Katrina Darrell would fit somewhere in between the two categories. Slim, beautiful, and clad only in a mini - bikini, Katrina Darrell defiantly performed in front of a visibly surprised panel of "American Idol" judges. Performing a mediocre rendition of "Vision of Love," Darrell got passes from both slack-jawed male judges, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson. New judge Kara DioGuardi offered a very vociferous negative. Paula Abdul, never one to hurt anyone's feelings, said nothing about the performance until after Darrell was told she was going to Hollywood.
But you knew the moment bikini girl Katrina Darrell was singled out on "American Idol" that at least her audition would be memorable. In a segment leading up to the audition, Ryan Seacrest, the host of "American Idol," approached the near-nothing wearing Darrell and, taking her hand, said, "I didn't even see your hands." Then there was a brief flirting scene, with Katrina Darrell telling Seacrest that she was going to make out with him and Seacrest, eyes noticeably averted to the point of strain, hesitatingly saying that he thought it was against the rules.
Katrina said she wanted to be "noticed." And she was, to the point of distraction. Being nude has that affect on people.
Walking into the audition room, eyes were raised all around. Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson could not decide whether to smile, laugh, or simply gawk. There were a couple "Wows" from the two female judges. Randy Jackson asked the contestant, "Do you go out to all auditions dressed like this?"
Katrina Darrell: "No, just this one."
Simon Cowell said, "Let me tell you: It's smart." Randy laughed.
Kara DioGuardi, not impressed, asked the contestant to do a turnaround "for the guys," then pointedly asked Simon if there was anything else he'd like to see. He said, "I'm fine."
Via associatedcontent.com
Katrina Darrell, "American Idol" Bikini Girl, Gets "Noticed"
miércoles, 14 de enero de 2009 | Etiquetas: American Idol, Bikinis, Katrina Darrell
Things are getting tense on American Idol, with only one more week to go and two contestants, both much adored, battling for the big prize. The suspense is higher this time, more than on other seasons, as both David Archuleta and David Cook have a large number of supporters, although from different categories.
A recent event that might influence the voters is the producers’ decision to ban Archuleta’s dad from the show’s rehearsals, on the count that he being too pushy. Could little David be only a puppet led by his father? That could be an influential factor in the voting…
Several sites have set up polls to see which of the Davids currently is the public’s favorite. If we are to trust the oddsmakers at BetCRIS.com, Archuleta’s tween fan club will pretty much let him down. According to the betting site, Archuleta only has 32 percent chances of winning, compared to David Cook, who has a 74 percent chance.
E! Online has also set up a poll, and it seems the voters here agree to the oddmakers on BetCRIS. Or could it be that David Cook’s fans are accessing the internet more? However, the results of the E! Online poll give Archuleta even less chances to win than the BetCRIS poll: about 24 percent. While the other David is believed to have about 75 percent chances of winning.
According to the Dial Idol Web site, which traces voting patterns, David Archuleta was leading the race after the first shows, but he was later surpassed by David Cook, who was the No.1 Idol in the rounds of 10, 7, 6, 4 and also this week’s round 3.
Archuleta’s decline was probably due to his lack of originality. Ok, he sang the songs in an appropriate manner, never missed a note, and seemed to be a perfect boy-band member worshipped by lots of teenage girls, but who can stand listening for the same dull song over an over again? All the songs little David picked were ever so similar, and his manner of singing them was always the same. He had a few good song choices, but succeeding in ruining them, like he did, for example, with Elvis Presley’s “Love Me Tender.” The song is sweet, but Archuleta made it sickening sweet. And I dare say I was not the only one to have this opinion.
David Cook might have missed some notes here and there, but he certainly tried to be original. And I guess the public prefers a singer with charm and personality to one with just a good voice.
Via efluxmedia.com
Surprise, surprise! Or not…Syesha Mercado was eliminated last night from American Idol after host Ryan Seacrest announced that 56 million home viewer votes were cast following Tuesday night’s performances.
"There's too many words," said Mercado when Seacrest encouraged her to say something to her fans. "I don’t know what to say. I just want to say thank you. Just thank you."
Tuesday night, the contestants had three occasions to impress the voters. They sang three songs: one they chose, one chosen by the judges, and one the producers chose.
Trying to clear the way for the two Davids, all the judges criticized Syesha during the show, even Paula, who is usually the softest and has something nice to say about every contestant.
It was strange to see Syesha criticized so much just as she was giving her best and had started to have more confidence and be more open. In the last shows, Syesha proved she was not only a singer, but could also make a good entertainer, showing off her dancing skills and trying to be as expressive as possible. Well, all her efforts were in vain, as her fate was pretty much decided already.
For the first round, in which the contestants had to sing a song picked by the judges, Randy gave Syesha the occasion to perform a song by one of her favorite artists: Alicia Keys’ “If I Ain’t Got You.” She did quite a nice job, but the judges kept blabbering about how stunning and gorgeous she looked.
In an attempt to praise her, Randy actually revealed Syesha’s situation.
"I thought that would work really well for you. You did an amazing job on it," Randy said after the performance. "I could see your heart beaming and smiling all the way down here. Syesha, I've got to say one thing to you, I'm so happy you are peaking at the right time in this competition, that's why you're standing there at No. 3."
At No.3, not in the Top 3. Could he have been more obvious than that?
However, Seacrest noticed Syesha’s improvement, as he asked her whether she had been keeping her skills hidden until now, so she could amaze everybody in the end. Smiling joyfully, Syesha said she felt more comfortable now and could finally be herself. Wasn’t it a little too late for that, Syesha?
Her second performance, of the song “Fever” by Peggy Lee, was not bad at all, with Syesha also doing a sexy dance that involved a chair on stage. Too bad for her, the judges were determined not to give her a chance.
"Out of all the songs you could have chosen to sing, I'm surprised you picked this song," Paula said. "I just feel like it's an interesting choice, but I'm not sure that it shows me who Syesha is as an artist."
Simon was nice as usual, telling Syesha she would probably regret her “quite lame cabaret performance” the next day, therefore predicting her elimination, just as Randy had, a little earlier.
For the third round, the producers chose "Hit Me Up" by Gia Farrell to be sung by Syesha.
"Again, as much as I liked it, I don't know if it's the type of song that defines you -- Syesha the artist," said Paula, who apparently lacks inspiration when it comes to criticizing a contestant and re-uses the same phrase time and again. "I don't know if it's going to be good enough to get into the finals of American Idol."
"It's a little bit forgettable," Simon said. Well, lucky for David Archuleta his songs never seem forgettable to Simon…!
All in all, Tuesday was “let’s bring down Syesha” night.
Last night, before the results of the votes were revealed, Randy praised all the three contestants, telling them they should be proud of themselves.
"You guys did an amazing job. You should be well proud of yourselves" said Randy. "Give yourselves a big round of applause no matter what happens."
"You're all standing on a path that's reserved for nothing but great things to come," Paula added. "For that, congratulations."
Simon decided not to say anything too nice, not even at the end of the show. He only expressed his impatience regarding the grand finale.
"If it's the finale I'm hoping for, we're going to have a real humdinger next week," he said.
Last night’s show also included video montages from the finalists’ recent hometown visits and a performance of Idol third-season winner Fantasia Barrino, who sang “Bore Me” from her 2006 album.
So, with the two Davids standing, it’s difficult to say which one will win.
According to the Dial Idol Web site, which traces voting patterns, Archuleta was leading the race after the first shows, but he was later surpassed by David Cook, who was the No.1 Idol in the rounds of 10, 7, 6, 4 and also this week’s round 3.
Recently, David Archuleta was the center of attention, because of his father, Jeff Archuleta, who was banned from the show’s rehearsals by the producers due to his pushy behavior. It remains to be seen whether this will affect little David in a positive or negative way.
Via efluxmedia.com
Critiquing songs that were never performed, stripping scandals and now David Archuleta's father banned from American Idol, despite slipping in the rankings this season has been pretty interesting.
An anonymous source of the show told The Associated Press that Archuleta's papa got the boot from backstage after he cost Idol money due to an unauthorized lyric change last week.
TMZ, who broke the story Friday reports; that Jeff Archuleta "has been a complete pain in the ass" pissing off almost everyone on the show. The straw that broke the camel's back is when he wanted to change the lyrics of David's first song selection Stand By Me. Even though producers e-mailed him and told him he could not, David still sang the banned version live.
AI laweyers told Jeff that he was "banned from being in the rooms where David was learning or rehearsing his songs," but he is still allowed in the audience.
The only person who Jeff probably has not pissed off is Paula Abdul who thinks the lyric change and lawyers are "pheeeeeenomenal!"
Via 2snaps.tv
The sin of Forgettin the lyrics has felled another "American Idol" wanna-be.
Jason Castro muffed the words to Bob Dylan's "Mr. Tambourine Man" on Tuesday's show and so got the boot last night.
In addition, Castro's other rendition of the week - Bob Marley's "I Shot the Sheriff" - was deemed "utterly atrocious" by judge Simon Cowell, who told the dreadlocked singer, "Pack your bags," at the end of Tuesday's singoff.
Castro's expulsion thins the ranks to a top troika: Syesha Mercado, David Archuleta and David Cook.
Castro admitted he "screwed it up" this week. "My inexperience is coming in," he shrugged.
Of the singers left standing, the two Davids rank as the strongest candidates, with a slight edge given to 17-year-old David.
After the twinkly-eyed teen performed "Stand by Me" and "Love Me Tender," Cowell commented, "You didn't just beat the competition, you crushed it."
This week's program drew the highest number of votes of the season: more than 51 million, according to host Ryan Seacrest.
That figure should only rise as the show approaches its finale, May 21.
Via nydailynews.com
Paula Abdul left 'empty' by song that wasn't
miércoles, 30 de abril de 2008 | Etiquetas: American Idol, Paula Abdul
Paula Abdul must be hearing double.
On a night when "American Idol" switched up the judges' format by making them hold their appraisals until every contestant had a turn, Abdul offered feedback Tuesday for two songs by Jason Castro — except that he'd only sung one.
Unlike the usual format, in which each "Idol" performance is judged immediately, Abdul, Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell were made to take notes, then offer individual critiques in rapid succession at the end of each round. The reason, Seacrest explained, was because "this show is so tight."
So after each of the final five contestants sang one Neil Diamond song, Jackson zipped through his appraisals, offering a few terse words for each before kicking it to a visibly flustered Abdul.
"Oh gosh, we've never had to write these things down ... fast enough," she began, shuffling through her notecards. "Jason, first song, I loved hearing your lower register, which we never really hear, um ... ."
And that's where it started going off the rails.
"The second song, I felt like your usual charm wasn't — it was missing for me. It kind of left me a little empty."
Indeed.
All six people on stage, including Seacrest, stared blankly (except Syesha Mercado, who wore the furrowed brow of mystification).
"The two songs," she continued, "made me feel like you're not fighting hard enough to get into the top four."
After a smattering of nervous crowd laughter, Jackson finally broke the tension.
"That was just on the first song," he said sheepishly, pointing up to Castro. "Just on the first one."
Simon Cowell closed his eyes and shook his head, and began to guffaw as Abdul's confusion mounted.
"Oh my god, I thought you — I thought you sang twice!" she said.
She explained that she got confused by looking ahead at the notes for David Cook.
At that point Seacrest, who makes his money by smoothing over situations just such as these, pointed to Abdul, saying: "You're seeing the future, baby!" before cutting her off and throwing to Cowell.
Even Cowell gathered himself to help patch up the moment, patting Abdul on the shoulder and asking, as if to speed things along, "Paula, who was your favorite?"
Her reply: Cook (the same contestant whose performance she supposedly noted as having left her "empty").
Pressed for time, Cowell then put an end to the awkward-fest by bursting into his own rapid-fire valuation: "Jason, forgettable; David Cook, just above average; Brooke (White) a nightmare; David Archuleta, I thought it was amateurish; and Syesha, I thought it was old-fashioned.
"So guys ... I want to see the performance of a lifetime coming up," he said, as if to ensure absolute clarity, "the second time around."
Abdul told "Entertainment Tonight" after the show that she was thrown for a loop when producers apprised the judges of the change "in the dark" at the last minute.
"This was officially the strangest show we've ever done," Cowell said at the conclusion of the telecast, "but I like that. It's kind of a bit chaotic tonight."
Via associatedpress
Vocal problems force Jordin Sparks to miss Keys tour start
lunes, 21 de abril de 2008 | Etiquetas: American Idol
Vocal problems have forced Jordin Sparks to temporarily withdraw from Alicia Keys' tour and cancel all performances for the rest of the month, a representative for the "American Idol" champ said Monday.
"All of her April activities have been postponed or canceled so she can take care of her voice properly," a 19/Jive Records spokeswoman told The Associated Press.
The 18-year-old singer, whose hits include "Tattoo" and "No Air," was scheduled to be the opening act on Keys' tour, which kicked off over the weekend in Hampton, Va. In addition to missing the tour's first month, Sparks was forced to cancel a planned performance at the Earth Day Network & Green Apple Festival concert in Washington, D.C.
But Sparks, who is under a doctor's care, is expected to rejoin Keys' tour in May or perhaps sooner if she progresses, the label said.
"Jordin Sparks is on vocal rest and is expected to make a full and complete recovery," according to a statement from 19/Jive Records. "Sparks has been going nonstop over the past two years and now she's going through the normal course of learning how to manage and care for her voice."
Sparks was the youngest winner of "American Idol" when she won the talent competition last year. She released her self-titled debut album late last year.
Via associatedpress
Simon Cowell: ‘Idol’ Lacking ‘Personality’
viernes, 18 de abril de 2008 | Etiquetas: American Idol, Simon Cowell
Simon Cowell has said “American Idol’s” Season 7 cast is devoid of one thing.
“Personality,” the outspoken Brit told Variety earlier this week.
If you’re wondering what Simon means, he said the cast lacks personality as exemplified by how they have presented themselves on the program thus far.
“They are giving very safe answers to questions, making safe song selections,” Simon said. “We are not getting a sense of who they are. We have to try to pull it out of them more.”
Simon also said Michael Johns’ elimination, which was a shock to many – including the singer himself, shouldn’t have been so unexpected.
“You cannot deliver an uninspired performance at the top of the show,” Cowell said. “And you can’t be up there imitating another singer.”
Via acceshollywood.com
Although she thrilled Mariah Carey singing “Forever,” Kristy Lee Cook apparently could thrill neither the judges, nor the viewers, so she got eliminated from American Idol.
The 24-year-old went back to Oregon, leaving six other contestants standing. And hoping.
While the Idols were waiting to see who was going to be kicked out, pop diva Mariah Carey made a wicked decision that somehow seemed perfectly suitable for the moment: to sing a song titled “Bye Bye” from her new album.
As if Mariah’s move was not enough, Ryan Seacrest started shuffling the contestants into groups, in an attempt to generate tons and tons of suspense for the awed viewers.
Seacrest first divided the contestants into two groups: Kristy Lee Cook, David Cook and Brooke White on one side and Syesha Mercado, Carly Smithson and Jason Castro on the other. Then, before everyone’s heart missed a beat, Ryan asked David Cook and Syesha to swap places, clearing the confusion and revealing who would actually be in Bottom Three: Kristy, Brooke and Syesha.
David Archuleta had the perfect occasion to prove he was not always angel-like, dropping in the middle of the stage and refusing to choose which side of the stage he believed to be the bottom three, and ruining Ryan’s little game. Eventually, Seacrest had no option than to ask all the contestants in the “safe” group to join Archuleta on the stage. Which was quite a problem for Carly, who had no idea how to sit down and wear a dress at the same time!
After Ryan granted Syesha immunity, Cowell predicted what was already obvious: that Kristy’s time was up.
Bringing attention again to the “sacrifice” Kristy had made to come to American Idol, by selling her favorite barrel horse so that she could travel to Philadelphia, Seacrest added: “To that guy out there, can she have her horse back?” “Sure, anything for Ryan Seacrest,” the horse’s buyer probably told himself that moment.
Cook managed to control her emotions, shedding just a few tears and even smiling while telling Ryan: “Hey, I made it past the top 10.” He courteously answered: “You have a lot to be proud of, darlin'!”
While singing her last song on the show, “Forever,” Kristy stood straight in front of the judges’ table, more exactly, in front of Simon Cowell, who kept grinning during the performance.
Season 5’s third place finisher Elliot Yamin also sang “Free” during the show.
Via efluxmedia.com
It’s the end of the road for American Idol’s Michael Johns.
The Australian singer, who performed Aerosmith’s “Dream On” earlier this week, and was thrilled to participate in Idol Gives Back the following night, was sent packing in a surprising elimination Thursday.
Joined in the bottom three by Syesha Mercado and Carly Smithson, Johns looked shocked when host Ryan Seacrest announced that both women were safe.
“That means Michael has the lowest number of votes this week,” Seacrest said. “Last year, during Idol Gives Back, we didn’t eliminate anybody at this stage of the competition. Tonight, we’re going to say goodbye to Michael Johns.”
As Johns hugged Mercado and Smithson, shook Seacrest’s hand and came to terms with America’s decision, the crowd in the Idol auditorium rose to their feet and erupted in boos and shouts of disapproval.
“I am definitely surprised,” Johns said. “I enjoyed singing that song.”
It’s no wonder he was surprised. Although Randy Jackson said his version of “Dream On” “had some pitch problems,” Paula Abdul said he was “unbelievable” and sounded “as good as you look.” Simon Cowell called it a “very good performance.” Also, Johns had never been in the bottom three.
As he sang his swan song, the other contestants stood and clapped for their fellow Idol. Johns moved from the stage to the platform behind the judges to be closer to the audience. And in the final moments of the live broadcast, Johns was hugging the judges.
There’s no telling what was said between them at that point, but earlier, Cowell said, “I’m going to miss you. You’re a very good singer and a very, very nice guy.”
Via people.com
It was Ramiele Malubay's turn to bow out of "American Idol" on Wednesday when the hit TV talent show's fans gave her rendition of "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind" the fewest votes in this week's Dolly Parton-themed competition.
Judge Randy Jackson pronounced Malubay's performance both "pretty good" and "kind of alright," while the blunt Simon Cowell termed it "forgettable" and "reminiscent of something you would see and hear on a cruise ship."
Kristy Lee Cook and Brooke White, the latter making her first appearance near the bottom, rounded out this week's three lowest-ranked contestants.
Jackson correctly predicted that it would be Malubay's time to go, while Cowell offered that America got it "absolutely right" in their weekly vote.
The show also featured a performance by this season's first mentor, Parton, who performed "Jesus & Gravity" on the live broadcast.
The nine finalists opened the show with a group performance of Parton's hit "9 to 5," while each selected a Parton song to perform on Tuesday's show before the fans voted for their favorites.
Malubay, 20, from Miramar, Florida, conceded earlier in the show it had been "a little" difficult for her to connect with country music.
"American Idol" pits singers against one another in a months-long competition. Past winners like Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood have gone on to music stardom, as have some runners-up, including Clay Aiken.
The weekly show draws some 30 million viewers and roughly the same number of votes, making it the most-watched program on U.S. television.
The other remaining finalists are: Jason Castro, 20; early fan favorite David Archuleta, 17; emerging "Idol" star David Cook, 25; Michael Johns, 29; Syesha Mercado, 21, and Carly Smithson, 24.
The winner of "American Idol's" seventh season will be announced during the live finale in May.
Via reuters.com
No Justice on American Idol: Amanda Overmyer Sent Home
jueves, 20 de marzo de 2008 | Etiquetas: American Idol
Amanda Overmyer, the entertaining, mediocre-singing rocker nurse on American Idol was sent home. This was a surprise to many and no, Simon, America didn't get this right second week in a row. Yes, she started to become predictable, but she was indeed one of the few contestants who didn't fully buy into the Idol atmosphere and appeared fearless, as Simon himself had remarked.
On Tuesday night, she performed he Beatles' "Back in the U.S.S.R." and last night she said she hopes to sell out tickets to "a local bar in Lafayette [Ind.]." Well, everybody's sad that she couldn't make it to the Mariah Carey week. That would have been great to watch.
Meanwhile, Tuesday night's disaster (again) was Kristy Lee Cook, who tortured us with You've Got to Hide Your Love Away, which she alleges she chose based on title only. Then she barked something about blowing Simon out of his socks. I'm not sure that is appropriate language for TV, as I am not sure what in Simon's name did she mean by that. "I can blow you out of your socks," she said. Unfortunately, she made it in the top 10 and will bore more people both live and through the televised show. Too bad!
Joining Cook and Overmyer in the bottom three was Carly Smithson. This is a major surprise, it appears that she was not interesting enough to attract votes. Most have believed that she was safe enough to stay out of the jeopardizing trinity. Seacrest also announced the artists who will be mentoring the remaining finalists. It's a heavyweight roster: Neil Diamond, Dolly Parton, Mariah Carey and Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Scandals are starting to swarm around Archuleta and his dad. VFTW reports that not only did David Archuleta meet with Idol producers during season one, but his dad, Jeff Archuleta, has spent the last 5 years working with American Idol and Star Search performers through his company Arch Music Group. They will investigate further this connection and they promise to report later their findings.
Also, TMZ says that the "stage dad from hell" was eventually barred from attending the "Star Search" when David was a contestant and guards actually had a picture of Jeff's mug to keep him out. Jeff also allegedly harassed Tiffany Evans, his "Star Search" rival. TMZ also noted that it appears Idol producers are also trying to keep him out, as Jeff, who normally sits in the audience, was replaced by other family members last week.
Via efluxmedia.com
Paula Abdul has claimed she would like to adopt a child within the next three to five years, it has emerged.
Citing an interview with Now, Digital Spy reported that the choreographer, singer and American Idol judge claimed she would like children within "the next three to five years" and explained she would like to adopt.
However, she added she has made no plans to go abroad in search of a baby like other celebs, such as Angelina Jolie and Madonna.
"I wouldn't necessarily adopt from abroad like some celebs. I just want a healthy baby," she said.
Meanwhile, Paula - who currently dates JT Torregiani, a restaurant owner - is currently working on a comeback album, which will be her first in more than a decade.
In an interview with People magazine last week, she claimed the album will feature a selection of classic Paula Abdul tracks remixed by the likes of Will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas, as well as around "five new songs".
Paula's new single, Dance Like There's No Tomorrow, is a collaboration with fellow American Idol judge Randy Jackson and appears on his latest compilation album, which was released earlier this month.
Via myparkmag.co.uk
Top-rated TV talent show "American Idol" narrowed its list of contestants to 12 on Thursday, sending home sassy 18-year-old Danny Noriega and retaining former male stripper David Hernandez.
"Idol" is the No. 1 U.S. television program and has launched the singing careers of pop star Kelly Clarkson and country singer Carrie Underwood, among others. Winning a spot among the coveted final 12 is a young performer's step toward stardom.
But this year's contest, the seventh in the hit series, has been marked by controversy.
This week, news reports surfaced that Hernandez, 24, had appeared as a male stripper in a Phoenix nightclub and performed lap dances for a mostly male clientele. But the show's organizers stood by him, saying there had been stripped on the show before.
One contestant, since eliminated, briefly dated Britney Spears, some contestants had previously had record deals and others were found to have a lot of experience for a show that trumpets its ability to break new talent.
David Archuleta, a crooning 17-year-old with a silky voice, already won another U.S. talent show, "Star Search," back in 2003.
Still, the controversy lures viewers to "Idol," and show host Ryan Seacrest said some 36 million votes were cast from viewers to pick the top 6 female and 6 male contestants from a list of 16 semi-finalists.
The 12 finalists in alphabetical order are: David Archuleta, 17, Jason Castro, 20, David Cook, 25, Kristy Lee Cook, 24, Chikezie Eze, 22, David Hernandez, 24, Michael Johns, 29, Ramiele Malubay, 20, Syesha Mercado, 21, Amanda Overmyer, 23, Carly Smithson, 24, Brooke White, 24.
Via reuters.com
Eight Remaining Women Work It Out On 'American Idol'
jueves, 6 de marzo de 2008 | Etiquetas: American Idol
The eight remaining women on “American Idol” pulled out all the stops as they battled for a spot in the show’s Top 12 Wednesday night.
“The girls worked it out, baby,” judge Randy Jackson enthused at the show’s end. “They did their thing tonight.”
So who stood out most?
According to Simon Cowell, it was rocker Amanda Overmyer, who performed Joan Jett’s “I Hate Myself For Loving You.”
“Amanda, if I’m being honest, I thought it was fantastic, really fantastic,” Simon said. “I thought you absolutely nailed that song. It was the perfect song for you. In a way it was my favorite girl performance of the entire part of this competition.”
Other ladies who received high praise included Brooke White, who did a stripped down version of Pat Benatar’s “Love Is A Battlefield.”
“I think it worked purely for the reason you didn’t have the band with you, therefore you did an original take on the song,” Simon told the curly-haired blonde nanny. “Once again, two weeks running, you’ve done a great performance.”
Raven-haired Irish chanteuse Carly Smithson belted out a version of “I Drove All Night,” and while it didn’t tickle Simon’s fancy, it thrilled Randy.
“You keep smashing it every week man,” Randy said. “Another great performance.”
“You’re like a dependable dog,” Paula Abdul added. “I think you’re totally into your niche.”
It was tougher going for 18-year-old Kady Malloy, the girl known for her celebrity impressions, but not necessarily her song choices.
“Kady, I think it was definitely better than last week,” Simon said of her version of Queen’s “Who Wants To Live Forever.” “I’m still having issues with your massive lack of personality ‘cause you’re like a robot when you sing.”
Also performing to mixed comments were Asia’h Epperson, Kristy Lee Cook, Ramiele Malubay and Syesha Mercado.
Two more women and two more men (who performed on Tuesday), will be sent home on Thursday.
Via accesshollywood.com
"Idol" Wannabe Goes Topless -- And Strips, Too?
miércoles, 5 de marzo de 2008 | Etiquetas: American Idol
Every "American Idol" seems to have a skin scandal, and this year's involves pretty guy David Hernandez, a gay strip club, and a big trove of half-nude pics of David tending bar.
Hernandez worked as a bartender at a gay club and the saucy snaps of that gig have landed on VoteForTheWorst.com. And today, the manager of a strip club called Dick's Cabaret in Phoenix. tells the AP that Hernandez performed fully nude and did lap dances for the mostly male clientele at Dick's -- and "made good money" to boot.
No word if he'll face the fate of Season Three's Frenchie Davis. FOX tells TMZ, "We don't comment on the personal lives of the show participants."
Via tmz.com
American Idol: David Hernandez stripper scandal
martes, 4 de marzo de 2008 | Etiquetas: American Idol
The American Idol 7 scandals continue, today the hottest topic is contestant David Hernandez and his past as a stripper in Phoenix. After racy photo scandals about Ramiele Malubay and Amanda Overmyer, it was about time for a male contestant on the American Idol to hit the spot light. According to the latest reports, a manager of a male strip-club in Phoenix, Arizona, claims that "Idol" contestant David Hernandez used to take his clothes off at his joint.
Gordy Bryan, manager of the Dick's Cabaret strip club in AZ, told the media that David Hernandez worked as a stripper at his club in the past, appearing fully nude and performing lap dances for the club's mostly male patrons. He also said that Hernandez was employed full time from 2004 until 2007. "He had the look and the type that people like, so he made pretty good money here," the manager of the strip club said, adding "He never renewed his licensing with the state, so he hasn't been on my roster since then."
Fox has not commented yet and it's unknown if David Hernandez stripper job would disqualify him from American Idol. Last season Antonella Barba was allowed to continue, after racy photos of her were discovered, but in 2003 Frenchie Davis was cut off, after appearing on adult websites. David Hernandez is scheduled to sing with the rest of the boys on the tonight's American Idol. At the online sportsbook BodogLife David Hernandez is in the golden middle with odds to win American Idol at 28/1.
Via ogpaper.com
Four Contestants Eliminated from American Idol
domingo, 24 de febrero de 2008 | Etiquetas: American Idol
The dreams of four young wannabe singers were crushed on Thursday night, during the American Idol show. Garrett Haley, Amy Davis, Joanne Borgella and Colton Berry were the unfortunate participants who were sent home.
Colton Berry, 18, sang "Suspicious Minds;" Joanne Borgella, 25, sang "I Say a Little Prayer for You;" Amy Davis, 25, sang "Where The Boys Are," and Garrett Haley, 17, sang "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do."
Seacrest mocked Garrett Haley, saying he looked as if he had been held locked in his bedroom for a month. In his defense, Garrett argued that he was the pale type, but he was self-confident.
"Actually, I know I'm a pale kid, hey," he said."But I'm happy with the way I am, wouldn't change a thing. I haven't gone tanning, so, I'm being myself."
Viewers cast more than 28 million votes this week, says show host Ryan Seacrest, according to the Washington Post.
Next week, the Top 10 guys (David Archuleta, Robbie Carrico, Jason Castro, David Cook, Chikezie, David Hernandez, Michael Johns, Luke Menard, Danny Noriega and Jason Yeager) will be singing for America on Tuesday, Feb. 26.
On Feb. 27 it will be the ladies’ turn. The Top 10 girls (Kristy Lee Cook, Asia’h Epperson, Alexandréa Lushington, Kady Malloy, Ramiele Malubay, Syesha Mercado, Amanda Overmyer, Carly Smithson, Alaina Whitaker and Brooke White) will compete on Wednesday.
Another two guys and two girls will be eliminated on the live results show on Thursday, Feb. 28. The Vote for the Worst campaign has selected this season’s male contestant: Danny Noriega. They still haven’t decided which one of the girls is the worst contestant. The Votefortheworst.com site was started in 2004 to support "the entertaining contestants who the producers would hate to see win on American Idol."
Via efluxmedia.com
The last two singers selected to be among the 24 semifinalists were among the first to be eliminated, as “American Idol” began the unpleasant business of whittling down the larger group on Thursday’s results show.
On last week’s selection show, Joanne Borgella became the final woman picked to sing this week, and Colton Berry the 12th man. But ultimately, all that bought them was an extra week, as the viewing audience heard them sing, looked at the telephone, and then went to bed instead of calling in their votes.
Joining them on the sidelines are Garrett Haley and Amy Davis. Song selection and nerves, the traditional bogeyman at this stage of the competition, got the best of all four.
Via msnbc
So “American Idol” has finally reached the point in the season where it becomes more about music and less about making fun of people, the point where everyone left can sing, more or less. Now, I my doubts that this is the most talented season ever, especially since Ryan Seacrest seems to be saying it every five minutes like clockwork, but the Top 24 does have a bunch of singers who have some potential.
But before we get to the pre-season rankings, let’s pause to remember Josiah Leming, the emo boy who lived in his car who cried a lot. Even though he didn’t make the Top 24 – probably because of his a capella, Bright Eyes-ian version of “Stand By Me,” – I’m gonna bet he gets a record deal (a good one, not a William Hung one) before the season’s over. His songs were good, his voice was good and he was interesting. And if the judges couldn’t figure out that he’s exactly what the show needed, it may go a ways at explaining why ratings are down this season. OK, rant over, on to the pre-season rankings before tomorrow night’s first round...
THE GALS
1. Syesha Mercado. The Miami singer pulled out a gutsy performance of “Chain of Fools” even while she was losing her voice. She was a finalist on ABC’s “Idol” rip-off “The One,” but since that show got cancelled after two episodes, she’s not as much of a ringer as others.
2. Amanda Overmeyer. The rock and roll nurse from Mulberry, Ind., has a great voice and if she figures out how to use it beyond Janis Joplinizing every song she tackles, she will go far.
3. Carly Smithson. Yeah, she’s already had an album out on MCA as Carly Hennessy. Yeah, she’s kind of a ringer and will likely get rejected because really if she didn’t connect with the American public the first time around, why would this time be any different? Nevertheless, she can still sing.
4. Ramiele Malubay. Once all the big-voice-in-such-a-small-package stuff is out of the way, maybe people will realize that the Miramar, Fla., singer really has a lot going for her. Is America ready for a Filipina “American Idol”? No, I didn’t think so either.
5. Kristy Lee Cook. She has a good voice and she’s Carrie Underwood pretty, but really how many times can she sing “Amazing Grace”?
6. Asia’h Epperson. I liked her fight and her feisty version of “How Do I Live” days after her father died in a car accident. Hopefully she can keep channeling that energy into good performances.
7. Alexandrea Lushington. Young girl who sings old style music. Man, the Grammy producers will love her.
8. Joanna Borgella. The former model has a unique voice that could be good with the right training, which she could get if her winning personality keeps her around long enough.
9. Brooke White. The nanny who doesn’t see R-rated movies has a nice personality and an OK voice – a combo that should get her a few weeks into the competition but she’s going to need a massive shift to get further than that.
10. Kady Malloy. Yeah, impersonating Britney Spears’ vocals isn’t the toughest thing in the world. She’s going to have to pick a voice quickly and stick with it.
11. Amy Davis. She’s very attractive, but her voice is only passable – a combination that has worked for many before her, but might not work for her here.
12. Alaina Whitaker. Simon told her that she wasn’t as good as she thought she was. That’s kind of an understatement.
THE GUYS
1. Michael Johns. The 29-year-old from Los Angeles had a deal with Maverick Records with the band Film, making him almost a ringer, though the album never came out. The way he blew the doors of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” though, is probably a sign his next album will do just fine.
2. David Archuleta. The 16-year-old “Star Search” winner will woo the tween vote with his non-threatening good looks and the Grandma vote with tales of his one-time vocal paralysis. He has more game than John Stevens. How’s that for damning with faint praise?
3. David Cook. He has a good voice and a cool, laid-back personality. That may make for a great guy to have a beer with, but doesn’t generally make for great television.
4. David Hernandez. He showed some initiative with a slowed-down “Love the One You’re With,” but didn’t really seem to wow anyone.
5. Danny Noriega. The 18-year-old had a couple of good auditions, especially “When I Need You,” but his personality kind of outpaces his voice.
6. Chikezie Eze. He did an OK Luther in his audition, but will need more than that to advance.
7. Robbie Carrico. Formerly of Boyz-n-Girlz United, he’s got a rocker’s voice with boy band moves. I’m not sure that’s necessarily a good thing.
8. Colton Berry. We only got to see a snippet of an audition to see why he got in and Groban-geeky Kyle Ensley didn’t. Seemed aight, as Randy would say, but hard to tell.
9. (tie) Jason Castro. Um, yeah, kind of airtime challenged so far. His YouTube videos make him sound OK.
9. (tie) Garrett Haley. He’s from Lima, Ohio. Woohoo Hasn’t had more than a second on the show, which is probably for a reason, but who knows?
9. (tie) Luke Menard. Haven’t seen him either. He’s in an a capella group, which might mean he could sing.
9. (tie) Jason Yeager. Again, dunno. He was apparently in an early incarnation of “Making the Band,” probably before Diddy took over. At least, he’ll get to sing this week and maybe “Idol” will even show it.
Via newsday.com
