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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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)

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.

Jennie Garth Eliminated from Dancing with the Stars

As a kid I loved watching Beverly Hills 90210 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beverly_Hills_90210), so I was happy weeks ago when I learned Jennie Garth was starring in Dancing with the Stars. Though I have had a few other favorites this season (including Sabrina & Mark and Mel & Max) I've continued to root for Jennie and was disappointed to see her go. She came so far over the 8 or 9 weeks she competed in Dancing. You could tell that her husband and little girls were so proud of her.

Next week is going to be so interesting to watch. I know they keep saying it, but this truly is a season full of dramatic surprises. Marie Osmond (http://www.marieosmond.com/) has proven herself to be a fierce and likable competitor. Race car driver Helio Castroneves (http://www.heliocastroneves.com.br/index_us_high.htm) and Spice Girl Melanie B (http://www.melaniebrown.com/) have proven time and time again that they are up for the challenge. Each dancer brings something unique to the dance floor. For Marie, it's the entertainment factor. She loves being in the spotlight and has an incredible fan base supporting her each week. Helio has the charm and the smile that connects with the audience. Mel has fun and appears to have an incredible natural talent for dancing.

Paula Abdul Thinks Idol is Family Friendly

Paula Abdul said, "It's such an amazing cultural phenomenon to have the entire country be able to have a vested interested in picking the next pop star." We agree completely Paula! Our entire family looks forward to watching (and rewatching) and analyzing each episode and voting for our favorites. Go to http://www.americanidol.com/videos/view/?vid=5 to watch the interview in it's entirety and hear more about what Paula Abdul has to say about the American Idol Contestants and what they go through.

2007 American Music Awards

Did you catch the American Music Awards (http://abc.go.com/primetime/ama/index?pn=winners) last night? Two of our favorite American Idols took home a combined total of 5 awards! Chris Daughtry won Favorite Pop or Rock Album, Adult Contemporary Favorite Artist, Favorite Album, (Daughtry/Daughtry) and Favorite Breakthrough Artist! Chris Daughtry and his band also gave a great performance of "Home". They looked so excited and grateful to be there.

Carrie Underwood enjoyed continued success last night when she won Favorite Female Country Music Artist and Favorite Country Album (Carrie Underwood/Some Hearts)

Vote for Chris Daughtry for The People's Choice Awards!

Although I can't deny Taylor Hicks and Katherine McPhee are extremely talented musicians, I (and much of my family) wanted Chris Daughtry to win season 5 (although it obviously hasn't hurt his musical career at all that he didn't). Every time I turn the radio on I hear Over You, Home, or It's Not Over.

Daughtry is nominated for 2 People's Choice Awards: Favorite Group and Favorite Rock Song. Please scroll to the bottom of the page to vote for Chris and all your other favorites! Visit http://www.daughtryofficial.com/ for additional voting info.

I've included the lyrics to Home, just because I love the song. I even heard it played on a Christian music station recently. Very cool!

Home Lyrics by Chris Daughtry

I'm staring out into the night
And trying to hide the pain
I'm going to the place where love
and feeling good don't ever cost a thing,
And the pain you feel's a different kind of pain
I'm going home to the place where I belong
where your love has always been enough for me
I'm running from you know I think you got me all wrong
I don't regret this life I chose for me
But these places and these faces are getting old
So I'm going home
The miles are getting longer it seems
The closer I get to you.... babe
I've not always been the best man and friend for you
But your love remains true and I don't know why
You always seem to give me another try I'm going home
To the place where I belong
Where your love has always been good enough for me
I'm running from you know I think you got me all wrong
I don't regret this life I chose for me
But these places and these faces are getting old
Be careful what you wish for
cause you just might get it all
you just might get it all and then some you dont want
be careful what you wish for cause you just might get it all
You just might get it all
I'm going home to the place where I belong
Where your love has always been enough for me
And I'm running from.. you know I think you got me all wrong
I don't regret this life I chose for me'
But these places and these faces are getting old
But these places and these faces are getting old
I'm going home I'm going home.

Carrie Underwood at the CMA's

American Idol's champion sweetheart from season 4 does it again! At the recent CMA awards, Carrie took home the Female Vocalist of the Year as well as the Single of the Year

http://www.carrieunderwoodofficial.com/.

The Checotah, OK native has been singing since the age of 3 http://www.americanidol.com/contestants/season4/carrie_underwood/ and since her American Idol win in 2005, her success as a country music artist has exploded!

Carrie and Keith Urban are gearing up for their tour which includes 24 US cities. Love, Pain, and the Whole Crazy Carnival Ride is set to begin January 31.

American Idol Season Premier Event

Be sure and mark your calenders (or set your Tivo or DVR) for January 15 and 16 for the 2-night American Idol Premiere at 8/7 Central. I can't wait to see who's going to make their way to the top this season!

How Do the Idols Stack Up?

SEASON 1
Champion: Kelly Clarkson
Runner-Up: Justin Guarini
3RD: Nikki McKibbin
4TH: Tamyra Gray

SEASON 2
Champion: Ruben Studdard
Runner-Up: Clay Aiken
3RD: Kimberley Locke
4TH: Joshua Gracin

SEASON 3
Champion: Fantasia Barrino
Runner-Up: Diana DeGarmo

3RD: Jasmine Trias

4TH: LaToya London

SEASON 4

Champion: Carrie Underwood

Runner-Up: Bo Bice

3RD: Vonzell Solomon

4TH: Anthony Fedorov

SEASON 5

Champion: Taylor Hicks

Runner-Up: Catherine McPhee

3RD: Elliot Yamin

4TH: Chris Daughtry

SEASON 6

Champion: Jordin Sparks

Runner-Up: Blake Lewis

3RD: Melinda Doolittle

4TH: LaKisha Jones

SEASON 7

To be determined by America!