Season 7 opened tonight with auditions in Philadelphia, PA, and I was inexplicably, yet thoroughly entertained. How can this be, you ask, even though it's the 7th time? I don't know myself...other than to say, people are so amusing. We even saw some originality, which I thought was impossible at this point....and saw lots of raw talent, which suggests to me that Idol is still a relevant means to discovering a new pop star.
Where to begin? With the highlights: Randy's new look! Loved it. Opening guy who lost 204 pounds! Congrats, and he could sing, too! (Too bad Simon was so rude in suggesting that he "looked hungry" as he left the audition room.....hhmmmph.....) Liked Melanie, the Fantasia-esque backup singer for Taylor Hicks...hope she doesn't go the way of Brandon Rogers....LOVED the "I Love Rock and Roll" montage...truly amazing and hilarious. Also want to follow Chicago's Angela Martin's Hollywood "de-weddingization" and follow the farm girl from Salem, OR (remind you of Carrie, too?) (Seacrest will be following her, too, from the looks he was giving her...)
Temptress was one of the more memorable Idol hopefuls from tonight's show, and what struck me most was the contrast between the picture of the too-young girl caring for her ill mother, taking on so much responsibility (and looking older than 16) versus the child with the huge tears who cried uncontrollably at being told she was not through to Hollywood...the judges going out into the hallway with her to greet her family was a cool moment.
I only counted two Christmas songs (an unusual and good thing given this was filmed in July??) and am still trying to figure out why Philly garnered the largest-ever audition crowd...my husband summed tonight up well (as that guy's chest hairs were being waxed off) that "you just don't know what's going to happen next!"
Memorable lines from Simon: "Keep your batteries in your calculator" to the financial services planner who couldn't sing; in response to the song, how do I get you alone? : "You wouldn't." To the tone deaf Star Wars fan as she left the audition: "Give my love to the wookiee"....and finally, in response to the challenge that Simon couldn't take the squeaky-clean final auditioner to the Dark Side, "Give me a week, Brooke."
Meanwhile, Paula fended off a couple of serious suitors, referring to one's "centerpiece of hair" and enduring the serenade of another promising to "caulk her" if she were a tub, among other things. Okay, he was scary. That is what security is for!
And we're off, folks!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Monday, January 14, 2008
Letter to Top 24 (from Chris Sligh)
An Open Letter To this Year's Top 24
In January of last year, I flew out to L.A. to the dreaded Long Walk down the Wooded Floor to the judges. I was so nervous. But as soon as I saw Phil come out and making it through, I was okay. I went up the elevator, walked down the walkway and as I sat down, said, "You're probably wondering why I called this meeting" which immediately roused laughs from the judges that they never really recovered from. They tried to keep a straight face, but the smiles they had told me that my comment just solidified in their minds why they had chosen me in the first place.I was in the top 24! One of the best days of my life. I knew that I would have a chance in front of America. But then my thoughts were, what now?So, this is my open letter to this year's top 24.
Dear contestants,Since I was 10th place last year, it's doubtful I'll be a featured guest on Idol this year. So, hopefully, this will get syndicated to several Idol websites, so that you can read it, since I know, like I did last year, you're all reading all the websites, just waiting with great anticipation for the first mentions of your names! So, here we go...In a week or so, the show will start and one by one, your auditions will be shown and people will start fan clubs for you and everyone in America will have a vague recognition of who you are. People will begin to ask you to sign autographs in your hometown; when you fly out to L.A. again and again, in airports, people will stop and stare and whisper and ask you for autographs; people will screech to a halt on La Cienega, get out of their cars and ask for your autograph; you will have people buy you free meals Soak it in, enjoy it, and make sure to journal so that you never forget all the things that happened.
These will be, for many of you, the highlight of your lives and careers.However on the other side, don't let it go to your head. Unwittingly, I allowed myself to buy into the hype. I don't think I was the typical butthole, I still cared about people and wanted to do right by people back home and my band...but I bought into the hype and my head grew and that is my greatest regret, especially since I have a large cranium to begin with. Don't leave this experience with any regret, certainly not that one. Be confident, be in control of your career and your life, but do NOT allow yourself to think of yourself as anyone or anything other than what you were before this experience...you were a wanna-be and still are. Even if you win, you are still a wanna-be.
Two of the most humble people I've ever met are Carrie and Kelly...for all their success, for their winning, still act as the people they were when they started. That's the attitude America will fall in love with long-term. It's the attitude you should try to cultivate in yourself.
On the realistic side, 14 of you will not make the tour. 4 of you will be gone the first week America votes for you. And, the way the competition works, only one of you will win. Please read the next few lines and take them to heart:The position you go out on is not indicative of your talent; it is not indicative of your like-ability...all that it means is how well you and your character worked on a tv show. The most talented person doesn't win every year, and neither does the best singer. If you go home the first week, treasure the experience and continue to plug away. I promise life will be more meaningful that way. Do not by any means second guess and become bitter. American Idol is an experience that only 168 people (plus your 24) thus far have been able to enjoy at the level you're at now. Take that and put it in your hat...of the nearly 600,000 people who have auditioned, you are part of less that 200!
Song choice is key. Do not make the mistake I made. I specifically chose songs that no one knew because I wanted to be the anti-Idol. Be yourself, but pick some freaking songs that people can sing along with. I've realized that's why people watch the show in the first place...they want to hear someone who isn't polished sing a song they like and can sing along with. Oh, and they watch to hear Randy say dawg alot, to see Paula act loopy and to hear Simon's crap. But they like to sing along, too.Make these people your best friends in the world. Sure, they are competition, but they are also people. People always come before everything else.
Make sure you act in a way that, even if you are the winner, allows you to remain friends with people who you beat out. My season's cast were all close to each other because all of us had the mentality of people coming first. We helped each other with song choice (Blake helped me feel comfortable with picking Typical, I helped him pick Somewhere Only We Know, I originally had picked the Jamiroquai song, but gave it to Blake because I thought he would do it better, I helped Phil pick out some of his songs, Phil helped Blake country week, Melinda helped Jordin) we all looked out for each other, and as the production crew will tell you, it was the most fun a cast had had. Have the same year we had! Have fun, enjoy each other. People before competition. Always.
Love your vocal coaches. Byrd and Dorian are the best. And Michael O. and Matt are incredible accompanist. Make sure you show your love to them...they will make you better. I promise. Nigel and Ken are on your sides. It may not seem like it at times, but they are trying to look out for you. Sometimes they will do stuff that will be maddening for you, but look at it like parents...they are simply trying to help you make good decisions. And let them know how much you appreciate them allowing you to be part of the show.Oh, and Seacrest...seriously, the coolest guy in showbiz. You are lucky to be working with him. When it comes to the judges, remember they are trying to get people to watch the show. However, as the judges said on Oprah last year, they watch dress rehearsal because they can't hear in the performance. So, now that you know that, make sure your dress rehearsal kicks butt! Normally, Randy is pretty on. Paula is so sweet that it's hard to get made at what she says. And Simon...well, Simon goes for the ratings, but he's usually somewhat on...so block him out when he goes overboard.
Almost done...but do yourself a favor: when the producers tell you to stay off the boards, I promise you they're telling you the truth. The forums and blogs were a great way, I thought, to keep up with the pulse of what people thought. Instead it just made me attempt to please everyone I could and I ended up alienating many. Don't make the mistake I did. Do this and you will enjoy the experience so much more (It's what I did the last 2 weeks I was there): have a friend who you trust and love be the person who goes through a looks at the forums and blogs. Have that person email you either snippets of things for you to read, or links. And make a promise to yourself to only look at what your friend sends you. If you listen to anything I say here, listen to this! You will not be disappointed by the crap you missed while you were on the show.
Finally, be in control of your careers. American Idol was made to create careers in music. And not just for the winners. Being in the top 10 can be a launchpad for anyone. Look at our season and season 5...you can be successful. But, remember, this is YOUR career. Research, research, research. Find out what is going to be the best decision for your career. You don't need a major label to make a career. But you might want a major label. It all depends. Just be in control and do not believe everything 19 tells you. Remember that 19 is a business and they are looking out for number one...but if you make the top 10, they are also going to take great care of you. Walk the fine line of loving them and being wary of them.To end, simply enjoy this...it will be the best experience of your lives!Peace and love,Chris Sligh
(snipped from Chris's blog)
In January of last year, I flew out to L.A. to the dreaded Long Walk down the Wooded Floor to the judges. I was so nervous. But as soon as I saw Phil come out and making it through, I was okay. I went up the elevator, walked down the walkway and as I sat down, said, "You're probably wondering why I called this meeting" which immediately roused laughs from the judges that they never really recovered from. They tried to keep a straight face, but the smiles they had told me that my comment just solidified in their minds why they had chosen me in the first place.I was in the top 24! One of the best days of my life. I knew that I would have a chance in front of America. But then my thoughts were, what now?So, this is my open letter to this year's top 24.
Dear contestants,Since I was 10th place last year, it's doubtful I'll be a featured guest on Idol this year. So, hopefully, this will get syndicated to several Idol websites, so that you can read it, since I know, like I did last year, you're all reading all the websites, just waiting with great anticipation for the first mentions of your names! So, here we go...In a week or so, the show will start and one by one, your auditions will be shown and people will start fan clubs for you and everyone in America will have a vague recognition of who you are. People will begin to ask you to sign autographs in your hometown; when you fly out to L.A. again and again, in airports, people will stop and stare and whisper and ask you for autographs; people will screech to a halt on La Cienega, get out of their cars and ask for your autograph; you will have people buy you free meals Soak it in, enjoy it, and make sure to journal so that you never forget all the things that happened.
These will be, for many of you, the highlight of your lives and careers.However on the other side, don't let it go to your head. Unwittingly, I allowed myself to buy into the hype. I don't think I was the typical butthole, I still cared about people and wanted to do right by people back home and my band...but I bought into the hype and my head grew and that is my greatest regret, especially since I have a large cranium to begin with. Don't leave this experience with any regret, certainly not that one. Be confident, be in control of your career and your life, but do NOT allow yourself to think of yourself as anyone or anything other than what you were before this experience...you were a wanna-be and still are. Even if you win, you are still a wanna-be.
Two of the most humble people I've ever met are Carrie and Kelly...for all their success, for their winning, still act as the people they were when they started. That's the attitude America will fall in love with long-term. It's the attitude you should try to cultivate in yourself.
On the realistic side, 14 of you will not make the tour. 4 of you will be gone the first week America votes for you. And, the way the competition works, only one of you will win. Please read the next few lines and take them to heart:The position you go out on is not indicative of your talent; it is not indicative of your like-ability...all that it means is how well you and your character worked on a tv show. The most talented person doesn't win every year, and neither does the best singer. If you go home the first week, treasure the experience and continue to plug away. I promise life will be more meaningful that way. Do not by any means second guess and become bitter. American Idol is an experience that only 168 people (plus your 24) thus far have been able to enjoy at the level you're at now. Take that and put it in your hat...of the nearly 600,000 people who have auditioned, you are part of less that 200!
Song choice is key. Do not make the mistake I made. I specifically chose songs that no one knew because I wanted to be the anti-Idol. Be yourself, but pick some freaking songs that people can sing along with. I've realized that's why people watch the show in the first place...they want to hear someone who isn't polished sing a song they like and can sing along with. Oh, and they watch to hear Randy say dawg alot, to see Paula act loopy and to hear Simon's crap. But they like to sing along, too.Make these people your best friends in the world. Sure, they are competition, but they are also people. People always come before everything else.
Make sure you act in a way that, even if you are the winner, allows you to remain friends with people who you beat out. My season's cast were all close to each other because all of us had the mentality of people coming first. We helped each other with song choice (Blake helped me feel comfortable with picking Typical, I helped him pick Somewhere Only We Know, I originally had picked the Jamiroquai song, but gave it to Blake because I thought he would do it better, I helped Phil pick out some of his songs, Phil helped Blake country week, Melinda helped Jordin) we all looked out for each other, and as the production crew will tell you, it was the most fun a cast had had. Have the same year we had! Have fun, enjoy each other. People before competition. Always.
Love your vocal coaches. Byrd and Dorian are the best. And Michael O. and Matt are incredible accompanist. Make sure you show your love to them...they will make you better. I promise. Nigel and Ken are on your sides. It may not seem like it at times, but they are trying to look out for you. Sometimes they will do stuff that will be maddening for you, but look at it like parents...they are simply trying to help you make good decisions. And let them know how much you appreciate them allowing you to be part of the show.Oh, and Seacrest...seriously, the coolest guy in showbiz. You are lucky to be working with him. When it comes to the judges, remember they are trying to get people to watch the show. However, as the judges said on Oprah last year, they watch dress rehearsal because they can't hear in the performance. So, now that you know that, make sure your dress rehearsal kicks butt! Normally, Randy is pretty on. Paula is so sweet that it's hard to get made at what she says. And Simon...well, Simon goes for the ratings, but he's usually somewhat on...so block him out when he goes overboard.
Almost done...but do yourself a favor: when the producers tell you to stay off the boards, I promise you they're telling you the truth. The forums and blogs were a great way, I thought, to keep up with the pulse of what people thought. Instead it just made me attempt to please everyone I could and I ended up alienating many. Don't make the mistake I did. Do this and you will enjoy the experience so much more (It's what I did the last 2 weeks I was there): have a friend who you trust and love be the person who goes through a looks at the forums and blogs. Have that person email you either snippets of things for you to read, or links. And make a promise to yourself to only look at what your friend sends you. If you listen to anything I say here, listen to this! You will not be disappointed by the crap you missed while you were on the show.
Finally, be in control of your careers. American Idol was made to create careers in music. And not just for the winners. Being in the top 10 can be a launchpad for anyone. Look at our season and season 5...you can be successful. But, remember, this is YOUR career. Research, research, research. Find out what is going to be the best decision for your career. You don't need a major label to make a career. But you might want a major label. It all depends. Just be in control and do not believe everything 19 tells you. Remember that 19 is a business and they are looking out for number one...but if you make the top 10, they are also going to take great care of you. Walk the fine line of loving them and being wary of them.To end, simply enjoy this...it will be the best experience of your lives!Peace and love,Chris Sligh
(snipped from Chris's blog)
Saturday, January 12, 2008
The good, the bad, and the absurd?
It's been a wild week leading up to the season 7 opener...I can hardly keep up with all of the Idol news flying around! We'll start with the GOOD news....LaKisha's on Broadway! Yeah! Girl got out from behind the bank teller counter and will play the Church Soloist in Broadway's third season of The Color Purple starting this month (well, actually started in December but now it's official). KiKi actually opens the show with the "rousing" gospel number "Mysterious Ways" at all evening performances, and will play Sofia at all matinee performances. Now, that is a show I would like to see...so proud of you, girl...Fantasia said Broadway was pretty grueling, so hoping it's good to you and that you can enjoy yourself! Instead of counting other people's money, maybe you can start counting some of your own! :)
Other good news! Phil has a single! My other bald-headed man has finally emerged with a pretty hoppin' country tune called "If You Didn't Love Me" (as if) and way cool, it was produced by Wayne Kirkpatrick (Little Big Town) (who also slept in my bed once a few years ago, but that is another story) and written by Wendell Mobley, Jason Sellers, and Rascal Flatts' Gary LeVox. It's pretty catchy, and I hope to see it go up the charts and pay Phil some love. Google it!
I'm also pretty juiced that Simon's Idol contract is good for at least another 2 years...we'll get sick of him eventually (he's right) but for now, I'm not. Especially after suffering through Simon wannabees on SYTYCD and TNGAB (from Austraila but annoying just the same).... there is nothing like the original thing.
Other good news! I'm waitlisted for tickets to an Idol taping! Stay tuned...not much hope there, but stranger things have happened... if I go, it will be quick.
Now for the BAD....or maybe it's actually good? Idols are dropping like flies from recording contracts. Taylor Hicks, Katharine McPhee and Reuben have all parted ways with various elements/fractions of 19 Entertainment, Sony/BMG, etc....I'm sorry, but that's no surprise. Getting the votes on Idol does not correspond directly with folks voting with wallets at WalMart...ya gotta put out da goods....and what they put out was bad. I do wish them success. Somewhere.
And Jessica Sierra? C'mon....I actually kinda liked her ...I still play her pretty good version of "Total Eclipse of the Heart" which was better than others in the top 6 did in seasons 5 and 6....she really took a nosedive there post-Idol....poor thing. I do wish her health, happiness, and a reduced jail sentence for 2008.
I also have to comment on Simon's comment that last season of Idol was "lackluster" and had "no real star power"....I don't know what he's talking about. Melinda, Melinda, Melinda....you wait and see....maybe the winner and runner upper haven't broken any records, but I thought it was a very talented group, takes the pants off Season 2 ('cepting Clay of course)...
Finally, the ABSURD....Paula performing for the Super Bowl. I had to check my temp to see if I was suffering from fever-induced delusions when I first heard this. Apparently, it's true. Obviously whoever hired her for this gig didn't watch any episodes of "Hey Paula" on Bravo last year....all I gotta say is buyer beware....(maybe she wants to usurp Janet Jackson with.....aw, no, I'm not gonna go there...)
Three days and counting!
Other good news! Phil has a single! My other bald-headed man has finally emerged with a pretty hoppin' country tune called "If You Didn't Love Me" (as if) and way cool, it was produced by Wayne Kirkpatrick (Little Big Town) (who also slept in my bed once a few years ago, but that is another story) and written by Wendell Mobley, Jason Sellers, and Rascal Flatts' Gary LeVox. It's pretty catchy, and I hope to see it go up the charts and pay Phil some love. Google it!
I'm also pretty juiced that Simon's Idol contract is good for at least another 2 years...we'll get sick of him eventually (he's right) but for now, I'm not. Especially after suffering through Simon wannabees on SYTYCD and TNGAB (from Austraila but annoying just the same).... there is nothing like the original thing.
Other good news! I'm waitlisted for tickets to an Idol taping! Stay tuned...not much hope there, but stranger things have happened... if I go, it will be quick.
Now for the BAD....or maybe it's actually good? Idols are dropping like flies from recording contracts. Taylor Hicks, Katharine McPhee and Reuben have all parted ways with various elements/fractions of 19 Entertainment, Sony/BMG, etc....I'm sorry, but that's no surprise. Getting the votes on Idol does not correspond directly with folks voting with wallets at WalMart...ya gotta put out da goods....and what they put out was bad. I do wish them success. Somewhere.
And Jessica Sierra? C'mon....I actually kinda liked her ...I still play her pretty good version of "Total Eclipse of the Heart" which was better than others in the top 6 did in seasons 5 and 6....she really took a nosedive there post-Idol....poor thing. I do wish her health, happiness, and a reduced jail sentence for 2008.
I also have to comment on Simon's comment that last season of Idol was "lackluster" and had "no real star power"....I don't know what he's talking about. Melinda, Melinda, Melinda....you wait and see....maybe the winner and runner upper haven't broken any records, but I thought it was a very talented group, takes the pants off Season 2 ('cepting Clay of course)...
Finally, the ABSURD....Paula performing for the Super Bowl. I had to check my temp to see if I was suffering from fever-induced delusions when I first heard this. Apparently, it's true. Obviously whoever hired her for this gig didn't watch any episodes of "Hey Paula" on Bravo last year....all I gotta say is buyer beware....(maybe she wants to usurp Janet Jackson with.....aw, no, I'm not gonna go there...)
Three days and counting!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Who would you most like to see as a celebrity mentor on Season 7?
Nigel Lythgoe has admitted that there was too much celebrity on Season 6 of Idol, to the detriment of the actual Idol contestants themselves. I couldn't agree more. Look, you've already had your 15 minutes! The show is called American Idol, for Pete's sake....not "Let's Rake Another 15 Minutes for Ourselves" Idol! I will never forget (nor forgive) Mary J. Blige totally attempting to steal the stage from it's rightful owner Elliot Yamin during Season 5's finale....their joint rendition of U2's "One" could have been soooo much better without her hamming and upstaging him.....Hmmmph.
Anyhow, I was very glad to read that the show has already signed 2 celebrity guests. However, Nigel has promised not to go overboard with the mentors this year. While I do enjoy seeing the mentors and believe in the concept, I want to see the focus remain on the contestants themselves, continuing through the finale.
That being said, who would YOU most like to see as a celebrity mentor this season? MSNBC.com posed this question and out of 20 possible answers, the following celebrities garnered the most votes:
Dolly Parton (29% of votes). I'd have to agree here! With country music more popular than ever, and with former Idols Carrie Underwood, Kellie Pickler, and Bucky Covington making serious country yee haw in 2007, this makes awesome sense! Bring her on!
Chris Daughtry (9.7%). Yes, I think that would be weird to have a former contestant coaching Idol wannabees...but given how stone-faced he was during last year's show, maybe we might see some personality when the pressure is off? Also since he auditioned for Rock Star: INXS before Idol and was dropped, he does bring some serious music reality show experience to the table.
Gene Simmons (8.7%). I'm not sure what to make of this. I have one image in mind when I read his name, and it's not pretty. I mean, the man (the self-dubbed "alpha male" ) claims to have slept with over 4,800 women. I'm not sure primetime TV is ready for Gene! Course, his AARP membership might help widen Idol's demographics....
Micheal Jackson (6.1%). A great way for MJ to jumpstart his inevitable (IMO) comeback. Put him in front of millions of 18-32 year olds who either don't know who he is, or have forgotten him or written him off. His influence on pop music and dance cannot be ignored. I think he would be a surprising, gracious and influential celebrity mentor.
Robert Plant (5.4%). Ummmmm......this didn't occur to me, but what a great suggestion... according to Wikipedia, [Plant] is "often credited for his wide range of musical taste and his ability to perform an eclectic range of songs in a refined manner". A-Hem! Just what Idol needs :) (Note to Gene: see the word 'refined' reference here?)
So, who would YOU choose this season?
Anyhow, I was very glad to read that the show has already signed 2 celebrity guests. However, Nigel has promised not to go overboard with the mentors this year. While I do enjoy seeing the mentors and believe in the concept, I want to see the focus remain on the contestants themselves, continuing through the finale.
That being said, who would YOU most like to see as a celebrity mentor this season? MSNBC.com posed this question and out of 20 possible answers, the following celebrities garnered the most votes:
Dolly Parton (29% of votes). I'd have to agree here! With country music more popular than ever, and with former Idols Carrie Underwood, Kellie Pickler, and Bucky Covington making serious country yee haw in 2007, this makes awesome sense! Bring her on!
Chris Daughtry (9.7%). Yes, I think that would be weird to have a former contestant coaching Idol wannabees...but given how stone-faced he was during last year's show, maybe we might see some personality when the pressure is off? Also since he auditioned for Rock Star: INXS before Idol and was dropped, he does bring some serious music reality show experience to the table.
Gene Simmons (8.7%). I'm not sure what to make of this. I have one image in mind when I read his name, and it's not pretty. I mean, the man (the self-dubbed "alpha male" ) claims to have slept with over 4,800 women. I'm not sure primetime TV is ready for Gene! Course, his AARP membership might help widen Idol's demographics....
Micheal Jackson (6.1%). A great way for MJ to jumpstart his inevitable (IMO) comeback. Put him in front of millions of 18-32 year olds who either don't know who he is, or have forgotten him or written him off. His influence on pop music and dance cannot be ignored. I think he would be a surprising, gracious and influential celebrity mentor.
Robert Plant (5.4%). Ummmmm......this didn't occur to me, but what a great suggestion... according to Wikipedia, [Plant] is "often credited for his wide range of musical taste and his ability to perform an eclectic range of songs in a refined manner". A-Hem! Just what Idol needs :) (Note to Gene: see the word 'refined' reference here?)
So, who would YOU choose this season?
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Hey Gina Glocksen fans!
I've just learned that Chicago's own Gina Glocksen is hitting the bookstores in support of the new book Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul: Stories from the Idols and their Fans that Open Your Heart and Make Your Soul Sing by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, and Debra Poneman. She will appear (along with Season One alum Jim Verraros) and sign books at Borders in Evanston and Naperville, Illinois later this month, so check events at your local bookstores, too. They will also sign books at 3pm on Saturday, January 19th at my local Barnes and Noble store at Webster Place on Clybourn ...look for me there in my t-shirt!
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Happy New Year
Okay, so I took a month off from here to enjoy the holidays with my family, and - BAM! - Idol is now just mere days away! I can't believe it. I love the promo posters up around town as well as the TV previews....I'm guessing that Season 7 will be plenty entertaining. I caught an amusing interview by CNN's Anderson Cooper with Simon the other evening and caught Ryan Seacrest in that delicious playing-himself cameo in the hilarious Knocked Up....also enjoyed some American Idol Rewind, the perfect tide-me-over remedy.
Hands down my favorite holiday gift this season was this t-shirt from my sister.... if you see me about town in it, stop and say "hi"!
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Idols and Grammies
Nominees were announced today for the The 50th Grammy Awards to be held on Feb. 10 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. I counted no less than fifteen nominations across eleven categories among Idol alums! Their vocals, lyrics, melodies, and musical licks are shoulder to shoulder with some of the most notable names in music history like Bruce Springsteen, Alison Krauss, Alicia Keys, Tricia Yearwood, Bon Jovi, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, U2.....wowee. Now I wonder....who among them will perform? Who will present? Idol will be in the house that night.
Chris Daughtry co-leads the Idol Alum Grammy Pack with four nominations: his 2006 debut album Daughtry is nominated for Best Rock Album, while two singles on it are also nominated...."Home" for Best Pop Performance By a Duo or Group with Vocal, and "It's Not Over" for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal and for Best Rock Song...WOW. (By the way, can something be both pop and rock at the same time? HHHmmm......). Congrats, Chris....you showed 'em for sure (the naysayers, that is). And don't forget Ace Young, who gets songwriting credit on "It's Not Over." Wow! Guess he's more than just a pretty face.
Carrie Underwood also gets four nods, three for the hit single "Before He Cheats" (Best Country Song, Best Female Country Vocal Performance, and the granddaddy award, Song of the Year) but was also nominated for her duet with cutie Brad Paisley on the lovely "Oh Love" in the category Best Country Collaboration with Vocals. I'll say.
Fantasia has an amazing three nominations. I thought she was too busy on Broadway to be doing much else, but her sophomore album Fantasia is nominated for Best Contemporary R & B Album. The hit single "When I See U" is nominated for Best Female R & B Vocal Performance and for Best R & B song...I'd better pull that one up and give a listen!
Miss Jennifer Hudson keeps the Academy star shining now with two Grammy nominations, both "Dreamgirl" related, in the categories Best Compilation Soundtrack Album for Motion Picture, Television, or Other Visual Media and for Best Song Written for Motion Picture, yada yada (that's a mouthfull.) Now, I know she would like to be here again this time next year representing her debut CD.
Remember Mandisa? How could we forget that smile and that huge voice. She should be VERY proud (especially since Barry Manilow didn't make good on his promise to hire her as a back up singer) because her CD True Beauty is nominated in the Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album category. Can I get an Amen?
And Kelly, Kelly....the original Idol brings her powerhouse vocals to the Grammy table again this year on that haunting countrified remake of her hit single,"Because of You" with Reba, nominated also for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals (and therefore competing with the Brad/Carrie duet....that's a toughie!!)
All I can say is, wow. For all of those people out there still insisting that Idol is a gimmick, this should convince otherwise!
Chris Daughtry co-leads the Idol Alum Grammy Pack with four nominations: his 2006 debut album Daughtry is nominated for Best Rock Album, while two singles on it are also nominated...."Home" for Best Pop Performance By a Duo or Group with Vocal, and "It's Not Over" for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal and for Best Rock Song...WOW. (By the way, can something be both pop and rock at the same time? HHHmmm......). Congrats, Chris....you showed 'em for sure (the naysayers, that is). And don't forget Ace Young, who gets songwriting credit on "It's Not Over." Wow! Guess he's more than just a pretty face.
Carrie Underwood also gets four nods, three for the hit single "Before He Cheats" (Best Country Song, Best Female Country Vocal Performance, and the granddaddy award, Song of the Year) but was also nominated for her duet with cutie Brad Paisley on the lovely "Oh Love" in the category Best Country Collaboration with Vocals. I'll say.
Fantasia has an amazing three nominations. I thought she was too busy on Broadway to be doing much else, but her sophomore album Fantasia is nominated for Best Contemporary R & B Album. The hit single "When I See U" is nominated for Best Female R & B Vocal Performance and for Best R & B song...I'd better pull that one up and give a listen!
Miss Jennifer Hudson keeps the Academy star shining now with two Grammy nominations, both "Dreamgirl" related, in the categories Best Compilation Soundtrack Album for Motion Picture, Television, or Other Visual Media and for Best Song Written for Motion Picture, yada yada (that's a mouthfull.) Now, I know she would like to be here again this time next year representing her debut CD.
Remember Mandisa? How could we forget that smile and that huge voice. She should be VERY proud (especially since Barry Manilow didn't make good on his promise to hire her as a back up singer) because her CD True Beauty is nominated in the Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album category. Can I get an Amen?
And Kelly, Kelly....the original Idol brings her powerhouse vocals to the Grammy table again this year on that haunting countrified remake of her hit single,"Because of You" with Reba, nominated also for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals (and therefore competing with the Brad/Carrie duet....that's a toughie!!)
All I can say is, wow. For all of those people out there still insisting that Idol is a gimmick, this should convince otherwise!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
