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TV Talk Discussion Group
Since Michael John's shocking elimination, a lot of news items have been coming in regarding things that have been happening with the show or the Idol contestants and I decided to put on this news topic last week to put some of this news and where we can discuss this separate from the Idol show topics. So each week I will put this topic on between the Results show topic and the next Idol show. I will put on anything regarding the last elimination, especially if it is another shocking one, and I am asking everyone to add anything they happen to come across that they feel is of interest or worthy of discussion. This won't be just for me to put on articles of interest. I invite you too. I'm just getting it started.
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Again, like last time, I will put it in multiple posts to break it up. The first has to do with the theme this week, itself--Andrew Lloyd Webber week.
Here is an excerpt from an article I posted a couple of weeks ago in case you missed it:
Andrew Lloyd Weber is going to be the theme on April 22. http://www.playbill.com/news/article/116632.html
"The broadcast will also feature footage of the award-winning composer guiding the contestants as they perform his songs on the set of Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas."
"The April 23 "Idol" results show will feature Lloyd Webber performing live with the contestants."
Any opinions as to what they might sing? ALW does have a lot of great songs from his musicals but as I saw on one blog, why is he a mentor when the judges tell the contestants not to sing a song like Broadway? Interesting speculation.
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These are some of my thoughts on the songs:
* David C.--I'm thinking that he will take something from 'JC Superstar'
*David A. will probably take something from 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat'.
*Brooke might sing "I Don't Know How To Love Him" from 'JCS' or take 'Cats' or 'By Jeeves' for something more upbeat. Then there is "Tell Me..." from 'Song and Dance' (as suggested in review below) or something from 'Aspects of Love'.
* Carly--I've been reading that she could take something from 'Sunset Boulevard' or 'Evita' but Songbird thinks it would be better if she took "Unexpected Song" from 'Song and Dance'.
*Jason and David A. could take "Any Dream Will Do" or "Close Every Door" from 'Joseph'
*Syesha could go with "Memory" from 'Cats', but that's been so overdone. I would like to see her sing the same song I mentioned for Brooke. It might be better for Syesha to sing "I Don't Know How..." because it doesn't have the power notes and would show that she can sing a softer song for a change.
*I don't think 'Phantom of the Opera' would be a good musical to go with because it has a lot of hard songs, for more trained voices.
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These are other suggestions I've seen. One reviewer said:
Jason Castro: "Benjamin Calypso" from 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat'."
David Cook: These are two very different thoughts. But what about either "Rum Tum Tugger" from 'Cats' or "Gethsemane" from 'Jesus Christ Superstar'?
Brooke White: Just Brooke at the piano singing "Tell Me on a Sunday" from 'Song and Dance', can you see it?
David Archuleta: Hmmm ... this one was tough, but I think "Close Every Door" from 'Joseph ..'
I don't agree with RTT from 'Cats' for David C. It's a great song, but I don't think that's for him, JMHO. I have seen on another site that if Michael Johns were still in, he would have sung "Gethesemane" from JCS and now David C. is taking it. Still just Rumors. There are a lot more suggestions on http://www.rickey.org/?cat=152 .
Another site I saw this RUMOR:
I read on another site that 3 of them wanted the same song, and Jason got it. It's gotta be from Jesus Christ Superstar.
"David Cook went to college on a theater scholarship." This could mean that he will do well on Jesus Christ Superstar, a rock opera.
"There is speculation that Jason Castro might sing “Memory” from the musical Cats. Will David Cook sing something from Jesus Christ Superstar? According to Miles Siggins, on the TV Guide channel Idol Wrap, David wanted to wear a full suit this week, but he and Miles compromised on a suit and jacket look. Hm."
Suggestions for the Group Song:
“Could We Start Again Please” from Jesus Christ Superstar
“Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats” from Cats — LOL
“What’s the Buzz / Strange Thing Mystifying” from Jesus Christ Superstar
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What do you think the Idols should sing? Do you agree with any of these or do you have other ALW songs that you think might fit with the contestants voices?
I will post the song list as soon as I find out but it might not be until within the hour or two before the show on Tuesday. Be sure to check back.
Here is the Song List for tonight!
Syesha Mercado -- "One Rock & Roll Too Many" from Starlight Express
David Cook -- "Music of the Night" from Phantom of the Opera
Carly Smithson -- "Jesus Christ Superstar"
Brooke White -- "You Must Love Me" from the film adaptation of "Evita"
Jason Castro -- "Memory" from Cats.
David Archuleta -- "Think of Me" from Phantom of the Opera.
http://photos.tmz.com/galleries/idol_top_6_perform
"A.I." Song List -- It'll Be a Gay Ol' Night
http://www.tmz.com/2008/04/22/a-i-song-list-itll-be-a-gay-ol-night/
1) ''Undiscovered'' used to be as in Lana Turner in the drug store (if true) and Courtney Cox who was in Bruce Springsteen's audience at a concert, was invited to dance with him on stage, and later went on to star in ''Friends''. It used to be unknowns with probably no experience. These people were in the right place at the right time. Today, it appears it can be almost anyone.......previous experience / no previous experience. On AI, it is quite obvious by Nigel's reaction this year and by what we're learning that they use the '' no current contract'' criteria.
Vh, we don't need the ''Catskills'' anymore!!!
2) The back-up singer from Season 6 was Melinda Doolittle. She was a music major in college and sang back-up but I don't remember anymore with whom. She could have had exposure when singing back-up. I suppose the crux of the matter is WHO did she back-up? Some may have been in a position to help her advance her career, some not. Many people were not happy with her being in the competition last year. There have been others in previous years........this year just seems heavily stacked. Luther Vandross was from a different time when the industry was quite different so it's unfair to compare him to Melinda Doolittle.
3) The pool of ''untainteds'' may not necessarily thin out. We've had true unknowns with no PROFESSIONAL experience who have pulled ahead of those who have had prior experience in previous years. You would think that the pros would have the advantage but that doesn't seem to necessarily be the case. It seems to boil down to ''likes / dislikes of the voting public''. Many are unaware of prior experience.
4) Many successful artists have had flops and rebounded. It was not uncommon for people to have to start all over. I tend to think of artists from earlier times . I think that today it is an entirely different ball game unless you can fund your own label or find another backer. However, people still make come-backs, don't they? There will always be those who succeed and those who don't.
5) It would seem that the judges use the criteria that you describe, BUT when the Idol is crowned, the rules change. AI assumes control and that has caused much contention with many former contestants. For example, Clive Davis and Kelly C were barely talking for quite some times......artistic differences.
6) I don't know if Michael J was selfish or not but it wouldn't be surprising. Most artists do whatever they have to in order to succeed and leave a trail of ''bodies'' behind them in their quest. I was thinking of Sinatra. He was not only nasty starting up......he remained nasty. I completely agree with you about Billy Joel. Elton John is another one. The list is huge. IMO, most were difficult and nasty at some point and some never do change.
I guess the point is.......has AI gown lazy and sought out those with prior experience rather than look for ''raw'' talent?????
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Re:Linda's first (bottom) post
What does “undiscovered” mean? Is this an industry term meaning no one has signed/looked at the performer? Or does it mean undiscovered by the general population?
If everyone is having such a cow over Carly and apparently half the top 24 this year, why didn’t anyone get upset over the contestant last year who was a back up singer? I can’t remember her name or who she had done backup for, but I remember that she would have had exposure to those who could have “discovered” her.
Luther Van Dross started as a backup and didn’t need AI to help him.
We are living in a society that is becoming more and more on camera. Since A large percentage of
TV is now reality based, it stands to reason that more of the population will be on TV. It does seem like an awful lot of the top 24 had previous exposure, but as the show continues, the pool of “untainted” unknowns is going to thin out.
As to previous contracts, well how many hugely successful artists had several records flop and that didn’t (thank goodness) stop them or the recording industry from persevering.
It does seem like the judges want it all-they want someone who has the control and the ability to pick the perfect song and the perfect look and be able to carry the audience with them without having to invest anything in them, re:Carmen R’s comments about coaching all around. As I stated, I really enjoyed
As to Michael Johns’ alleged selfishness: yikes, if it is true. However, I am sure this is not unusual. Last year, I read a book about Billy Joel (An Angry Young Man) and he did some pretty nasty things when he was starting out. It would be nice if the performers we love to listen to were always good people but that is unrealistic.
Okay, enough of my rambling thoughts.
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AND
''SONGS FROM THE ATTIC''
Year~~2005/2006 New Millenium Records
(skeletons in the closet everywhere, it seems.)
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Kelly Clarkson sings Ave Maria for the Pope - VIDEO
http://mjsbigblog.com/kelly-clarkson-sings-ave-maria-for-the-pope.htm#more-4703
"Folks have been raving about Kelly Clarkson’s performance of “Ave Maria” in front of Pope Benedict Saturday at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers. Her performance is stunning–beautiful and understated."
Her ending especially brought tears to my eyes. Beautiful notes!
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Jordin Sparks Vocal Chord Damage?
http://mjsbigblog.com/jordin-sparks-vocal-chord-damage.htm
"Due to an unfortunate illness, Jordin Sparks has been forced to cancel her show scheduled for this Sunday, April 20, at the Bryce Jordan Center.
Sparks’ doctor has advised the Jordan Center that the former “American Idol” winner cannot perform due to an acute vocal cord hemorrhage condition. Because of the risk of permanent vocal cord damage, Sparks has been ordered to strict vocal rest and will not be able to perform anywhere until her condition improves."
This site says that it could affect her career but all the news hasn't come in yet. REMEMBER, THIS IS ALL SPECULATION. NOTHING HAS BEEN CONFIRMED .
Jordin Sparks News About to Break
http://www.votefortheworst.com/20080419/jordin_sparks_news_about_break
HINT: The news about Jordin needing to rest her vocal chords is just the tip of the iceberg. It's not all out yet.
Naomi Judd: Jeff Archuleta is the “Worst Stage Dad”
"She said that she loved David, but went out of her way to give a shout out to Jeff Archuleta to “leave David alone”. I think she was about to say “monster dad” but she said that Jeff Archuleta is like the “worst stage dad” and they had to put Jeff Archuleta in the security guard box — confirming earlier reports that Jeff Archuleta had to be restrained during Star Search for harassing contestants: NY Post, Entertainment Tonight. Wow.
Kinda explains everything. Why David Archuleta is a nervous wreck almost every night. Why Simon Cowell alluded to David not choosing his songs."
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Discussion? Do you think Jordin's problems are from too many power notes? Is David A.'s father really helping his son or hurting him?
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Kristy Lee Cook’s Secret Engagement - VIDEO & article
http://tvwatch.people.com/2008/04/17/kristy-lee-cook%e2%80%99s-secret-engagement/
Kristy's boyfriend proposed to her during her interview on Idol Extra after she was eliminated. They were already engaged but this was a more official announcement with a ring, he was down on one knee...the whole bit.
"A FEW WEEKS ago, I was asked an interesting question: "How much coaching do each of the contestants get on 'American Idol'?"
"Truth be told, not a whole lot — "
"Heavy weighs the karaoke crown. Many weeks, American Idol has ranked No. 1, 2 and 3 in the Nielsen ratings.
But are those cracks we see beginning to emerge in Idol's mighty battlements? Last week, the charity special Idol Gives Back drew 17.6 million viewers. Last year, the same show attracted 26.9 million viewers. Is it just compassion fatigue?
No, Idol's erosion is significant. In Philadelphia last week, more people watched CSI than watched the Tuesday performance edition of Idol. (In the national ratings, Tuesday's Idol narrowly edged out CSI.) And three other regularly scheduled series episodes had higher ratings in Philadelphia than both Idol's Thursday results show and Idol Gives Back.
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The Truth About the Contestants of American Idol 7
http://www.votefortheworst.com/americanidol7contestants
"When American Idol debuted in 2002, its supposed goal was to find the best undiscovered talent in America. Singers like Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken, who had dreams of stardom but never had the connections, were catapulted to megastardom. The producers found diamonds in the rough and launched their careers. But a disturbing trend has surfaced with the spoiled contestants of American Idol 7 – they’re no longer even remotely undiscovered talent. A large percentage of them are failed singers and entertainers who have already had their shot at fame.
This tells about the professional jobs of: Carly, Michael, Kristy, Jason Castro, Robbie Carrico (the guy everybody thought wore a wig), Syesha, Joanne Borgella (the plus size model), Amy Davis, David A., Brooke, Jason Yeager, and Kady Malloy.
Carly Hennessy is now Carly Smithson — American Idol 7
1. She’s been hyped up for 2 years. American Idol knew about her since Season 5 ...
2. In 2000, Carly Smithson signed a 6-album recording contract with MCA Records (Vivendi Universal) — a major label. Not your independent Hickory Records let’s record our own CD at home label. An actual recording contract that thousands of American Idol hopefuls aspire for. ...
3. Carly Smithson’s CD was a flop. ...
Nigel Lythgoe on Carly Smithson Controversy: “Elvis Presley can join American Idol if he was out of contract”
http://www.rickey.org/?p=7083 Here's a portion of the article:
“Carly Smithson is not breaking any rules of the competition, so I don’t see the logic,” said Lythgoe, sounding annoyed. “The rules of the competition state you do not have a contract now. Goodness me, if Elvis Presley came back and was out of contract and was able to participate through age, then he would be in the competition. Nobody said this is an amateur competition. This is something that people are making up for themselves. It doesn’t matter if you’ve had a professional contract. Kelly Clarkson had a professional contract. Bo Bice had a deal. [Taylor Hicks] has got records that are out there. This is nothing new.”
Is there a Carly Smithson - Randy Jackson connection?
Should Carly Smithson Be Disqualified for Working with Randy Jackson in the Past?
Has the Carly Smithson Controversy Peaked? — American Idol 7
"...the irony is, it is her controversial background that has made her popular, not her “amazing talent”." "...Carly Smithson isn’t even the most “loved” girl on the show." "...or she is the show’s smokescreen for who will eventually become the winner."
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Post your thoughts on this. Is this fair?