Your source for the latest scoop on American Idol contestants including videos, auditions, performances, judge's comments, concert dates, record releases, and more.

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Simon's Right! David Archuleta Was the Star Last Night!


Although I had a few favorites last night (Aussie Micheal Johns, David Cook, and Jason Castro from TX) David Archuleta stole the show! Not only was his performance incredible, but his humble reaction to the judge's comments was even more endearing. I think America is gonna love Archuleta and won't be surprised at all if he makes it to the finale.

Please scroll down the page to see David several years ago performing in Star Search. You can read more about his Star Search Junior Singer win by clicking here.

Sunday, February 17, 2008

And the American Idol Season 7 Top 24 Contestants Are. . .

As you probably already know if you caught last Wednesday's episode of Idol, the final contestants took that long ride up the elevator where they met the judges face-to-face and learned whether they would be joining the top 24 or going home. I think the talent this season promises to be phenomenal. Here are the top 24:

Alaina Whitaker, age: 16 from Tulsa, OK.
Alexandrea Lushington, age: 16, Atlanta, GA.
Amanda Overmyer, age: 23, Mulberry, IN.
Amy Davis, age: 25, Cedar Lake, IN.
Asia'h Epperson, age: 19, Joplin, MO.
Brooke White, age: 24, Van Nuys, CA.
Carly Smithson, age: 24, Dublin, Ireland.
Chikeze Eze, age: 22, Inglewood, CA.
Colton Berry, age: 17, Staunton, VA.
Danny Noriega, age: 18, Azusa, CA.
David Archuleta, age: 17, Salt Lake City, UT.
David Cook, age: 25, Tulsa, OK.
David Hernandez, age: 24, Phoenix, AZ.
Garrett Haley, age: 17, Elida, OH.
Jason Castro, age: 20, Rowlett, TX.
Jason Yeager, age: 28, Grand Prarie, TX.
Joann Borgella, age: 25, Hoboken, NJ.
Kady Maloy, age: 18, Houston, TX.
Kristy Lee Cook, age: 24, Selma, OR.
Luke Menard, age: 29, Crawfordsville, IN.
Michael Johns, age: 29, Los Angeles, CA.
Ramiele Malubay, age: 20, Miramar, FL.
Robbie Carrico, age: 26, Melbourne, FL.
Syesha Mercado, age: 21, Miami, FL.

There are 8 contestants still in their teens, 2 Jasons from TX, 3 Davids, 2 from Tulsa, 3 from FL, 4 from CA, and one from Ireland. Please let me know what you think about this season's contestants and any early predications on who will be in the finals?

American Idol Season 7 Favorites



American Idol has released their Season 7 Top 24 Contestant biographies. Although we have a long time to get to the finals, I already have some personal favorites. Nineteen-year-old Asia'h Epperson from our nearby Joplin, MO has overcome amazingly heartbreaking circumstances to earn her place in the top 24. Shortly before her Atlanta auditions she received the tragic news that her father had passed away in an accident. Showing amazing strength, her impressive audition was beautifully dedicated to her dad.
David Archuleta, only 17, from Salt Lake City has also proven he has remarkable star quality and an incredible voice. When he auditioned in San Diego, he seemed truly greatful and humble upon learning he was going to Hollywood. David definitely has charm, charisma, quiet charisma, and is very likeable.
Judging from the auditions, this season is unquestionably chock full of talented performers. We're looking forward to seeing the season unfold and catching some amazing performances in the process!


Saturday, February 2, 2008

Wednesday Night Idol Episode Recap

If you missed Wednesday nights episode like some others I know (check out my previous post), then click here for a recap of the night courtesy TV Guide.com.

American Idol. . . Missed!


Wednesday night I had the kids tucked in bed and was all set to watch the night's episode. I always DVR Idol so I can watch when I have time and rewatch my favorite episodes with the family. Anyway, when I found American Idol on my list of recorded programs, imagine my horror when I saw a big fat zero next to it! I was shocked and dismayed! My favorite show in the entire world, I've been waiting months for it to start. . . you get the picture. In an attempt to get to the bottom of this seemingly cataclysmic event I was determined to find the outlaw who cancelled my DVR-ed Idol. Within seconds the criminal was exposed. . . not to mention any names, but my husband David was the perpetrater. He sat there in his Lazy Boy recliner trying to look so sweet and innocent. . . but I knew the truth!

Then it hit me. . . in the grand scheme of things was this really soooo important? I thought back to a book my sweet mom gave me entitled Don't Sweat the Small Stuff with Your Family and Chapter 5's " Become Less Easily Bothered." As big of an Idol fan as I am, I had to admit that there are a lot more important things to make an issue of than this. So, even though I admit to a momentary lapse in judgement, I took the highroad and forgave my dear hubby for making such a monumental mistake. . just kiddin.

The preliminary auditions are winding up and soon we'll see the REAL talent. Can't wait!

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Is Judge Simon Cowell Becoming Mr. Nice Guy?

According to a Yahoo News source, 33.4 million viewers were watching last Tuesday's American Idol Season 7 debut. Nielsen Media Research reports that this is down from the 37.4 million viewers who watched the first show. Regardless, Idol still has phenomenal viewer numbers!
I've recently read several articles about how Idol was criticized for being too harsh with the auditioning contestants. While I don't disagree with this, I'm wondering, if it's true. . . how will it affect the British judge that America loves to hate, Simon Cowell? Isn't it his edgy candor that makes him so talked about? While I don't think Idol should exploit contestants personal lives, the reality is that those contestants want to be there, they want to be on TV and get their 10 seconds of fame. If you choose to audition for American Idol, you shouldn't expect Simon to be nice.

This season, I think he is being much more polite, considerate, and kind. While these are admirable qualities to have, I think Simon's appeal lies in his brash comments and funny facial expressions (see above). Although it is nice to see him smiling a bit (remember Renaldo Lapuz's serenade to Simon and vow to brotherhood?) people enjoy watching Simon give contestants a good reality check. Besides having a great ear (and eye) for talent, people like Simon because he's honest. I agree that he oftentimes could have a softer touch in his approach. But, if Simon starts being Mr. Nice Guy what will happen to the hilarious banter and conflict amongst the judges and contestants?

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Most Original Version of "Let My People Go!"


Please check out this clip from AmericanIdol.com entitled Bad Philly Auditions, #1. Watch the second contestant and tell me what you think. He truly gave new meaning to, "Let My People Go" and is definitely my favorite for. . . let me see how to word this politely. . . the most unique and unusual audition. I have to admit that when David and I watched night 1 together I was laughing so hard during his audition that I had tears running down my face, and watchin' Paula and Randy hiding their faces and bouncing up and down with laughter just intensified the hilariousness of the situation. He seemed like a very nice guy who was there singing his heart out. It was kinda sad, because he looked so brokenhearted after his audition was over. If you missed the first episode of American Idol this past week, (or just want to watch it again) please click here to watch the clip of this particular contestant.

I'm curious to know if anyone has done a psychological analysis of some of the contestants that audition, thinking that they're really good. I would like to get a professional's opinion of the mentality that is shown again and again. I'm sure some do it just to get on TV. . . but what about the others? There seem to be so many that really seem to believe that they have what it takes, but sort of give off another vibe. Is it that they are so confident in their abilities, or just oblivious to the truth?

I'm not trying to be mean at all. In fact, I think it takes guts to audition and face Simon's raw comments. This is just something that I've pondered since I first saw an Idol audition episode. This year, I'm finding myself sort of wishing that they would show more of the talented contestants and just pick out the very worst of the worst. I'm ready to hear the talent and see what they can bring to American Idol, Season 7.

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

AMERICAN IDOL STARTS TONIGHT!

We can't wait to watch tonight. . . we miss our American Idol! According to Mike Evans, this could very well be the best season yet. I think last season will be hard to top, with all of the talent, but I can't wait to find out.

Season Premier tonight at 8/7 c. Don't miss it and please . . . let me know what you think! Check back daily to read more about this season.

Monday, January 7, 2008

Phil Stacey Releases Debut Single


Few will forget the dramatic story surrounding Phil Stacey's American Idol audition last season. His wife was having their baby at the same time as his audition. Phil's "If You Didn't Love Me" was released today (Jan. 7) to country music radio. He says that the words of the song are so meaningful to him personally and represent to him his marriage with wife Kendra. His album is scheduled to be released April 2008.

Phil grew up singing in his father's church, later studied music in collage, then enlisted in the United States Marines serving as a Musician Third Class at Navy Band Southeast in Jacksonville, FL. He and his wife and 2 girls currently reside in Nashville, TN.
This summer at the American Idol's Live concert at the MO State Fair, Phil gave an awesome performance of Jon Bon Jovi's hit "Blaze of Glory." He definitely has the voice for it and was a crowd favorite.

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Bucky Covington Wins #1 Country New Artist Award


Good 'ole boy from season 5, Bucky Covington, recently earned country music acclaim when he was voted Country Airchecks #1 New Artist for 2007. His top 5 hit single, "A Different World" along with his current #26 hit "It's Good To Be Us".


He's currently opening concerts for Trace Adkins on select dates and will be touring alongside Dierks Bentley in 2008.

Jordin Sparks to Sing The National Anthem at the Super Bowl


Miss Jordin Sparks, the 17-year-old American Idol winner from last season will be singing the National Anthem February 3, 2008 at the Super Bowl in her hometown of Glendale, Arizona. The impressive, young songstress will join the ranks of music greats Billy Joel, Whitney Houston, Diana Ross, and Neil Diamond who also sang past Super Bowl National Anthems.

I'm sure Jordin will once again wow America with her strong vocals and girlish charm and poise!

Monday, December 24, 2007

Nick Lachey's Cincinnati Choir Wins Clash of the Choirs


As the countdown to the season premier of American Idol next month continues, I've checked out a few other music-based reality TV shows. The Clash of the Choirs began and ended this past week. Cincinnati native, Nick Lachey led his competent and diverse choir to victory, winning a quarter of a million dollars to benefit Cincinnati's Children's Hospital Medical Center.
Clearly, all of the choirs were talented and enthusiastic, but Team Lachey really took the competition to the next level. My favorite performance was the Flight of the Bumblebee.
The shocker of the night was when it was announced that the other choirs were not going back to their hometowns empty-handed. They each received contributions for their choir's chosen charity.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Clash of the Choirs and thought the program timing coincided well with Christmas.

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Clash of the Choirs


I caught an episode of NBC's new Clash of the Choirs Monday night and have DVR-ed Tuesday's episode to watch when I have time. (http://www.nbc.com/Clash_of_the_Choirs/) Although you can't compare it to American Idol, I found it to be highly entertaining and simply delightful. My husband saw me watching it and commented on how I had a big smile on my face!

The program gives 5 superstar musicians the challenge of recruiting and directing their own amateur choir. The choirs each consist of members who reside in the star's hometown. Nick Lachey: Cincinnati, OH; Patti LaBelle: Philadelphia, PN; Michael Bolton: New Haven, CT; Blake Shelton: Oklahoma City, OK; Kelly Rowland: Houston, TX.

The choirs each perform a song selection and are judged by the 4 other stars. The best part is the winning choir will win a monetary prize to be donated to the choir director's charity of choice.

Having sung in several choirs over the years, I really enjoyed watching Clash of the Choir and look forward to the finale later this week.

Saturday, December 15, 2007

Blake Lewis' Audio Dream Day Has Big Debut


Our favorite American Idol contestant from Season 6, Blake Lewis, has just released his album entitled Audio Day Dream December 12. The album debuted at number 10 on the Billboard Charts, selling a whopping 97,500 records it's first week out! More on this later.(http://musicbox.sonybmg.com/node/137865)

Monday, December 10, 2007

Focus on Kelly Clarkson


If you listen to the radio or watch TV, you're likely to hear something about Kelly. Her soulful and commanding voice is matchless. She's an incredible performer, but some may not be aware that she is also a truly gifted songwriter. After writing nearly 60 songs for her latest album, entitled My December , she finally narrowed the list to 14. (http://www.kellyclarkson.com/site.php)

Kelly says her songs are often a reflection of what is going on in her life (http://www.kellyclarkson.com/site.php?content=bio). The lyrics reveal strong emotions about different relationships, with people, and with God. Kelly says her song, "Irvine" is a prayer written as she was at "the lowest part in (her) life." As a performer she says she always has a place to live in TX, away from the manic LA scene, something that I think sets her apart from the average music entertainer.

Kelly has proven herself to be quite flexible as an artist. My December incorporates folksy-blues, country, and psychedelic funk.

Last year, she saw great success at The Grammy's, The American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, People's Choice, and an extraordinary 11 Billboard Music Awards. Her current collaboration with country great, Reba McEntire is up for a Grammy.
We wish Kelly the best and look forward to much more from her in the future!

Six Idols Up for Grammy Nods

Six of our favorite Idols are officially in the running for a Grammy. (http://www.americanidol.com/news/view/?pid=1109)

Chris Daughtry-4 nominations, including Best Rock Song and Best Rock Album.
Fantasia received 3 nominations, which included Best R&B Song
Carrie Underwood-2 nominations including Best Country Collaboration for "Oh Love."
Kelly Clarkson-1 nomination, in the same category as fellow Idol, Carrie Underwood, for her collaboration with Reba McEntire.
Mandisa-1 nomination for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album, True Beauty.