Idol Summer Reading List

The last episode of American Idol Season 7 was 6 weeks and 6 days ago...but who's counting?? Just in case those episodes of American Idol Rewind from Season 2 and your Tivo'ed Season 7 episodes aren't enough for you, here is a summer reading list of eight American Idol-related books I found. Most of these can be found at Amazon, and at used prices to boot!

1. I Don't Mean to Be Rude, But...Back Stage Gossip from American Idol and the Secrets that Can Make You a Star by Simon Cowell (2003).

Amazon writes: "From his days in the mail room at EMI Records to the creation of American Idol, Simon has always had a knack for judging talent—and for being center stage. Here, he tells the rollicking stories of his first insult (to his mother), his first music criticism (to first-grade teacher Mrs. Prigg), and his first image makeover (on his unfortunate younger brother). And of course, the side-splitting backstory of the birth of American Idol—and all the dreadful auditions, bad hair days, judges’ squabbles, juicy rumors, surprise triumphs, and #1 singles that followed."

I've actually read this book and really enjoyed it. He dishes about lots of behind-the-scenes from seasons one and two and just learning about his childhood, his parents, the environment in which he grew up helped me understand him a lot better.

2. What's Up Dawg? How To Become a Superstar in the Music Business (by Randy Jackson, 2004).

I've not read this book personally, but as the promo says, "If you think you have what it takes to be the next Beyonce, Justin Timberlake or 50 Cent, or even the next American Idol, read What's Up, Dawg and let's see if you got What's up!" Clear as the phone book, right?

3. Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life (by Clay Aiken, 2005)

I picked this one up at the library a couple of years ago and did enjoy it. One thing I learned from it was that Clay auditioned twice (in two different cities) because he didn't make it past this initial judges the first time....wow. makes you wonder, doesn't it?

4. Idoleyes: My New Perspective on Faith, Fat and Fame (by Mandisa Huntley, 2005).

I have not read this book but for some reason I think she probably tells a good story. Amazon.com writes: "By candidly sharing her own joys, heartaches, triumphs, and failures, Mandisa shows women that they can be beautiful at any size and that healthy self-esteem and personal beauty come only when they accept themselves as a unique and much-loved woman of God's creation. Mandisa also gives readers a very candid, behind-the-scenes look at life as an American Idol contestant."

5. Life Is Not a Fairy Tale (by Fantasia, 2005)

I didn't read this book, but I will admit to watching the made for TV movie on Lifetime and was totally sucked in. Amazon writes: "At the age of seventeen, despite the promise of her extraordinary voice, Fantasia was in danger of becoming just another sad statistic: an uneducated, unmarried teenage mother living in the projects. But Fantasia had been raised by two strong, influential women: Both her grandmother and mother are preachers, and she was raised with an unshakable faith. In Life Is Not a Fairy Tale, Fantasia speaks -- with a spirit as strong as her voice -- about what it takes to believe in the power of one's self."

Best of all, if this book floats your boat, you can get a used copy for just a penny on Amazon!

6. Heart Full of Soul: An Inspirational Memoir About Finding Your Voice and Finding Your Way (by Taylor Hicks, 2007)

Have any of you read this? If I could get it for a penny, I might consider it. I wouldn't pay any more than that, tho!

7. Staying in Tune (by Carmen Rasmussen, 2007).

Gee, I didn't know she had put anything out there until I went looking. Wow, everyone has some inspiration to share!

Amazon says: "In this book, Carmen shares never-before-published stories and photos from her life, such as: her experiences as part of the cast of Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat with Donny Osmond, her unique path through the American Idol audition process as Simon Cowell's wildcard selection, her trial and triumphs as an American Idol finalist, her opportunities in Nashville as a country music artist, the joy of her temple marriage, and why the gospel will always be her top priority."

Wait a sec! You mean she doesn't dish on that awesome run on Celebrity Fear Factor when she was partnered with Anthony Federov?

8. Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul (2007)

Aw, gee, I know you've already gotten your copy! This is a pretty good collection of essays from Idol finalists from all seasons as well as stage people, make-up, Debbie Byrd the vocal coach, as well as Paula herself. Quick easy read that my 11 year old is enjoying!

Happy reading!

Camp Should-A-Been!

If you've not checked in with the folks at WhatNotToSing.com lately, you're missing some great fun. They've launched a summer series aptly titled "Camp Should-A-Been" which they describe as follows:

"What would the American Idol season outcomes have been if we viewers had voted solely on performance? A lot different than they actually turned out, that's for sure. Here at WhatNotToSing.com's legendary Camp Should-A-Been, we turn this hypothetical fantasy into...uh, real fantasy, disguised as reality. Plus we throw in a few laughs along the way.

Check back throughout the Summer of 2008 as we replay every episode of every season, with cold, objective, and thoroughly unsentimental voting based on WNTS.com's exclusive Web Approval Ratings. We'll try to put a new episode result online every night."

Season One is well underway, and with some surprising results! A creative and fun way for us to reflect on seasons past and consider what might (should?) have been.....

Hottest Bachelor

Ahem, well, of COURSE! My only question is, what took People magazine so long to name David Cook as one of the hottest bachelors of 2008!

The online edition writes, "He can sing in front of millions of people, but the 25-year-old American Idol winner admits that his stage bravado doesn't always carry over into his personal life. "Looking a pretty woman in the eye and convincing her I'm worth taking a chance on is different. It takes a specific brand of guts, and it's not the kind I have."

There is also a little video clip for you to watch while DC gets his make up and hair done...for some kind of a photo shoot. David admits to having serenaded a woman, but says he is much more nervous doing that than singing in front of 2,000 people. I will try and quickly summarize........What does he look for in a woman? "Confidence and compassion" and says that if you have both of those qualities, you are probably pretty well-rounded. Would he ever date a fan? "Never say never...just have to see how things go." Where does he see himself in 5 years? "Being happy doing what I'm doing....whether that's playing shows all over the country or pumping gas somewhere....things can change...."

Look for your hard copy on newsstands on June 20th...

KC/DC

Okay, so I was mildly upset to learn that David Cook was dating Kimberly Caldwell, like, right out of the Idol womb...I mean, geez! Dave, can you take a little breather before diving right in? Aren't there, like a gazillion OTHER things you should/could be doing right now other than worrying about your social life, which we know will be just fine? And especially with an obnoxious fame-seeking blond??

Then I saw footage of the actual asking out and I realized, hey! He's just like us. He was actually complimenting her, and had NO idea that it would be the most asked-about and followed news piece for him post-Idol. I also saw her interview him post-finale (one of his first interviews after he won) and they were actually really, really cute together and didn't even know it. She shares his history/experience with Idol, which I gather is one of those things no one really "gets" unless you've done it. She is also his age (mid-20's) and sports a couple of tattoos, so really -- they may be just the right fit. Until he comes to Chicago this summer...LOL!

It's actually better for her than it is for him....she is a reality TV show host and semi-has-been Star Search and American Idol finalist...he is suddenly America's hottest and most eligible bachelor...so we'll see what happens. She also seems to have a new single out soon? Or something else to promote? Not surprising.

Personally? I think he aimed a little low....Kelly Clarkson is single and so is Carrie....just saying....

Why David Cook Might Be the Biggest Idol Winner Ever

David Cook might be the biggest American Idol winner ever, and here's why.

I think he has the total package of musical talent, vocal artistry, EQ, youth, singleness, versatility, and a little of what the French call, "I don't know what!" :) (inside joke)

Let's first look at the AI contestant to whom he is most often compared: Chris Daughtry. Chris was a consistent fan favorite who placed 4th in Season 5 but continues to have huge commercial success despite not winning the AI crown. Daughtry was the biggest selling artist of 2007 (yes, you read that correctly!) heading straight to the top of the charts and receiving 4 Grammy nominations.

Daughtry and David Cook share some key similarities: both performed in rock bands in high school and in (gasp!) high school musicals. Both have been defined as "post grunge" artists (which Wikipedia calls "music [that] may often incorporate the distorted guitar, angst-filled lyrics and "loud-quiet" dynamics of grunge, but produce it in a radio-friendly and commercial way." Both Daughtry and Cook have tapped into a fanbase which includes CD buying and iTune downloading fans. Both have been/were signed with 19 Entertainment.

But here's where they differ. I think Cook has all the talent Daughtry has. However, unlike Daughtry, David Cook has a personality and a likability that Daughtry did not demonstrate. Initially under the radar, we got to know Cook as the weeks went by as a humble and kind guy, who placed family above all else, and stayed true to himself as an artist despite the pressures of Hollywood. He humbly included his fellow contestants in his winning magic rainbow "moment" and continues to acknowledge his runner up Archuleta in a fond way. His subtle but powerful tips and nods to his mother and his brothers were endearing. The orange bracelet worn to support the 7yo battling cancer he met early in the season was a heartfelt move. We connected with him, and more so than other recent finalists, Cook seemed approachable and human. Yes, he started the season with a little bit of attitude, which he quickly tamed, demonstrating an EQ that other winners have not always seemed to have. And a final distinction: Cook is single. Daughtry auditioned for Idol as the married father of two, and however lovely that may be, marketing an unattached winner (Kimberly Caldwell notwithstanding) will be far easier!

Additionally, Cook broke out of the predicable idol mold by demonstrating a musicality we've not seen. Agreed that this season's addition of allowing contestants to play instruments benefited several of them and would have helped contestants in previous seasons, but more than that, his contribution of original arrangements and interpretation of classics was amazing. Despite controversy and some criticism for performing songs arranged by other artists (Chris Cornell's "Billy Jean," Whitesnake's "Day Tripper"and Doxology's "Eleanor Rigby,") Cook's performances of "Hello", "Little Sparrow," "Always Be My Baby," "All I Really Need Is You," Baba O'Riley," "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," and "I Don't Want To Miss a Thing" were his own arrangements. Could Kelly, Carrie or Daughtry match that?

Cook also has versalilty as an artist. Here is a guy who easily flowed from country to Neil Diamond to big Broadway to cheesy group numbers without a twitch....he says he will make a "rock album" but the guy has won over the Cougars with ballads, too....and anything else he sings (Randy, let's talk about the phone book!). At no other time has the Idol franchise had the opportunity to embrace such a multi-dimensional winner.

Finally, despite news that this season's Idol viewership was down overall, indicating to some that the mega show may have peaked, voting for the show's finale reached new heights at 97.5 million votes ...indicating to me that it's as big as it ever was, and continues to reach new audiences. Those new audiences love David Cook! And may just help make him the biggest Idol winner ever.

What do you think? Can Cook top Daughtry in CD sales? Could he win the hearts of country fans loyal to Carrie? And should he dump Kimberly and call Kelly (or Carrie?)? Time will only tell how David Cook stacks up to other Idol winners, and Idolmama can't wait to see what happens!

e-mail feed!

Lest you think I'm snoozing, and dreaming about David Cook whilst doing so, I'm busy wrapping up the school year and trying to set up a feed so that you can subscribe to this blog and be notified by email when a new post is made. That would be cool, right? So you could go about the business of summer, never having to come here UNLESS there's something new to read or a new poll to vote in (which I'm hoping will be about once/week).

Stay tuned!