talked about it on his radio show yesterday morning

[Mia]

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: Monicauf;1846973 (Post Number)

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: Mia;1846969 (Post Number)

************************************************** *********
************************************************** *********
My niece was telling me that the reason they changed the #13 to another number is because the 866-436-5713 is a sex line. Did they mention this yesterday or is this an urban myth?

************************************************** *********

Not a myth, I posted articles on this yesterday, I don't remember which thread, it was on many of the various news sources and Ryan talked about it on his radio show yesterday morning

************************************************** *********
Monica, didn't see what you posted.

[sam king cat]

Surprised to find Paula seated and not dancing to the Kelly /You Suck tune

[Monicauf]

Is it me or does Kelly look different? Maybe, because I have not seen her in a long time

Sorry Mia that your man is gone, I liked him, and surprised that they did not save him

[sam king cat]

I thought the same. Maybe it was less make up ?

[Skeeter]

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: sam king cat;1846666 (Post Number)

I didn't think any of the performances were really bad. I may have liked Anoop & Jorge the least, but they still were good.

I guess a lot lies in the 'twist' tonight.

************************************************** *********

I agree; I really think this is the best sounding group of finalists yet!

[sam king cat]

I am in agreement in who was voted off tonight.

[Skeeter]

I didn't realize I knew (and love) that song Kelly sang!!!!

Funny story -- we were talking about the finalists tonight and my daughter (younger than 10 but who thinks she's a teenager) was trying to get a grasp on Jorge's name and how to pronounce it. Innocently, she said, "Did you said WhoreHead?" LOL

I didn't laugh UNTIL I left the room. It was priceless!

:)

Skeeter

[Mia]

Monica, I think it's only one save per season. Too early to save somebody.

I felt bad for him because he was out of his element. I hope somebody in the latino recording community signs him up.

[Mia]

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: Skeeter;1847015 (Post Number)

I didn't realize I knew (and love) that song Kelly sang!!!!

Funny story -- we were talking about the finalists tonight and my daughter (younger than 10 but who thinks she's a teenager) was trying to get a grasp on Jorge's name and how to pronounce it. Innocently, she said, "Did you said WhoreHead?" LOL

I didn't laugh UNTIL I left the room. It was priceless!

:)

Skeeter

************************************************** *********
Skeets, funny! She wasn't that far off in the pronunciation.

[Skeeter]

Thanks, Mia -- I missed the announcement and therefore the rules. Only one save all season? Wow. I guess if their pick goes, they'll save them, then we can vote them out the next week! LOL!

:)

Skeeter

[Mia]

According to Fox 5 Idol news, after yesterday's show, Marc Anthony texted Ryan telling him how much he and J-Lo had enjoyed Jorge's performance. See, I didn't have to worry about Jorge for long.

[Skeeter]

Really? That's interesting, Mia. I'm glad for him!

[Jules]

Who got voted off????

[Scoops]

I'm sad about Jorge....as much as I love Anoop, I think Jorge did a better performance. I think he could really do well singing ballads...he has a perfect voice for them. Nice that Mark Anthony called, because Jorge looked so sad......something about him, he was like I said before,... "joyous".... and I smiled when I watched him. Too bad.


"whorehead" cracked me up Skeeter. lol kids!!


so I am trying to figure who the third of the bottom three is. Is it Meghan or Anoop?

It looks like they took the bottom girl and the bottom guy...then not sure who was next.

[Jules]

Good morning, Scoopsie. : )

[Scoops]

Good morning Julesie. : )

[Scoops]

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: Monicauf;1847009 (Post Number)

Is it me or does Kelly look different? Maybe, because I have not seen her in a long time

Sorry Mia that your man is gone, I liked him, and surprised that they did not save him

************************************************** *********
Kelly looked pale to me....and I think she has a fuller face than last time I saw her perform. She wasn't fat, but she is a small girl and any weight on her shows.

[Jules]

I've been way behind on my Idol watching. Last night, hubby and I finally watched the wildcard picks sing, the show where the judges picked who goes through in the same hour.....I believe it aired March 5....

[Scoops]

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: Jules;1847074 (Post Number)

I've been way behind on my Idol watching. Last night, hubby and I finally watched the wildcard picks sing, the show where the judges picked who goes through in the same hour.....I believe it aired March 5....

************************************************** *********
Ok....so you are caught up except for Tuesday/Wed this week. You will enjoy the show Tuesday....keep an eye out for all the new big words Paula used....it's like she just discovered the dictionary!!!!

[Jules]

Ha ha...that woman....totally unpredictable. Thanks for the heads up!

[Scoops]

Ten Songs Idol Contestants Should Avoid.

NEW YORK — "I just don't know if that was the right song for you."
Monday, March 09, 2009

By Randee Dawn FOX NEWS

That's the recurring riff American Idol contestants have been hearing more this season than ever before.

Because for every Jennifer Hudson belting out "Circle of Life" or David Archuleta crooning "Imagine," there's a Casey Carlson, who this season chirped "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" to a grim death.

Maybe that's why Simon Cowell has promised a "Simon Picks The Songs Week."

But until then, the final 13 Idol contestants should check out our list of 10 classics no Idol singer should attempt.

We consulted the following industry vets to compile the list.

Bruce Dickinson, producer and A&R/Marketing Consultant for Sony Legacy.

Don McGhee, CEO McGhee Entertainment (and Kiss's manager).

Justin Guarini, Idol's Season One runner-up, who is still a musician and also blogs at Fancast.com

David Hazan, now chief marketing officer of The Bizmo.com digital music start-up site, and once considered as a fourth judge on Idol.

Brad Simon, co-founder of the artist management/PR firm The Simon Perry Group.

Phil Anderson, owner of Powersound Studios.

Rich Savoie, guitarist/manager for Boston indie band Sad Marvin.

Mike Farley, veteran music publicist and Idol blogger at PremiumHollywood.com.

Chieli Minucci, leader of the Grammy-nominated jazz group Special EFX.

Mr. Ozwald, producer and founder of Crown Digital Records.

So Idol contestants, take note!

If you want to win, that is.

The LIST:

"Help," The Beatles. Energetic and pleading simultaneously, this John Lennon-sung No. 1 hit from 1965 came from the movie of the same name. But that mix of angst is what amateur aspirants aren't likely to nail, says Bruce Dickinson, producer and A&R/Marketing Consultant for Sony Legacy: "You may have problems in your own life, but The Beatles' performance is a perfect storm of the talent of the whole band mixed with the essence of John Lennon, all perfectly produced and delivered. It's a pivotal song in the Beatles catalog. I don't know how you can expect to equal it - and if you don't, your performance will both fall flat and sound flat to anyone who has heard the original.


"With or Without You," U2. U2's first No. 1 song, this 1987 moody, operatic tune stayed at the top for three weeks. "The range of this song is absolutely incredible," says Phil Anderson, owner of Powersound Studios. "It's probably Bono's best vocal exercise, and yet it does not sound like it at all. When he sings that song, it becomes an anthem and a hymn combined. Any attempt to replicate that performance by any other great singer would be a disaster."


"Piano Man," Billy Joel. Who doesn't know how to sing Joel's first hit from 1974? Everyone except Joel, says Brad Simon, co-founder of the artist management/PR firm The Simon Perry Group. "Don't sing - don't hum it, not even when bathing," he urges. "It comes across as disingenuous and amateurish when copied. Billy is our country's greatest storyteller, he speaks more than sings to us - making him nearly impossible to imitate. You can't sing his song without seeming [drops into a British accent like Simon Cowell's ] like some utterly awful karaoke singer!


"Respect," Aretha Franklin. You gotta have some chops - and some guts - to take on the Queen of Soul's signature tune, which landed at No. 1 in 1967. "What pop tart gets so big in her britches that she thinks she can compete with The Queen?" asks Rich Savoie, guitarist/manager for Boston indie band Sad Marvin. "Get a grip, kids, you're not going to compete with the original - and it almost seems like you're personally attacking Ms. Franklin when you mangle this song. Leave the big soul epics to the masters. Crawl before you run."


"And I Am Telling You," Jennifer Holliday. Yes, some "Idol" aspirants have gotten away with this song, but as Nick Mitchell proved this season, the 1982 showstopper from the Broadway musical "Dreamgirls" is a vote-killer (even if you're not vamping). "It's a very difficult song to sing, and fraught with pitfalls waiting to ensnare inexperienced vocalists," says Justin Guarini, "Idol's" Season One runner-up, who is still a musician and also blogs at Fancast.com. "Bottom line, this song is like old luggage, we can't get rid of it. I hope future crops of Idols steer clear of this beautiful song � and let us keep fond memories of when it was fresh, and done right."

[Scoops]

"Rock 'n Roll All Nite," Kiss. Even Kiss couldn't hit the charts right away with this anthem: The studio version didn't crack the Top 40 at first - but the live take went to No. 12 in 1975. As a true band song, it's not really for a solo voice. Adds Don McGhee, CEO McGhee Entertainment - and Kiss's manager. "When choosing a song, contestants should recognize what aspect of the song made it a hit - whether it be lyrical or musical content. (In 'All Nite') the harmonies and mix both on-stage and on the album are far more advanced than can be produced on the set of 'American Idol.' I wish that the contestants would focus on what constitutes a strong live performance and apply vocal stylings that can be adapted to fit their personalities."


"Let's Get It On," Marvin Gaye. Gaye's second No. 1 hit in 1973 is seductive and blatant - and most contestants just don't have the tenor to tackle it. Notes Mike Farley, veteran music publicist and "Idol" blogger at PremiumHollywood.com: "Iconic singers like Marvin or Stevie Wonder or Aretha Franklin have a place in the stratosphere of the vocal talent meter, and no amateur can ever compare. Too often we see very young, sometimes underage contestants singing about love - or worse, lovemaking - and it just isn't believable. The lyrics do matter when you're trying to sell yourself to millions of voters."



"My Heart Will Go On," Celine Dion. It's man overboard for most singers who tackle the 1997 Oscar winner for Best Original Song, which was sung for the $2 billion film "Titanic." "It's a surprisingly difficult song to sing, given that it's a 'classic' American song form piece, and a ballad," says Chieli Minucci, leader of the Grammy-nominated jazz group Special EFX. "A song like this will quickly expose a singer's flaws, since it requires a clear display of the three basic rules of good singing - pitch control, rhythmic interpretation and expression, all while reaching quite a wide pitch range. Only a true, legit singer should attempt this."


"Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough," Michael Jackson. MJ was at his disco best with the second of his solo No. 1 hits, but the general consensus is that any Michael Jackson song is gloves-off for amateurs. "First off, the song won't display much of the contestant's vocal range," says Mr. Ozwald, producer and founder of Crown Digital Records. "Michael remains in the same key for the majority of the song, and he does it in the way that only Michael can do. If you're even a little pitchy, this songs is going to highlight that and you're going to sound awful. There's no room to recover later, either, because if you can't get it right early, you're not going to pick up the slack anywhere in this track. It's an amazing record, but let's leave this one to Michael."


"Bohemian Rhapsody," Queen. Who knew opera could fit on the pop charts? Yet Queen made it so in 1975, hitting No. 2 in America with a song that was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2004. But singers trying to duplicate it onn "Idol" should be saying "no" to the "Bo." "Freddy Mercury's vocals are simply inimitable, and the layered studio multi-tracking vocals are impossible to duplicate live," explains music industry vet David Hazan � now chief marketing officer of The Bizmo.com digital music start-up site, but once considered as a fourth judge on "Idol." "On the other hand, just thinking about Simon's (and the other judges') expressions while listening to the all-but-certain resulting train wreck makes me laugh.

[Jules]

LOL, that is so true....and people have actually tried singing those, too.

Loved Nick Mitchell (Norman Gentle's) rendition of "And I Am Telling You," by Jennifer Holliday.



LOL, and NEVER do what I saw Tatiana do last night ...(Yes, I'm a little behind) and sing the same song 3 times in a row.

[beachreader]

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: Skeeter;1847018 (Post Number)

Thanks, Mia -- I missed the announcement and therefore the rules. Only one save all season? Wow. I guess if their pick goes, they'll save them, then we can vote them out the next week! LOL!

:)

Skeeter

************************************************** *********

From Perez:

American Idol is in for some big changes!

On Tuesday, Simon Cowell announced that the show had decided to do "something slightly different."

What is that????

On Wednesday night, the judges revealed that they now have the power to veto the public's votes, addressing "a problem that’s been around actually, since Season 1."

Now the judges have a bigger role than simply offering their inane commentary, they can actually save a contestant voted off by the public.

The new rule allows the judges to save one person from elimination once during the season, up until the final five are announced. Their decision must be unanimous, and then two singers will be booted off the show the next week. So even if the judges save someone for seven days, he or she could still go home the very next week if the viewers continue to dislike him or her.

They tried the alteration on for size on the French version of AI, and it worked, so now they're bringing it to the States.

We can't wait to see what Paula Abdrool is going to do with this one.

[Scoops]

Jasmine and Jorge interview.


www.myfoxboston.com/subindex/entertainment/american_idol

[Scoops]

the above is a video...sorry forgot to note that. both Jasmine and Jorge seem exhausted.

[Skeeter]

Wow -- lots has happened since last night!!!

I wondered who the third one was, too, Scoops. And I agree about Jorge (although he wouldn't have ever won, and now I don't have to explain how to pronounce his name!) -- but glad that Marc called him. I think he has bigger and better fish to fry.

Thanks for that, Mia -- interesting. What's really interesting is that it didn't seem to hurt those folks for being voted off early -- maybe even helped them because they weren't bound by AI -- maybe that's what they want? A bigger piece of the pie?

:)

Skeeter

[Mia]

I think they do have to go on the Idol tour. I wonder if that's the extent of their contract with them? It should be.

I knew he wasn't going to get past the first few weeks, but it was nice to see him get the exposure and "somebody" took notice.

Not because I like Jorge, but I found Randy to be more gentle with Jasmine then Simon was with Jorge.

[Skeeter]

I think only the Top 10 go on tour (at least that's how it's been in prior years).

That's their only obligation, unless they win the whole shebang.

[Scoops]

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: Mia;1847743 (Post Number)

I think they do have to go on the Idol tour. I wonder if that's the extent of their contract with them? It should be.

I knew he wasn't going to get past the first few weeks, but it was nice to see him get the exposure and "somebody" took notice.

Not because I like Jorge, but I found Randy to be more gentle with Jasmine then Simon was with Jorge.

************************************************** *********

Simon was brutal....my mother brought that up at breakfast today....she thought his abrupt "no" was just awful.

[Skeeter]

I thought it was awful, too.

[Jules]

I was JUST about to comment on that. I finally got caught up last night on the 3 Idol shows that I was behind on.....


And OMG.....

I looked over at Eric when Simon said, "No" just like that....what an ARSEHOLE!!!

[KaliChris]

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: Scoops;1847749 (Post Number)

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: Mia;1847743 (Post Number)

I think they do have to go on the Idol tour. I wonder if that's the extent of their contract with them? It should be.

I knew he wasn't going to get past the first few weeks, but it was nice to see him get the exposure and "somebody" took notice.

Not because I like Jorge, but I found Randy to be more gentle with Jasmine then Simon was with Jorge.

************************************************** *********

Simon was brutal....my mother brought that up at breakfast today....she thought his abrupt "no" was just awful.

************************************************** *********
Agreed!!! He could have let him down gently like Randy did with Jasmine!

Just a couple comments:

I agree with the new rule. After people like Daughtry, Tamayra Gray and Jennifer Hudson getting voted off too soon, it's needed and this is definitely too soon to use it!

I think the face off should be between Amanda and Adam.

[KaliChris]

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: Mia;1847743 (Post Number)

I think they do have to go on the Idol tour. I wonder if that's the extent of their contract with them? It should be.

I knew he wasn't going to get past the first few weeks, but it was nice to see him get the exposure and "somebody" took notice.

Not because I like Jorge, but I found Randy to be more gentle with Jasmine then Simon was with Jorge.

************************************************** *********
I thought only the top ten went on tour.

[KaliChris]

Oh and if any of you have AT&T, are you playing that trivia contest? I am and it's a lot of fun! They start sending you the trivia questions after you vote by text message. I've gotten most of them right anyway.

[Scoops]

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: KaliChris;1848093 (Post Number)

Oh and if any of you have AT&T, are you playing that trivia contest? I am and it's a lot of fun! They start sending you the trivia questions after you vote by text message. I've gotten most of them right anyway.

************************************************** *********

I haven't voted by text message yet....will have to try it this week. I have AT&T. Do we get prizes?

[KaliChris]

Yeah, I can't remember what the prizes are; I need to go look that up.

[Scoops]

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: KaliChris;1848115 (Post Number)

Yeah, I can't remember what the prizes are; I need to go look that up.

************************************************** *********

goodie....i don't care what. Just enjoy winning!! LOL

[KaliChris]

LOL Me too, Scoops!

[sam king cat]

Oprah showed a preview of her going backstage on AI (airs Monday)

[Skeeter]

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: Scoops;1848116 (Post Number)



goodie....i don't care what. Just enjoy winning!! LOL

************************************************** *********


Don't forget to rub the blue dot while you're texting! ROFL!

[Scoops]

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: Skeeter;1848251 (Post Number)

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: Scoops;1848116 (Post Number)



goodie....i don't care what. Just enjoy winning!! LOL

************************************************** *********


Don't forget to rub the blue dot while you're texting! ROFL!

************************************************** *********

good idea!!

[Scoops]

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: sam king cat;1848135 (Post Number)

Oprah showed a preview of her going backstage on AI (airs Monday)

************************************************** *********
That sounds like fun.....thanks Sammi!

[sam king cat]

Tonight's theme is the Grand Ole Opry.

[sam king cat]

.......someone pinch me.....if it is over .......YAWN!

[Mia]

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: sam king cat;1849788 (Post Number)

.......someone pinch me.....if it is over .......YAWN!

************************************************** *********
Same here, Sami.

I was switching back and forth between the 2 shows and, at one point, I wondered why.

[Skeeter]

What's the other show, Mia?? We were watching The Biggest Loser, which was actually the better show this week, IMO.

On another note, I saw this on USAToday. I think it has some merit. It is a "formula" they have created to predict who will get the next boot, based on performance order, previous week's finish, DialIdol scores, etc. I will follow it and see what happens.

h t t p : / / w w w .usatoday.com/life/music/news/2009-03-16-idol-meter-usethisone_N.htm

[Mia]

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: Skeeter;1849794 (Post Number)

What's the other show, Mia?? We were watching The Biggest Loser, which was actually the better show this week, IMO.

On another note, I saw this on USAToday. I think it has some merit. It is a "formula" they have created to predict who will get the next boot, based on performance order, previous week's finish, DialIdol scores, etc. I will follow it and see what happens.

h t t p : / / w w w .usatoday.com/life/music/news/2009-03-16-idol-meter-usethisone_N.htm

************************************************** *********
I was between the Country Idol and the Injured Dancing. I really couldn't get into either.

[Skeeter]

duh to me. I forgot DWTS was on tonight. Thanks!

[KaliChris]

I was afraid I would hate it tonight but I actually enjoyed it. They sang a lot of the country songs I know and like.

I voted several times for my favorites: Allison, Adam and Anoop; the three A's. lol

[KaliChris]

Oh and I'm happy to say Anoop really came back tonight; he did great for those that missed it!

[beekeeper]

I loved Adams song. It was SOOO him, and not boring at all. I was really surprised that Simon hated it. I think after listening to it again ... he'll change his mind. I ageed with Randy ... it was very Trent Reznor doing Johnny Cash. LOVED IT!

I may get hate mail, but I hope Scott goes this week ... I feel he is the weakest link at this point.

[Scoops]

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: beekeeper;1849860 (Post Number)

I loved Adams song. It was SOOO him, and not boring at all. I was really surprised that Simon hated it. I think after listening to it again ... he'll change his mind. I ageed with Randy ... it was very Trent Reznor doing Johnny Cash. LOVED IT!

I may get hate mail, but I hope Scott goes this week ... I feel he is the weakest link at this point.

************************************************** *********

I thought Scott was weaker than Jorge last week. so I'm with you Bee.

[Scoops]

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: KaliChris;1849828 (Post Number)

Oh and I'm happy to say Anoop really came back tonight; he did great for those that missed it!

************************************************** *********

good to know...I haven't watched all of it...caught bits and pieces. I was watching DWTS....then I remembered Idol was on!!! good thing I record.

[Scoops]

Anoop Desai Goes Country...Wows Simon Cowell and company

Wednesday, March 18, 2009
By ERIN CARLSON, Associated Press Writer

NEW YORK — The "American Idol" judges are willing to give Anoop Desai one more chance to keep them satisfied.

The 21-year-old college student from North Carolina impressed tough critic Simon Cowell and the rest of the panel with his soulful cover of "Always on My Mind" during Tuesday night's Grand Ole Opry-themed performance show.

Cowell _ who criticized Desai's rendition of Michael Jackson's "Beat It" last week _ changed his tune, saying Desai "managed to go from zero to hero" thanks to stellar vocals and choice of the song. "Always on My Mind" has been recorded by Willie Nelson, Elvis Presley and others.

Desai, who prefers R&B music, told Ryan Seacrest he wasn't surprised by the positive response. He said he expects "to do the best" he can.

Kris Allen, Megan Corkrey and Matt Giraud also received unanimous love from the judges. Cowell told Giraud, the 23-year-old dueling piano player from Kalamazoo, Mich., that he outsang front-runner Danny Gokey on the top-rated Fox singing contest with his heartfelt take on a Carrie Underwood tune.

"I don't think you've had enough credit, actually, for your vocals in this competition so far because everyone's been talking about Danny and Adam (Lambert)," Cowell told Giraud, comparing him to pop-and-standards singer Michael Buble.

Not all of the contestants scored such strong reviews. Michael Sarver, the 27-year-old oil rig worker from Jasper, Texas, disappointed judges in a genre he might otherwise have nailed. Rating Sarver's rendition of Garth Brooks' "Ain't Goin' Down ('Til the Sun Comes Up)," Cowell said the unassuming singer came across not as a star but "a likable guy who likes country music who is a bit clumsy."

Lil Rounds fell off her A-game a bit by performing a straightforward cover of Martina McBride's "Independence Day." Randy Jackson said that song wasn't a good fit for the bubbly 23-year-old mother of three from Memphis, Tenn., who usually gets high marks for her raw R&B edge that was missing this week.

Guest mentor and country singer Randy Travis did not know quite what to make of Lambert, 26, of Los Angeles, who put his own theatrical spin on "Ring of Fire," giving the Johnny Cash gem less of a country twang and more of an exotic Middle Eastern vibe.

Cowell said Lambert's performance was "absolute indulgent rubbish" while Paula Abdul praised him for staying true to who he is. Kara DioGuardi said his Cash cover left her "confused and sort of happy."

One of the 11 finalists will be sent packing on Wednesday's elimination show _ unless judges act on the new rule that allows them to save a favorite contestant they feel has been unfairly booted by voting viewers.

[beekeeper]

Jorge was just on the radio here, doing an interview ... and ended up hanging up on the DJ's. I guess Jorge was eating while doing the interview (you could hear him chewing and a fork/spoon clinking) and the DJ's (John Jay and Rich) called him unprofessional. John Jay started singing songs from West Side Story, and thats when Jorge hung up. Kinda funny ...

[Scoops]

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: beekeeper;1849871 (Post Number)

Jorge was just on the radio here, doing an interview ... and ended up hanging up on the DJ's. I guess Jorge was eating while doing the interview (you could hear him chewing and a fork/spoon clinking) and the DJ's (John Jay and Rich) called him unprofessional. John Jay started singing songs from West Side Story, and thats when Jorge hung up. Kinda funny ...

************************************************** *********

Oh no.....LOL...that's hilarious....the whole thing...from the eating to the hanging up!!!

[sam king cat]

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: beekeeper;1849860 (Post Number)

I loved Adams song. It was SOOO him, and not boring at all. I was really surprised that Simon hated it. I think after listening to it again ... he'll change his mind. I ageed with Randy ... it was very Trent Reznor doing Johnny Cash. LOVED IT!

I may get hate mail, but I hope Scott goes this week ... I feel he is the weakest link at this point.

************************************************** *********

It took me right back to RockStars when Dilana performed it.

I vote for Scott or Michael to go.

[KaliChris]

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: beekeeper;1849860 (Post Number)

I loved Adams song. It was SOOO him, and not boring at all. I was really surprised that Simon hated it. I think after listening to it again ... he'll change his mind. I ageed with Randy ... it was very Trent Reznor doing Johnny Cash. LOVED IT!

I may get hate mail, but I hope Scott goes this week ... I feel he is the weakest link at this point.

************************************************** *********
He's such a nice guy, but I have to agree.

[Mia]

Tonight I noticed how many more guys then girls are in the final 10.

What was that fly on Carrie's hair?

Looking forward to celebrating 50 years of Motown.

[sam king cat]

Let's see how many girls left:

Allison
Lil
Megan

calling it close but should be enough or adequate draw/appeal for the AI tour.

I was so sure it was going to be Michael Sarver to get the boot.

Didn't like the new look of Carrie.

Wondering what Motown song Adam will spin.

[sam king cat]

Edit/

S P O I L E R ~alert !!!

in previous post

[Mia]

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: sam king cat;1849991 (Post Number)

Edit/

S P O I L E R ~alert !!!

in previous post

************************************************** *********
Too late!

[sam king cat]

Sue me !

[Skeeter]

We are huge Carrie fans in this house!!! Loved her!! She is so cute. Didn't care for the thing in her hair, but she still sounded great. And Randy is just an icon. He could sing the telephone book and I'd be happy!!!

***Spoiler***





The *person* who got the boot just oversang, plain and simple!!! Yikes!!!!

I also think they were worried that maybe Adam or someone might be in the bottom 3 sometime and they needed to protect their save. Too bad they didn't make the tour, though!

[Susan]

See? Here I am, looking for spoilers. I'm a wimp and won't make it til 10:00....that ol' alarm just goes off WAY too early!

[Mia]

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: sam king cat;1849996 (Post Number)

Sue me !

************************************************** *********
I would but my attorney's too busy defending some guy named Madoff!

[Scoops]

this is a good little article...funny observations by the writer.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009 Diane Macedo Fox News


It’s not every day I agree with Ryan Seacrest, but I have to say the guy had a point when he ended this week’s "American Idol" episode with the parting words: “We have ourselves a competition.”

Gone are the days when Danny Gokey and Adam Lambert were sure to make the Top 2. Here instead are Matt Giraud, Kris Allen and Anoop Desai edging themselves in as contenders to watch.

The whole thing was kind of surprising considering the theme of the week was the Grand Ole Opry. With a country music theme and Randy Travis as a mentor, you’d think this would have been Michael Sarver’s week to shine. But instead the welder’s version of “Ain’t Goin’ Down Til the Sun Comes Up” just made me wish the sun would come up already.

The only thing more monotonous than Michael’s performance was Randy Travis’s as a mentor. It’s like someone slipped him a memo saying that for every contestant, he should just blabber on about being unsure about their song choice, then act totally amazed at how brilliantly they “made it their own.”

I realize the guy’s trying to be nice, but the objective here is to make people better.

Remind Scott MacIntyre he’s picking songs for "American Idol," not an after-school special.

Inform Alexis Grace that her new hairstyle makes her look like a Golden Girl.

Tell Michael Sarver to stop squinting like a blind turtle.

This is what mentors are for.

Still there was one performance that even Randy couldn’t pretend to love.

Adam Lambert’s Middle Eastern sitar version of “Ring of Fire” was about as country as the black nail polish and turquoise hair he was rocking. Like Kara, it just left me a bit confused. But for most country fans out there, it probably left them wishing Adam would just get swallowed up in his own ring of fire.
Megan Corkery was another contestant that left me a little puzzled. With her being sick, you’d think she’d come out looking and sounding like death. But she actually looked and sounded better than she ever has. Her spastic body movements and the crazy accent thing however are KILLING me, and those have nothing to do with the flu.

But there was nothing baffling about my favorite of the night, Anoop Desai, and his rendition of “You’re Always on My Mind.” As he sang the words — “Maybe I didn’t treat you quite as good as I should have. Maybe I didn’t love you, quite as often as I could have” — I couldn’t help but think that he was singing to all of us who’ve had to listen to his crappy performances for the past three weeks.

But Anoop certainly came out tonight to prove that he’s more than just the goofy kid at the party or a Bobby Brown poser. He showed that he deserved his spot in this competition, and that he can actually sing with the best of them — even Danny and Adam.

[beekeeper]

Funny story Scoops ... but I still disagree about Adam ... I loved it, especially the part about Scott picking after school special songs! lol ...

I wasn't that surprised by the results ... but sad. She is/was better than Scott by a mile. I hate it when the sympathy vote kicks in ... it ruins the process for me.

Carrie is sooooo good, but I kinda thought HER look was eerily similar to something Rose or Blanche would have worn (hair and all) on the Golden Girls! ;-)

[Scoops]

Why did Carrie mess with her hair?...it's beautiful long. Faith Hill does that all the time too. I feel when somethings working...if it's in style, then I say don't change a thing. lol


did you see Randy looking at her when she was hitting those big notes? He seemed amazed by her too!! lol

funny Mia about the fly in Carrie's hair..lol...it was horrid!!!!

[beekeeper]

I don't think she cut her hair ... I believe it was tucked. It looked like a helmet ... and that fly was horrible ... your comment made me laugh Mia! :-)

[sam king cat]

MrSam said it looked like her hair was rolled or tucked up too ! I didn't think so - it looked cut to me.

So MrSam tells me of his AI scoop.

States that he knows / heard the AI leak/AI "fix" that the judges have already the final four picked. (hence, the new 'save' feature) .......so he tells me it is:

1- "spoiler"

2- "spoiler"

3- "spoiler"

&

4- Alexis

-O.Ops! - I guess his sources are not so good !!

[Susan]

Weighing in here on the Carrie Underwood 'do.....I thought it was a wig.

[Jules]

I still haven't seen it. I will watch tomorrow when I'm laid up on the couch.

[sam king cat]

When Carrie first appeared on the stage, I immediately thought she was dressed to play a broadway or theatre role - . That look was so unlike hers.

AI must be so tickled that she is fitting the ultimate AI winning role. She promotes AI, let's them use her songs, and is as sweet as can be.

[KaliChris]

I thought Carrie's hair was tucked as well.

I, like Bee, liked Adam's version of Johnny Cash's song.

I don't understand why Allison was in the bottom three; she is one of the best there IMO.

I think it was a mistake to vote Alexis out. She's kind of grown on me and it should have been Scott. Plus, at least there would have been one more girl in the group.

I thought that comment in the article about Scott and the after-school songs was too funny!

[KaliChris]

Oh, and one more comment: I really didn't expect the judges to save anybody this early in the game, unless it's somebody they really expect to win. I'll expect that later when there are maybe four contestants left.

[Scoops]

I think they can only use the save for 5 more weeks. I think they said it stops when they get down to 5 contestants.

I watched my recording again of Carrie, and you guys are right...her hair looks sort of rolled and tucked.

[Mia]

For half her song I was trying to figure out if it was tucked or cut. I have to say tucked because it was too poofy, puffy and big for it to be cut.

The second half of the song I was wondering why anybody would ask Carrie to wear that hair ornament with that dress and that hairdo.

From the very first time I saw her, I thought Alexis' features reminded me of a young Dolly Parton. I thought she could pass for her daughter.

[sam king cat]

When Simon made a Dolly Parton comment about her and the song choice - I thought - Mmmmmm, ok - maybe Dolly with an A sized cup & then I got a glance of her profile or a look and I did see the similiarity.

[Skeeter]

'Idol' contestants hit Detroit
The American Idol contestants are in Detroit. The gang arrived to film segments with Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr. and Smokey Robinson at the famous Hitsville USA building for next week's Motown-themed show. Here are (from left) Matt Giraud, Lil Rounds, Anoop Desai and Adam Lambert.

UPDATE: Plans leaving L.A. were upset for the contestants, according to Ryan Seacrest who tweeted: "Contestants couldn't fly out of local airport to go to detroit for rehearsals because prez shutdown airspace"

[Skeeter]

'Idol' changes nights next week
Just in: American Idol wants us to remember what Ryan Seacrest announced last night: Next week the show airs on Wednesday and Thursday, pre-empted on Tuesday by President Obama. On Wednesday at 8 p.m., the Top 10 finalists will perform classic Motown songs. On Thursday at 8 p.m. Smokey Robinson will perform and, continuing the Idol returnee trend following Kelly Clarkson two weeks ago and Carrie Underwood last night, Ruben Studdard will sing his new single Together. Meanwhile, most of our Idol Chatterers think the judges were right in not saving Alexis Grace last night. Do you agree?

[Skeeter]

Fox negotiating new 'Idol' deal with Paula Abdul
Fox exec Mike Darnell and Ryan Seacrest chatted on Ryan's radio show this morning about American Idol. And three things of interest came up:

-Ryan asked about tabloid reports saying Paula Abdul and Kara DioGuardi are fighting. "I see them getting along fine," said Ryan, and Darnell agreed.

-Of the new Judges' Save rule, Darnell sounded gleeful about last night's torturous moment for Alexis Grace: "It is creating an enormously raw moment on the show," said the reality show guru. "Better than we had imagined. ... The drama and tension it's adding is incredible." That might be why the judges didn't use it last night. "Every week the save is going to make people mad," said Darnell. But according to the new rules, it must be used before the show it whittled down to the top five.

- Ryan asked Darnell about Paula's contract being up at the end of this season and Simon's at the end of next season. Said Darnell: "As far as I'm concerned and as Fox is concerned, we want Simon to stay as long as he wants to stay. And we're currently trying to make a new deal with Paula, too." Darnell joked about Randy and Ryan also being up for renewal next year. No mention was made of Kara's future.

[Scoops]

thanks for the updates Skeeter!! most appreciated♥

[Skeeter]

You're welcome!!!

♥

[KaliChris]

I didn't realize that rule only applies before the final five. Well, that wouldn't have helped Daughtry or Tamayra or Jennifer Hudson then, if I remember right. Hmmmm....I suppose if it had been Allison last night, there would have been no question.

[Skeeter]

I just read this and thought it was interesting:

Chart Watch Extra: The American Idol Alumni Association
Posted Fri Mar 20, 2009 7:00am PDT by Paul Grein in Chart Watch
When Kelly Clarkson sold 255,000 copies of All I Ever Wanted in the week that ended Sunday night, she lengthened her lead as the American Idol alumnus who has sold the most albums. This brings her career total to 9,836,000 albums. Still, it's probably just a matter of time until Carrie Underwood overtakes her. Underwood, the Season 4 champ, has already sold 9,408,000 albums. These two women are the only Idol alums who rank among the top 200 album sellers of the Nielsen/SoundScan era (which began in 1991). Clarkson is #187 on the list. Underwood ranks #198. In all, eight Idol contestants have sold 1 million or more albums so far in their careers. Fifteen have sold 500,000 or more.

The best-selling individual album by an Idol alum is Underwood's Some Hearts, which has sold 6,720,000 copies since its release in November 2005. It edges out Clarkson's Breakaway, which has sold 6,056,000 copies. (Oddly, neither album made #1 on The Billboard 200. Some Hearts peaked at #2. Breakaway reached #3). The rest of the top five in terms of total sales: Daughtry's Daughtry (4,401,000), Clay Aiken's Measure Of A Man (2,783,000) and Clarkson's Thankful (2,719,000).

The song with the most paid downloads by an Idol alum is "No Air," Jordin Sparks' melodramatic duet with Chris Brown, which has sold 2,874,000 digital copies. It edges out Underwood's revenge saga "Before He Cheats" (2,673,000). The rest of the top five: Clarkson's turbo-charged "Since U Been Gone" (2,063,000), Daughtry's rock ballad "It's Not Over" (1,978,000) and Sparks' gently rhythmic "Tattoo" (1,927,000).

Three Idol contestants have become Grammy winners. Underwood has amassed four Grammys, Clarkson has picked up two and Jennifer Hudson has won one. Hudson has also won an Oscar.

Four of the 15 Idol contestants who have sold the most albums competed in Season 5. They are Taylor Hicks, that season's winner; Elliot Yamin, who came in third; Chris Daughtry, who finished fourth; and Kellie Pickler, who placed sixth. Though Hicks won the competition, all three of these other finalists have outsold him. (Hicks isn't the only Idol winner who has been humbled on the charts by a singer he beat on the show. Ruben Studdard, the Season 2 winner, has been outsold by runner-up Clay Aiken.)

Here's a complete list of the 15 Idol contestants who have sold 500,000 or more albums. Each artist's name is followed by their total album sales tally, through this week.

1. Kelly Clarkson, 9,836,000. The Season 1 winner this week becomes the first Idol contestant to land two #1 albums. All I Ever Wanted was preceded by her 2003 debut, Thankful. Both albums contained #1 singles, "My Life Would Suck Without You" and "A Moment Like This," respectively. But Clarkson's best-seller is her sophomore album, Breakaway. The 2004 album spawned four top 10 hits, including "Since U Been Gone" and "Because Of You." It's the only album by an Idol contestant to feature four top 10 hits. The album also brought Clarkson two Grammys, including Best Pop Vocal Album.

2. Carrie Underwood, 9,408,000. The Season 4 winner is the only Idol contestant who has won (or even been nominated for) a Grammy as Best New Artist. Underwood has won a total of four Grammys, more than any other Idol contestant. She has also sold more albums than any other country singer in Idol history. Underwood's debut album, Some Hearts, spawned three top 20 hits: "Inside Your Heaven" (which hit #1), "Jesus, Take The Wheel" and "Before He Cheats." While Some Hearts stalled at #2, her sophomore album, Carnival Ride, opened at #1 with first-week sales of 527,000.

3. Clay Aiken, 4,896,000. The Season 2 runner-up has sold more albums than any other male singer in Idol history. Aiken has also sold more albums than any other singer who didn't win the competition. His debut album, Measure Of A Man, opened at #1 with first-week sales of 613,000. That's still the record for the biggest weekly sales tally of any Idol contestant's album. The album included two top 10 hits: the #1 "This Is The Night" and a cover of the Carpenters' hit "Solitaire." Aiken also had a million-seller with Merry Christmas With Love, the best-selling holiday album by an Idol contestant.

4. Daughtry, 4,413,000. Chris Daughtry, who finished fourth in Season 5, has sold more albums than any other rock artist in Idol history. He has also sold more than any other Idol performer who didn't make the final round, and more than any other Idol performer who went on to form a group. The band's debut album, Daughtry, is the only album by an Idol contestant to climb to #1 (as opposed to debut at #1). It first hit the top spot in its ninth week. The album spawned four top 20 hits, "It's Not Over," "Home," "Over You" and "What About Tonight." Daughtry's tally includes an EP that sold 9,000 copies.

5. Ruben Studdard, 2,487,000. The Season 2 winner has sold more albums than any other African American contestant in Idol history. He's also the only artist on this list who was born outside the U.S. He was born in Frankfurt, Germany, while his father was stationed there in the U.S. Army. Studdard's debut album, Soulful, bowed at #1 with first-week sales of 417,000 copies. It featured two top 10 hits, "Flying Without Wings" and "Sorry 2004." Studdard's sophomore album, the gospel-oriented I Need An Angel, hit #20. His third release, the R&B-focused The Return, hit #8.

6. Fantasia, 2,309,000. The Season 3 winner, Fantasia Barrino, shed her last name and became a star. She hit #8 with her debut album, Free Yourself. The album featured four Hot 100 hits, including the #1 "I Believe." Her follow-up album, Fantasia, reached #19. Like Clay Aiken (who played Sir Robin in Monty Python's Spamalot), Fantasia has made her mark on Broadway. She played Celie in The Color Purple in 2007.

7. Jordin Sparks, 1,053,000. The Season 6 winner reached #10 with her debut album, Jordin Sparks. It featured four top 20 hits, "This Is My Now," "Tattoo," "One Step At A Time" and "No Air," a duet with Chris Brown. This tally also includes an EP which has sold 49,000 copies.

8. David Cook, 1,029,000. The Season 7 winner reached #3 with his sophomore album, David Cook. It spawned a #3 hit, "The Time Of My Life," as well as a top 20 follow-up, "Light On." This tally also includes Cook's pre-Idol debut album, Analog Heart, which has sold 2,000 copies.

9. Kellie Pickler, 990,000. Pickler, who finished sixth in Season 5, reached #9 with both her debut album, Small Town Girl, and her follow-up, Kellie Pickler. Pickler is from North Carolina, a state that produced three other top-selling Idol contestants-Clay Aiken, Daughtry and Fantasia.

10. Josh Gracin, 780,000. Gracin, who finished fourth in Season 2, reached #11 with his debut album, Josh Gracin. The album spawned three chart hits, including "Nothin' To Lose," which made the top 40. Gracin's tally also includes his follow-up album, We Weren't Crazy.

11. Bo Bice, 735,000. The Season 4 runner-up reached #4 with his debut album, The Real Thing. It included the #2 hit, "Inside Your Heaven." Bice's tally also includes his follow-up album, See The Light. Bice is from Alabama, a state that has produced two Idol winners, Taylor Hicks and Ruben Studdard (though he was born in Germany, he grew up in Birmingham, Ala.).

12. Taylor Hicks, 719,000. The Season 5 winner reached #2 with his debut album, Taylor Hicks. It featured his #1 hit, "Do I Make You Proud," and a remake of the Doobie Brothers' "Takin' It To The Streets," which was a hit a few months before Hicks was born in 1976. Hicks' tally also includes The Distance, his new album, and Early Works, a collection of pre-Idol recordings.

13. Jennifer Hudson, 669,000. Hudson finished seventh in Season 3. No other Idol contestant who was voted off so early has sold 500,000 albums. Her debut album, Jennifer Hudson, reached #2 and won a Grammy for Best R&B Album. It featured her top 30 hit "Spotlight." Hudson also won an Oscar as Best Supporting Actress for Dreamgirls.

14. David Archuleta, 665,000. The Season 7 runner-up reached #2 with his debut album, David Archuleta. It featured the #2 hit "Crush," which has sold 1,642,000 downloads.


15. Elliott Yamin, 630,000. Yamin, who finished third in Season 5, reached #3 with his debut album, Elliot Yamin. It featured his top 15 hit, "Wait For You." Yamin's tally also includes two holiday titles, Sounds Of The Season and My Kind Of Holiday.

Four singers who made it to the final round on Idol have sold less than 500,000 albums to date and thus didn't make the list. Justin Guarini, the runner-up on Season 1, has sold 146,000 albums; Diana DeGarmo, the runner-up on Season 3, has sold 168,000; Katharine McPhee, the runner-up on Season 5, has sold 376,000; and Blake Lewis, the runner-up on Season 6, has sold 353,000.

[Jules]

I'm finally caught up. I was surprised to see Alison in the bottom three......she's one of the best, IMO...

Too bad that Alexis had to go, poor girl sang her heart out with Jolene...can you imagine how intimidated she had to have been while singing for her one last fighting chance?

man....

[sam king cat]

I just finished watching Randy, Ryan & Simon as guests on Jay Leno.

Quite entertaining.

When Jay asked them how Paula was doing this season. They didn't answer. It was funny.
Then they mumbled and all replied oh yeah she's fine.

Then Jay asked them how they like the new judge Cara.

They squirmed a little and each one of them said she talks too much. But she is getting better.

Jay brought up the new veto save feature. Simon said he has the deciding vote. (not sure if that is true or not)

Simon stated he is being nicer-warmer & kinder this year in a tough times climate/economy to the American People. Giving sincere & constructive criticism.

(Jay rolls a tape of Simon's 'hideous, attrocious, rubbish, etc..comments)

lol




Jay then asked them to write on separate pieces of paper who they predict to win and he will reveal these/their early picked winners once the show/season has ended when they return as guests.


They all agreed it will be a guy.

Danny, Adam & Lil Rounds in the final 3.

[Jules]

My prediction....Danny will win, and it will come down to him and Adam in the final two.....