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American Idol
October 21, 2009
New Adam Lambert video: 'Time for Miracles'
Remember Adam Lambert? The Goth-inspired, gender-bending, vocally-gymnastic “American Idol” runner-up? MTV.com reports that his new video appeared on MySpace this morning.
The song, a power ballad called “Time for Miracles,” is from the John Cusack disaster film, “2012.” In the video, Lambert wails as the apocalypse unfolds around him. He’s not giving up because, well, it’s time for miracles. Buildings are toppling. Meteors pound the earth. Windows are bursting — but that might be due to Adam’s ridiculously high vocal register. I’m just saying.
Hey, watch out, Adam! The Eiffel Tower is falling and if it hits you it might smudge your eyeliner!
Lambert told MTV that the song, which is now available for purchase on Amazon and iTunes, is not representative of the tunes on his upcoming album.
MySpace has disabled comments for the video … hmm … so take a look below and let us know what you think:
Time For Miracles
Adam Lambert | MySpace Music Videos
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October 6, 2009
'Idol gives back' returns next season
“Idol Gives Back,” the charity event featured on FOX’s “American Idol” in 2007 and 2008 (but absent last season) will return in 2010. The event will be broadcast on April 21 during the results show for the Top 7 finalists according to Zap2it.com. “Idol Gives Back” will benefit Children’s Health Fund, Feeding America, Malaria No More and Save the Children as well as the United Nations Foundation, the site reports.
With times so tough, FOX’s head of alternative programming Mike Darnell says the event will emphasize how even very small contributions can make an impact. The previous, star-studded “Idol Gives Back” events have raised more than $140 million for charity.
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September 10, 2009
On Ellen, "Idol" and Rep. Joe Wilson
Ellen DeGeneres is the new, permanent, fourth “American Idol” judge.
I guess I should have blogged this last night, but I wanted to let it sit for a while. Frankly, I’m still not sure how I feel about it. Ellen’s been on ‘Idol” before (back when the show was popular enough to have to “give back”) and I’ve been a fan ever since her earliest television appearances on stand-up specials and the short-lived sitcom “Open House,” but something doesn’t seem right about this.
“Idol” has tried comedy before and failed (remember Brian Dunkleman?). And I’ve got to wonder how a comic’s advice is going to help the contestants. Still, maybe it’s a good idea to place a truly funny, actually gay person on the panel so that Simon Cowell and Ryan Seacrest can stop slathering each other with juvenile, offensive, accusatory “you’re gay!” “no, you’re gay” innuendo. If that happens, I’m on board.
In any event, I want to go on the record as saying that I think it was a bad political move for Rep. Joe Wilson to shout “You lie!” last night after Sen. John McCain leaned over and whispered the DeGeneres/”Idol” gossip into his ear. There’s just no place for that during a Presidential address.
The Twittersphere seems to be reacting to the Ellen news positively. What do you think?
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August 5, 2009
Who should replace Paula on 'American Idol'?
This photo illustration shows what the ‘American Idol’ panel could look like next season, if they move judge Kara DioGuardi over to the right of Randy Jackson (and crop her out of this picture) and if Cyndi Lauper were made a new judge and her head became abnormally large. Photo illustration by Dale Roe from Associated Press photos.
So … Paula Abdul, FOX and The Associated Press all say contract negotiations were unsuccessful and that “American Idol’s” original loopy, female judge will not be back.
“With sadness in my heart,” Abdul notified her Twitter fans in a surprisingly lucid tweet, “I’ve decided not to return. I’ll miss nurturing all the new talent, but most of all being a part of a show that I helped from day 1 become an international phenomenon” (actually, that must have been a couple of tweets).
FOX and the show’s producers noted that the “tremendous talent” that is Paula has been “an important part of the ‘American Idol’ family over the last eight seasons and we are saddened that she has decided not to return to the show.”
Wow.
Can you imagine an Abdul-less “Idol?” Was evil Kara DioGuardi brought on to force Paula’s hand and get her to leave? Could you honestly sit and watch Simon and Kara square off every week? I’m not sure it works for me — isn’t “Idol” pretty much the “Simon and Paula Show?”
I’m hoping that this is all just posturing or a stupid, awful sideshow befitting the “Idol” circus. After all, we heard the same thing about the voice cast of “Futurama” weeks ago and that drama ended happily ever after.
But, just in case nobody steps in and fixes this mess (Bill Clinton, are you reading this?), we need an additional female judge on the panel. I’ve seen the name “Cyndi Lauper” bandied about on Twitter and Facebook (okay, I’ve actually joined in on the bandying; I have bandied). I think she’d be okay, but she’s probably too rational and savvy (and, anyway, she’s not “so unusual” any more).
Who would be your pick to replace Abdul? Let me know, below.
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July 20, 2009
Would you watch an Abdul-less Idol?
“American Idol” judges, from left, Simon Cowell, Kara DioGuardi, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson. Jason DeCrow, Associated Press photo
The Associated Press and other sources are reporting that Paula Abdul might not be back as a judge next season on “American Idol.”
What do you think? Would you boycott an “Idol” devoid of Paula’s goofy antics or is it time for her to go?
Sound off!
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June 25, 2009
I'll be all 'Idol' in Dallas on Friday
What will you be doing tomorrow at 4 a.m.?
I’ll be up in Arlington, hitting my snooze alarm “one more time” and dragging myself into the shower before heading over to Cowboys New Stadium for ‘American Idol’ tryouts.
No, I’m not auditioning (unless my singing in the shower sounds particularly good!) but I will be pounding the pavement in 100 degree temps to talk with several Austinites who are. I’ll also blog here about the scene and send out frequent updates — including photos — via Twitter.
Is there anything you’d like to ask Austin’s “Idol” hopefuls? Post your questions below and I’ll pass ‘em along.
You can follow me on Twitter by clicking here.
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June 22, 2009
Idol finalists on musical Journey
The “American Idol” Top 10 (well, Top 9 and a wax dummy … see Adam Lambert photo, left) seem to be full of “Glee.” Rehearsing in Burbank for their nationwide summer tour, the performers worked on a version of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’,” a song which enjoyed a resurgence in popularity after a catchy madrigal version was featured in the pilot of the FOX fall series, “Glee,” according to the Associated Press. I smell some cross-promotion here. Just sayin’.
The tour kicks off July 5 in Oregon.
In this June 7, 2009 file photo, singer Adam Lambert arrives at the Hollywood Life 11th Annual Young Hollywood Awards in Santa Monica, Calif. Dan Steinberg photo, Associated Press
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June 16, 2009
Austinites: Is one of you the next American Idol?
We’re heading up to Dallas for the ‘American Idol’ auditions. Are you?
If you live in the Austin area and plan to try out on Friday, June 26 at Dallas Cowboys New Stadium, let us know. We’d like to meet you up there, ask you some questions, snap a few pictures and give you some ink (you might as well get used to the paparazzi now).
Mostly we’d like to get in good with you so that when you release your debut CD (we’ll give you a pass on the sure-to-be-crummy “coronation song” Simon Fuller will release as your first single) we can hang with you and get a signed copy.
Click here to e-mail us.
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June 10, 2009
'American Idol' voting controversy
Need a fix of “American Idol” news? The New York Times’ story on block voting is a good read that raises a lot of questions:
“Just how many people are casting block votes — which seem to be at odds with the show’s own rules — is unclear. The Fox network and the “American Idol” producers refuse to reveal all but the barest details of its voting process. Since Kris Allen defeated Adam Lambert for the eighth “American Idol” crown last month, no one in a position to know has officially disclosed even the margin of victory.”
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June 8, 2009
'American Idol' Kris Allen sings Anthem, inks contract
Kris Allen sings the National Anthem before game 2 of the 2009 NBA Finals
Fresh off his National Anthem performance before game 2 of the NBA finals Sunday, “American Idol” champ Kris Allen has been officially signed to 19 Recordings/Jive Records, Entertainment Weekly reports.
I hadn’t realized that Allen already has two singles on the Billboard Hot 100, including the stupid, awful coronation theme “No Boundaries” (co-written by Idol judge Kara DioGuardi). If that aural mess can chart so high, it only bodes well for Allen’s full album’s late fall release.
Are you the next American Idol?
The FOX television show just wrapped its 8th season, but season 9 audition dates have been announced and Dallas is on the list. Registrations are June 24-25 with tryouts on the 26th. If you’re planning on hopping the highway to stardom (that would be I-35 North) by auditioning, please e-mail me at droe@statesman.com. We might want to follow you up there for a future story.
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May 29, 2009
'Idol' judge outs Adam Lambert on 'The View'
This morning on “The View,” “American Idol” judge Kara DioGuardi told Barbara Walters that “Idol” runner-up Adam Lambert is gay.
“I don’t think that Adam was ever in (the closet),” DioGuardi told Walters. “I think he was always openly out.”
Lambert has been coy about his sexuality, a subject of speculation and debate during the “Idol” season.
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May 27, 2009
AT&T addresses "Idol" Arkansas vote controversy
Addressing the Internet buzz that an inordinate, fishy amount of “American Idol” votes coming from winner Kris Allen’s home state of Arkansas (allegedly 38 million of the 100 million votes cast) tilted the contest in his favor, the Associated Press is reporting that “overeager company employees” helped Arkansas fans vote by text at viewing parties — but didn’t influence the final results.
Adam Lambert fans, what do you think?
Click here for the whole story.
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May 21, 2009
Why isn't Adam our 'Idol?'
The Internet sea is roiling today with analysis of Kris Allen’s “American Idol” win and what it says about you, me and our attitudes toward Adam Lambert’s undeclared sexual preference. Here are a few quick takes:
The TV Addict calls the contest a “lose/lose conclusion,” arguing that depending which way the outcome landed, it would have been viewed as either a victory for left-leaning liberals or indication of a conspiracy on the part of “Idol” judges.
New York Magazine’s Chris Rozvar, in its “Vulture” column, argues that loser Adam Lambert’s ambiguous sexuality was not a factor as much as the simple fact that he is different, pointing out that, “when placed in the context of Kris, or even Danny Gokey, (Lambert) represents The Other.”
The American-Statesman’s own Michael Barnes blogs about the show’s gay-straight social dynamic, comparing the two finalists’ victory/defeat embrace to that of last year’s contenders, David Cook and David Archuleta: “The cute, straight, gay-friendly boy (Allen) clearly bonded deeply with the accomplished, glamorous, presumably gay man (Lambert). And both seemed comfortable with the power sharing. That flips last year’s finale relationship, when the cute, friendly, presumably gay boy (I could be wrong) bonded with the accomplished, somewhat glamorous straight man. And both seemed relieved by the outcome.”
The New York Times’ Alessandra Stanley contends that the vote doesn’t reveal as much about the state of America as does the success of the ‘Idol” machine itself: “ ‘American Idol’ matters not just as a pop culture phenomenon, but as an institution that works — with scary efficiency — at a time when so many other American enterprises seem flawed or imperiled. It stands out this season in particular: ‘American Idol’ is a money-making machine in the middle of a worldwide recession, an old-fashioned must-see television hit at a time when the Internet and cable have eaten away at the networks’ hegemony.”
What do you think? Did America crown Kris Allen based solely on his vocal abilities? Are we ready for a possibly-gay Idol? Does it matter? Post your opinions below.
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May 20, 2009
Kris Allen wins 'American Idol'
At the end of a star-studded finale, and after nearly 100 million votes were cast, 23-year-old Kris Allen was named “American Idol” Season 8 champion over rival Adam Lambert. The singer-songwriter from Conway, Arkansas — noted for accompanying himself on guitar or piano and twisting the arrangements of popular songs — bested his rival, 27-year-old actor and singer Lambert.
“Idol” makers seemed to be pushing for Lambert: two weeks ago, Simon Cowell all but told America to vote for him and, during Tuesday’s performance show, Lambert received the lion’s share of the judges’ praise. But America was not ready to crown such an unusual contestant who favored the outrageous and theatrical over Allen’s more mainstream style and homey charm.
The finale was much more elaborate than in recent years, featuring performances from the sublime to the ridiculous: The last female contestant to leave the show, Allison Iraheta, sang a beautiful duet of “Time After Time” with Cyndi Lauper, while Lambert glammed up the stage with KISS. Allen and Lambert (whose vocal stylings have been unwisely compared to Freddie Mercury’s) delivered a spirited rendition of “We Are The Champions” with the surviving members of Mercury’s band, Queen (perhaps Lambert has found his post-Idol gig).
Allen seemed genuinely surprised and gracious, telling host Ryan Seacrest, “I don’t even know what to say right now; I’m not even here,” and claiming that Lambert deserved to win. And in the end, American was forced to endure one final rendition of “No Boundaries,” the awful coronation power ballad co-written by new “Idol” judge Kara DioGuardi. Even seeing DioGuardi almost strip down to a bikini for charity mid-show did not excuse that.
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'Idol' speculation: Kris Allen takes it
Kris Allen and Adam Lambert squared off last night in what “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest called the battle of “the guy next door vesus the guyliner.” Here’s my take:
Round one: Contestants’ choice
Adam reprised his popular rendition of Tears for Fears’ “Mad World,” but with a “Twilight” twist, wearing a floor-length black coat and prowling a stage covered in ethereal clouds of dry-ice smoke. He also imbued it with a more romantic, less desperate tone this time out. I guess he was going for votes from the teen girls and moms who drove that movie’s box office.
Kris slid onto a piano bench and reprised his version of Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine,” a judge and fan favorite from earlier in the season. Sweet and soulful, Kris’ confidence was up, the vocals were solid and the performance seemed sweet and genuine.
Winner: Kris. Both contenders chose the right songs, very important at this point in the competition. The judges heaped praise on each, but Simon called this round correctly.
Round two: Producer’s choice
Simon Fuller chose “A Change Is Gonna Come,” a classic R&B tune — and a really interesting pick — for Adam. It seems like the whole “Idol” machine wants Adam to win, and it’s hard to imagine a better number to woo fans of Danny Gokey, whose votes will decide the winner. Adam cleans up nicely, does a stellar job with the vocals and appropriately tones down the facial tics.
Kris is assigned Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Goin’ On.” This time he brings out an acoustic guitar and strums along and croons with a few bongo players. It’s pleasant enough, but Kris’ fans are used to seeing him really change up the arrangements on these familiar tunes and his performance here is pretty basic. Also, he’s doing that thing again with the strained face that makes him look like the more stupid brother from “My Name Is Earl.”
Winner: Adam. Viewers got to see a different kind of performance from him — and a good one, so different from “Mad World” — while Kris, though good, gave us more of the same.
Round three: Huh?
Fans hoping for a better coronation song from “Idol” judge (and — as we kept hearing all season — professional songwriter!) Kara DioGuardi than previous years’ viewer-penned efforts had to be disappointed with that mess. “No Boundaries” is the aural poster child for the kind of pointless, inspirational power ballad so loved by the show’s runners, but loathed by its target audience. Honestly, who is ever going to run out and buy this song? The show needs to take a clue from its two finalists, neither of whom is suited to interpret this kind of sappy dreck (nor cram that many syllables into a measure way too short for them): the “Idol” dynamic is changing, and this coronation song business needs to keep up with the times.
Both contestants gave it a go, but neither could be expected to do anything special with that material. Perhaps Kris could have tipped the scales by accompanying himself again, maybe on the xylophone. Considering it was a toss-up, the judges’ gushing over Adam and damning of Kris with faint praise seemed especially transparent.
Winner: Anyone whose DVR stopped early.
While I think Adam is more talented and deserves to win, I still believe that the more marketable and familiar Kris will take most of the Danny Gokey votes, and the title.
What do you think?
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April 30, 2009
Idol update
Last night was a shocker on ‘American Idol.’
Adam and Kris in the bottom three? While Danny and Allison are safe? What the heck?
And even more shocking was that Adam was standing in the bottom two with Matt, who eventually was booted.
I’m not sure what’s going on, but Adam and Kris remain the top two contenders. And if they don’t, then ‘Idol’ ratings may start to suffer. We’ll see.
Any thoughts?
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April 22, 2009
Idol update
We’ve been remiss in keeping up with American Idol. Sorry about that. With Diane Holloway’s departure, we’ve been swamped. But here’s an update in advance of tonight’s elimination of two contestants:
The judges should get rid of three, not two, just to save us the misery. The three to go: Lil’ Rounds, Anoop and Matt. None of them has a chance, and all of them are destined to hit the road soon.
If Lil’ Rounds knows what’s good for her, she’ll stop arguing with Simon.. It doesn’t come off well at all, and she seems petulant and defensive. The fact of the matter is: She isn’t singing up to par.
Once again, Adam Lambert proved he’s the one to beat. And Danny and Kris did well. But they can’t hold a candle to Adam.
I’m getting increasingly irritated with Paula’s constant fawning over mediocre performances. And I’m not sure Kara is much better. I think Paula stood up and danced during nearly every performance last night, with perhaps the exception of Adam’s, which was understated. Sigh.
Any thoughts out there? Again, sorry for the lack of recent postings.
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April 1, 2009
American Idol update
After Tuesday night’s show, Anoop needs to go.
Bad song choice, bad performance. Others messed up, too. But Anoop was the worst. (And Megan should have skipped the Bob Marley bit and gone with Norah Jones or Adele or Amy Winehouse, as the judges mentioned.)
Among the winners: Kris, Adam and Danny. All three should stay, and all three should be safe for several more weeks.
We’ll see what happens tonight.
Your thoughts?
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March 12, 2009
"Idol" judges save wrong duo ... Letterman gets lazy
Nobody asked me, but I would have booted Anoop Desai and Megan Corkrey instead of Jorge Nunez and Jasmine Murray on last night’s “American Idol” results.
In a new twist to the competition, the quartet of judges can now save a contestant until the Top 5 finalists are selected. And if the judges so choose, no singers might be eliminated one week, but two unfortunates would have to be ditched the following week.
Last night, the judges had the opportunity to save Jasmine and Jorge but chose to let them go. Boo.
Next week the 11 finalists will warble for their lives: Adam Lambert, Alexis Grace, Allison Iraheta, Anoop Desai, Danny Gokey, Kris Allen, Lil Rounds, Matt Giraud, Megan Corkrey, Michael Sarver and Scott MacIntyre.
I’m still picking either Gokey or Rounds to win the whole shebang … and since this is my final “Idol” blog (final-final TV blog is Friday), I won’t have to be held accountable if Anoop goes home with the trophy.
Lazy Letterman
I love me some David Letterman, but lately he’s been running his recycled jokes into the ground. Last night’s monologue was at least 75 percent the same as Tuesday’s monologue.
I know that’s a gag of his, repeating stuff, but when it’s word for word, regulars like me feel cheated. Can’t he expend a little effort and come up with new stuff? Especially since he has so many show reruns compared to other late-nighters.
This is no time to be lazy, with Conan O’Brien, fresh from many years in the late-late shift and eager to soar, ready to compete on June 1 after Jay Leno steps down from “Tonight.”
Letterman seemed invigorated by the long presidential campaign and did some of his best work. Now he seems hellbent on cracking on Bernie Madoff just about every night. He must have been one of the big investors who got swindled.
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March 6, 2009
Top 12 now Top 13 on "American Idol"
After all these years, “American Idol” can still stir things up.
Last night, the wild-card round was nearing its end, with judges picking three more contenders for the Top 12, when Simon Cowell told the stunned and recently rejected Anoop Desai that he had made it through. The show had decided to go with a Top 13.
Better news was the dismissal of weeping, hysteria-prone Tatiana Del Toro. The thought of putting up with that drama queen (she dropped to her knees and begged at one point) for another week was excruciating, to say the least.
Desai joined wild-card finalists Jasmine Murray, Megan Corkrey and Matt Giraud. The Top 13 will begin the serious leg of the competition next week.
“Break a leg” gets new meaning for “Dancing”
Singer Jewel has backed out of the new season of “Dancing with the Stars,” which begins Monday night on ABC. Jewel, it turns out, has (stress) fractured the tibia in both her legs. Ouch.
Also plopping out due to injury is “Access Hollywood” host Nancy O’Dell, who suffered a serious knee injury in rehearsal.
The producers are hoping to unveil the surprise replacements when the show returns, but rumors already abound that Playboy bunny Holly Madison is in rehearsals now.
There was also a brief buzz about Cindy McCain, former First Lady Wannabe, joining the hoofers, but that seems highly unlikely.
“Seinfeld” cast to reunite on “Curb Your Enthusiasm”
Larry David, creator of “Seinfeld” and star of HBO’s “Curb,” has landed all four principals from the famous NBC sitcom.
Jerry Seinfeld, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Jason Alexander and Michael Richards will play themselves in several episodes when the show returns.
No specific date — Larry David and HBO are notoriously laid-back about production schedules. But it’s likely to be in the fall.
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March 5, 2009
"American Idol" ... Austin's Kendall out, drama queen Tatiana gets another chance
Bummer. Austin country crooner Kendall Beard didn’t make the cut last night on “American Idol.”
In fact she was rejected not once but twice. In the results segment for Tuesday night’s 12 semifinalists, she was not among the three top vote-getters. Lil Rounds, Scott MacIntyre and Jorge Nuñez led the pack.
Later in the two-hour episode, the four judges announced their picks for tonight’s wild card round, and Kendall once again didn’t make the cut.
While that’s bad news for her local fans, the worst result last night was the judges’ selection of the totally annoying, always hysterical Tatiana Del Toro for the wild card sing-off. What? Every time she has performed she’s been ripped by the judges. And apparently voters weren’t fond of her either.
But Tatiana rises from the ashes tonight (at 7 p.m. on Fox) to sing (and no doubt sob), along with seven other wild card picks who hope to make the Top 12 finalists. Letting a trainwreck contestant into the final mix wouldn’t be so bad if it didn’t mean leaving seriously talented contenders, like Ju’Not Joyner and Kendall, out of the loop.
Here’s what’s coming on the third “Idol” installment this week: Tatiana, Ricky Braddy, Megan Corkrey, Anoop Desai, Matt Giraud, Jesse Langseth, Jasmine Murray and Von Smith will sing once again for the judges.
“After the break” (probably many, many breaks), the judges will huddle and announce the three contestants rounding out the Top 12.
Next week the fussy games are over, and the real smackdowns begin.
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March 4, 2009
Austin "Idol" crooner Kendall Beard: Will she make it to Top 12?
Lufkin-born Austin resident Kendall Beard sounded pretty good on last night’s “American Idol,” didn’t she?
Wearing a yellow bubble dress, Kendall, 24, nailed Martina McBride’s “This One’s for the Girls.” At least I thought she nailed it.
Judge Kara DioGuardi said the country crooner had “issues with the notes,” but added that her “big personality” may have made up for any vocal flaws.
Simon Cowell told Kendall she was “cute” but conceded he “couldn’t wait for it (the song) to end.” Even Randy Jackson, a self-professed country music fan, wondered if her alleged shaky vocals were due to nerves.
But Paula Abdul, who leans toward praise for everyone, pronounced Kendall “adorable” and gave her props for fine fashion.
The bigger problem the UT grad faces in tonight’s results show (at 7 p.m. on Fox) is that at least four singers performed better — much better.
By far the best of the night was 23-year-old Lil Rounds, who belted ut Mary J. Blige’s “Be Without You.” The judges couldn’t stop heaping praise on her. Grumpy Simon Cowell even dubbed her performance “brilliant.” She was indeed fantastic, and there will be loud booing tonight if she isn’t among the three contestants chosen to move to the Top 12.
The judges also thought highly of Ju’Not Joyner, Jorge Nunez, Felicia Barton and Scott MacIntyre. Some of the comments from the judges, however, veered dangerously toward patronizing.
Paula went on and on about how proud she was that Jorge, a Puerto Rico native, had “overcome” his accent. And the judges also went on just a little too long about Scott’s “triumph over adversity.” The 23-year-old music teacher from Arizona is blind.
Tonight’s episode will reveal the three top vote-getters, but on Thursday, the judges (no doubt guided at least a little by voting totals) will pick three more contestants from the previously rejected contestants in the Top 36.
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February 26, 2009
Dump Nick from "Idol" ... please! And Seinfeld gets real
If Nick Mitchell, the weird dude with the nerdy alter-ego, makes it through to the next round on “American Idol” tonight (at 7 on Fox) , I’m going to scream. Loudly.
Then I’m going to do a lot of ear-plugging, eye-covering and la-la-la-ing to get through the next round.
This guy is just plain strange, no matter what kind of spin you put on it. Prancing around with his headband, shorts and humongous glasses, he belted out something from “Dreamgirls,” but it wasn’t what anyone would call a singing performance.
I know these jokesters are kept around for comic relief. And sometimes viewers vote for them to mess with the credibility of the competition. How else to explain Sanjaya?
But Nick “Norman Gentle” Mitchell is taking up valuable space in the top spots now, and he’s got to go.
On tonight’s results show, three will be chosen to move on … and the only one I’d put money on to make the cut is 16-year-old belter Allison Iraheta. She’s awesome.
Seinfeld gets real
This is what happens when you wrap up one of TV’s all-time iconic comedies at an early age.
Jerry Seinfeld is heading back to NBC with something different, to avoid comparisons with the classic. But could it ruin his reputation?
The new unscripted show for NBC is titled ‘The Marriage Ref,” and it plans to have comedians and other funny-minded celebrities listen to grumpy couples explain their gripes about their spouses and decide which side is right. No premiere date yet.
Seinfeld, now 55, has been married for almost a decade and apparently thinks this will be hilarious. I have my doubts.
Since “Seinfeld” ended its heralded run in 1998, the star has done standup, guested on “30 Rock” and made the big flop-of-a-flick “Bee Movie.”
“Seinfeld” left him filthy rich, so he doesn’t have to work. Maybe he’s just bored.
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February 19, 2009
A good first trio of winners on "Idol"
Two out of three — not bad, right?
Last night’s “American Idol” results show revealed the three top vote-getters who will advance to the Final 12. I predicted soulful Alexis Grace would make it, along with the fabulously talented (and high-fashion bespectacled) Danny Gokey.
I also thought raspy-voiced Jackie Tohn would make it, but that didn’t happen. Taking the third place was the roughneck from Jasper, Michael Sarver.
Next week another dozen will perform, and three more will be picked. Austin’s Kendall Beard is scheduled to perform in the final group, two weeks from now.
The nine castoffs from last night may not be gone for good. After the nine top vote-getters are chosen, the also-rans will get a chance to fill the final three spots in what Fox is describing as a “wild card round” on March 5.
Does that mean the perpetually sobbing Tatiana Del Toro could resurface?
Technically yes, but she probably didn’t do herself any favors last night when she dissolved into tears and never even congratulated the trio who got good news. Bad sport, annoying drama queen … not a good combo.
Anoop Desai, on the other hand, could correct his spotty performance and, with his winning personality, return to shine again. Let’s hope so.
For those of you already sick of hearing about “Idol,” I promise not to continue weekly obsessions in this blog. I just thought it would be fun to assess the new selection plans and see how the show handled them.
So far, so good. Lots of superb talent in Season 8, and the quartet of judges has blended together nicely — so far.
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February 18, 2009
Top 3 "Idol" vote-getters revealed tonight
Voting results are revealed on tonight’s “American Idol” (7 p.m. on Fox) in the new and confused roll-out of Top 12 finalists.
The first dozen of three groups in the Top 36 performed last night. Three top vote-getters will be unveiled tonight.
The next two groups of a dozen will perform over the next two weeks, and then there will be some sort of “sing-off” among the leftovers to determine another final three contenders.
Thus the Final 12. Got that? I know, it’s weird, but presumably after tonight, it will be more clear. Or not.
Last night’s performances started off with a bang, morphed into a horror and then wound up with a beautiful boom.
Danny Gokey, who could have chosen a better song than “Hero,” nevertheless had the audience on its feet and three of the four judges swooning. Simon Cowell, of course, was the lone hold-out, but he was just trying to be different.
Among the women, bluesy Jackie Tohn and soulful Alexis Grace were terrific. Simon pronounced Alexis (the one with the splash of pink in her hair) “a little dark horse” to win the competition.
But there was another surprise: Ricky Braddy, who turned in an impeccable performance. Who knew? I don’t remember even noticing him during the Hollywood rounds.
The bad news? Anoop Desai, one of the cutest, most talented contestants, did poorly. He was off-key and ahead of the band most of the time. But I bet he’ll make it anyway. He’s a crowd pleaser.
Tatiana, the hysterical one from Puerto Rico, wasn’t as bad as I wanted her to be, but she can’t seem to decide on a persona. Last night she was Little Miss Sweetie, which actually didn’t play well.
Flat-out bombing were Ann Marie, Stevie (truly painful to hear), Stephen and Casey (also painful).
Who’s going to make the Top Trio tonight? The wild whim of voters cannot be over-estimated, but if I ruled the world, the top vote-getters would be Danny, Alexis and Jackie.
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February 17, 2009
First voting on tonight's "American Idol"
The first group of 12 contestants performs tonight on “American Idol” (7 p.m. on Fox) and, for the first time in Season 8, viewers get to vote.
In fact, viewers get to vote earlier this season than previous seasons.
Instead of two groups of 12 (divided into guys and gals), now we have three groups of 12, with guys and gals mixed in each group.
The two-hour warbling spectacle will be followed Wednesday night by the results.
Can I just say, regardless of talent, I hope all the wannabes who cry constantly get voted off. Seriously, I cannot stand the hysterics of Tatiana and Nathaniel. They completely creep me out.
There’s enough talent in the pool of 36 that we don’t need to suffer through the embarrassment of watching these two.
Yes, they both have lovely voices, but that’s not enough. It’s a long season, and we need to be able to watch the show without feeling like fingernails are scratching down a blackboard. Tatiana and Nathaniel are fingernails.
Austin’s Kendall Beard is still in the mix, so you can root for her if you care about the home team.
But there are already some definite standouts in Season 8.
Danny Gokey, for example, is the total package: great voice, nice guy, amazing story. He’s the one who was recently widowed and came to the contest with his best friend, Jamar Rogers, who got booted off last week.
Jackie Tohn’s big bluesy voice is terrific. And Anoop Desai has a soulful voice paired with a totally delightful personality.
Check out who’s performers in Group 1 and pick an early favorite.
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February 12, 2009
"Idol" musings ... ABC News on Campus expands
Last night’s two-our results show was excruciating, wasn’t it?
“American Idol” whittled its talent pool from 50 to 36, with the survivors called before the four judges to learn their fate.
Austin’s Kendall Beard made it. That’s good news.
But so did the annoyingly hysterical Tatiana Del Toro. Who cares if she can sing? If we’ve got to slog through all that screaming and crying, well, I don’t care if she sounds like Aretha Franklin. I can’t stand her.
Loyal blog readers know that every season, including the current Season 8, I vow to not get so wrapped up in this silly singing stuff that I’m glued to the TV two nights a week.
It’s embarrassing, and it’s not like I’m one of those tweeny-boppers who squeal over the prospect of voting on my shiny pink cell phone. Seriously, I’m a seasoned TV critic.
But apparently I’ve failed — again — to stay away. Last night I actually teared up (shoot me now!) when best friends Danny Gokey and Jamar Rogers got separated. The judges picked Danny to stay, Jamar to go. I cried. I’m sorry.
Kicking Jamar off and keeping sobbing silly-boy Nathaniel Marshall seems like a capital offense.
Next week we’ll begin whittling down to the dozen contenders who will actually perform live with viewers voting. It gets real serious real soon. I’ve got to get a better grip.
ABC News on Campus expands
ABC News on Campus, a partnership with the University of Texas and four other top journalism schools to mentor college students, has launched the new and improved ABCNEWSONCAMPUS.com.
The network is expanding the submission process beyond the current bureaus — which also includes Arizona State, Syracuse, University of Florida and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — to universities around the world. The new website will include a “Roving Reporter” section that to give students the chance to pitch and possibly produce a story under the guidance of ABC News.
The new ABCNEWSONCAMPUS.com showcases two other new features: “One Hot Dish” and “Indie Rock.” “One Hot Dish” focuses on campus cuisine, with recipes created by students and weekly cooking segments hosted and produced by students. The “Indie Rock” section focuses on the collegiate indie rock music scene.
In the five months since its inception, ABC News On Campus has generated hundreds of original student-reported and produced stories. Covering local and national breaking news and features, students have provided content for “Good Morning America” and “World News,” “ABC News Radio” and ABC’s broadband news channel.
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January 29, 2009
Austinite on "Idol" auditions tonight
Austin warbler Kendall Beard is rumored to have made it into the Top 50 contestants on FOX’s “American Idol,” which would make her a shoo-in for a trip to Hollywood.
We know this because an “anonymous caller,” identified on my caller ID as a male member of her family, phoned in the news. She auditioned in Puerto Rico months ago, and those auditions will be featured in tonight’s episode (at 7 p.m.).
Beard, 23, was born and raised here and graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in Communication Studies.
Check out this unofficial fan web site. And see if you can pick her out of the hordes of wannabes on tonight’s show.
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January 15, 2009
Two-day, four-hour "Idol" debut promising
“American Idol” wrapped up its two-night, four-hour Season 8 opener last night.
We’ve now seen auditions from Phoenix and Kansas City. Only six more audition cities to go before we get to the real stuff.
So far, I’ve been impressed with the new season. The focus really has shifted to competitors with actual talent, and new judge Kara DioGuardi is a welcome addition. If there’s any tension between her and her former roommate Paula Abdul, it’s not apparent.
The truly awful auditions have not been abandoned entirely. I know lots of people who love to watch the hopelessly untalented, as well as kids who clearly have delusional visions of themselves.
The first audition from Kansas City last night was a woman named Chelsea, whom Simon rather generously described as sounding “like a cat falling off the Empire State Building.”
But when the clearly-out-of-touch, very large guy with the straw-colored hair bombed toward the end of the show, all four judges sent him off with a gentle rejection.
Last night’s highlights included: Matt the Welder, who blew everyone away with his rendition of Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine,” and the two best friends who traveled together and botth made it to the Hollywood round. The music teacher/recent widower from that duo was especially fabulous. And Jessica, a sweet girl who takes care of her grandmother, stunned the judges with a commendable version of Janis Joplin’s “Cry Baby.”
On a sour note, the new niceness of the judges could put a crimp in the overall quality of the competition.
At least a few of the not-so-goods were sent to Hollywood out of what seemed to be sympathy votes. Or worse. Bikini Girl? It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that one.
Von, the guy with the porkpie hat who screamed his way through “Over the Rainbow,” got a pass; the hyperactive kid who begged and begged to get a yellow slip to Hollywood got one because it’s his “life’s dream”; and wafty Season 7 guy Jason Castro’s pink-haired and equally wafty brother got through with even less talent than his sibling.
On the other hand, the production values are much better this season, and who doesn’t like all those flashbacks to previous seasons? Sadly, I’m hooked … again.
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January 14, 2009
And they're off! "Idol" offers good and bad in Phoenix
“American Idol” opened its eighth season last night with a lovely trip down memory lane. I’m not joking … it really was fun to watch.
We saw snippets of former stars (not all of whom were winners) Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Clay Aiken, Fantasia, Jennifer Hudson, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Chris Daughtry, Kellly Pickler, Jordin Sparks, Sanjaya (of the weird hair fame) and last season’s dueling Davids, Cook and Archuletta.
Last night we met fourth judge Kara DioGuardi and learned to pronounce her name (it’s Care-ah, not Car-ah). Kara turned out to be a good addition, sparring with Simon, kissing up Paula and poking Randy in a hopeless attempt to keep him from laughing at the laughable (and sometimes laughably sad) contestants.
The two-hour telecast showcased the Phoenix auditions.
The good: Pink-haired rocker Emily, cute-as-a-button 16-year-old Arianna, Roughneck Michael of Jasper, Texas.
The bad: Frizzy-haired Tuan, weeping drama queen Randy, hyperventilating Michael (who required medical attention in the lobby), wiggly dancer/singer X-Ray, toneless basso Elijah, giggling Pink Cowgirl Lea Marie.
And the truly sad/awful: Bikini Girl, who made it through because Simon and Randy enjoyed her perky little rump and general nakedness; the woefully under-talented Sexual Chocolate (whose tattoo actually read “Sexual Chacolote”); and Will, the pitiful guy with the Voice from Outer Space.
As advertised, “Idol” spent more time with the talented than the talentless, which was a blessing. But the bad ones featured were truly excruciating. At least there was no flipping off or screaming F-words.
Maybe it was temporary, but Ryan Seacrest seemed to have a less invasive role. He did get to make-out with Bikini Girl after her audition and tried to high-five the blind guy. But Ryan mostly stood back and let the contestants, in all their cuteness and weirdness, speak for themselves.
Overnight ratings for the opener were down 10 percent from Season 7’s opener, but “Idol” easily won the night. And ratings generally build as the competition progresses.
Tonight the auditions shift to Kansas City, for another two-hour installment in the You’re-Going-to-Hollywood leg of the journey.
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January 13, 2009
Buckle down ... "Idol" romps back tonight
Dear “American Idol” fans:
Our lives as we know them end at 7 o’clock tonight. That’s when Fox’s wildly popular singing competition returns for its eighth season.
Two hours of auditions and shenanigans tonight; two more hours of the same Wednesday night.
And so it will go. “Idol” is one of those shows that doesn’t make sense to record for later viewing. People talk about who sang the flattest or best, and which judge appeared to be totally bonkers the first-thing the next day at school or work. You’ve got to watch it live or not at all.
Producers have promised less time with the excruciatingly bad auditioners and more time with the promising contestants. On behalf of civilized viewers everywhere, thanks.
Apparently tonight’s first look at the auditions, taped weeks ago in Phoenix, does serve up an unfortunate young woman in a teen-weeny bikini and a man who sweats profusely.
But such embarrassments will be at a minimum this season, we’re told, and the focus allegedly will be on the better wannabes.
Tonight we meet new judge Kara DioGuardi, a songwriter-producer who joins Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson.
Those of you who followed my colleague/pal Gary Dinges’ “Idol” blog on Austin360.com for the past several seasons may already know that he has decided to step away from perpetual blogging and have some semblance of a life.
I won’t pretend to be as devoted to either “Idol” or late-night blogging as Gary has been, but I will serve up my take on the goings-on most mornings-after, on this very TV blog. It’s the least (and actually the mos) I can do.
As always, we welcome your opinion on the good, the bad and the simply ear-shattering folks you’ve seen on the show.
Last season “Idol,” like just about every other show on TV, experienced a ratings sag. But to sag from 31 million viewers a week to 28 million and still finish the season as the No. 1 show on television is not much of a problem.
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